The Los Angeles Times ran an editorial on Saturday praising the actions of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens but they mischaracterized one of her initiatives. The editorial inferred that she was dismantling the Professional Services Respoder program. She has recalled badges from the PSRs. It was not in a step toward dismantling the program but rather to restructure it to better serve the needs of the Department.

"I disagree with the characterization in the Los Angeles Times that few of the PSRs help the Department. The PSRs provide a valuable service to the Department and we do not want to lose them. I plan to retool the program to erase the negative perception that continues to undermine their extraordinary work ." she said.  

The Editorial began with this:

O.C. Sheriff shines the badge
Sandra Hutchens' efforts to repair her department's image are on target.
July 26, 2008

Orange County's new sheriff started off with reforms that were by and large symbolic gestures to clean government. Stripping badges from civilian volunteers, few of whom actually helped the department. Reviewing all of the concealed-weapons permits issued in recent years. Traveling without an entourage. Good for her. A few symbols of ethical behavior were exactly what the department needed.

To read the entire editorial click here.

The Department Blood Drive on July 23 resulted in 52 individuals donating 52 pints of blood and 10 others deferring their donations.

The American Red Cross estimates that the donation of 52 pints of blood can help save up to 155 lives.

Deputy Curtis D. Vincent, who coordinated the Blood Drive, said it was one of the best turnouts ever.

Here is his note of thanks to those who participated:

Thank you to all that participated in the Blood Drive on Wednesday July 23, 2008. It was a success again because of all of you. We had 62 Employees from various parts of the Department and County Agencies that attended this drive.

I had the Raffle Tickets Drawn on Wednesday July 23, 2008 By Sergeant S. Dexter and the winners for the prizes are listed below.

1- $25.00 Shell Gas Card  Sergeant G.W – IRC
1- $25.00 Shell Gas Card  Deputy C. D. – IRC
1- $25.00 Shell Gas Card  Deputy A. P, – IRC
1- $25.00 Chili’s Restaurant  Deputy C. M. – Central Justice Center
1- $10.00 Starbucks Card  H. C. – OCSD Financial
1- $10.00 Starbucks Card  D. T. – OC Health Care Agency
1 -$15.00 I-Tunes Card   Mary Hong –
1 -$15.00 I-Tunes Card   B. G. – OC Health Care Agency
1 -First Aid Kit    D. F. – CWJ

Thank You again to all who participated. If you do not hear from me in the next couple of days leave me a message so I can get you prizes to you.

Thank You

Deputy C.D. Vincent
IRC - CJX

For those who want to learn more about donating blood and what the blood is used for go to the Red Cross Website by clicking here.