A Blood Drive is underway for the benefit of Professional Services Responder Brian Clark, of the Search and Rescue Reserve Unit.

He was involved in a collision over the weekend and is in the hospital in Templeton, California. He has needed several blood transfusions and his family has requested a blood drive in his name. At this time, this is the only request from the family.

The blood drive will be on March 18, 2009. The details are below.

Also, if the 18th is not good, there are other drives in the community; but please have them email Dr. Kenneth Cheng dr.kenny@cox.net to let him know they participated in another drive.  This way we can track all who donated.  It would be great to be able to tell Brian the total count of blood donations. One of the blood drives is at the Sheriff’s Academy in Tustin on Sunday, March 15, 2009.

Thank you all in advance for your assistance!

When asking, “What can we do to help ,” the only thing that Laura requested was for us to give blood. Brian has used 13+ units of blood and platelet's.

Brian Clark Blood Drive

When:
March 18th
Wednesday
Noon to 6:00

Location:
Tustin Hospital
14662 Newport Ave
Tustin, CA. 92780
Tel. 714. 669-5881

Sign Up:
Please open this following link and make your reservation:

http://www.givelife.org
Sponsor code: THMC

* The Red Cross can handle 3 to 4 people at a time, every 20 minutes. It is imperative that, with the limited amount of spaces available, everyone signs up via the e-donor registration.  If  anyone is having difficulty, please have them call me and I will be happy to help get them signed in. You can reach Dr. Kenneth Cheng at (949) 533-4322.

Overflow:
Everyone wants to help but with the limited amount of reservations available, people can also give blood at the following blood drives that are also running during this upcoming week:

Sunday March 15th, 10:00 to 4:00
Sheriffs Academy
15991 Armstrong
Tustin CA. 92782
code:  ocrsta

Monday March 16th, 1:00 to 7:00
B’nai Israel
2111 Bryan
Tustin, CA.  92780
code: B’nai

Monday March 16th, 9:00 to 3:00
Orange County Fire Authority
1 fire authority road
code: ocfa

*If you are out of the Orange County Area and wish to locate a place to give in your area, please visit http://www.GiveLife.org

Three Sheriff's Special Officers responded to a car fire in the parking lot of the North Justice Center this week and rescued a Chiuahua from the flames.

Here is a report on the incident by Sergeant Bob Sima: 

On March 10, 2009 at approximately 11:20 am, a citizen reported to our traffic weapon screening station that smoke was coming from the engine compartment of a car parked in the lower traffic lot.  Sgt. Rich Lucio #6151, SSO Tait Afualo #4557, SSO Josh Barnett #3274, and SSO Doug Payne #6219 responded to the location of the smoke and discovered a black Chihuahua inside the car.  Immediate attempts were made to locate the owner of the car.  However the engine compartment soon burst into flames.  SSO Afualo, SSO Barnett, and SSO Payne immediately began attempts to rescue the dog.  They first broke out the passenger rear side window but the dog was frightened and went to the front of the car.  They next broke out the passenger side front window and then the rear window.  At this time the dog jumped out of the rear window and ran off.

With the assistance of fellow deputies who arrived on scene, efforts were made to protect other vehicles parked nearby.  By this time flames from the engulfed vehicle reached 10 feet into the air.  Extra Help Deputy Paul Lopez #6147 and Deputy Justin Chevalier #3316 used a hand held fire extinguisher to protect the other vehicles.  Other deputies and SSOs were able to locate vehicle owners and instructed them to move their vehicles.  There was one vehicle parked directly in front of the engulfed vehicle.  Because of the nearby flames, it was too dangerous to allow the owner of the vehicle to move it.  Deputy Ed Romero #6247 asked for permission to move the vehicle (a BMW 3 Series) and moved the vehicle away from the engulfed vehicle, saving the owner thousands of dollars in property damage.

The owners of another vehicle located to the front and one stall north of the engulfed vehicle could not be located.  Attempts to save it from damage by the use of the handheld fire extinguisher were only partially successful.  This vehicle (a newer Ford Mustang GT) received heat damage resulting in melted parts and bubbled paint.  However the deputies’ efforts prevented the fire from spreading to this vehicle.

Fullerton Fire Department responded and put out the fire from the engulfed vehicle which was completely destroyed.  SSO Payne and SSO Barnett suffered cuts from broken glass resulting in medical treatment for both and stitches for SSO Payne.  The dog was located approximately one hour later by Extra-Help Deputy Paul Lopez.  The dog was uninjured and return to its owners.

The incident was report by the Orange County Register. To read the Register story click here.  

Administrative Manager Dominic Mejico, of Inmate Services, recently reported on the latest accomplishments of the Department's In Custody Drug Treatment Program. 

In his letter he stated: 

Approximately one (1) year ago the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation implemented an In Custody Drug Treatment Program (ICDTP) designed to assist inmates with their substance abuse problems while in custody and structured residential treatment services upon release.  

Over the past year the Inmate Reentry Unit placed eighty (80) female probationers into the sixty (60) day ICDTP program. Of the eighty (80) who participated in the program fifty seven (57) have graduated and been released. Of the fifty seven (57) that have been released only fourteen (14) have re offended. Many of those have voluntarily enrolled in our Post Custody residential treatment program which allows them to continue their rehabilitation process once they are released in a paid for residential treatment program. Funding for the aftercare portion of the program is provided by our partnership with HCA and Tobacco Settlement funds.

Studies have shown that if we provide inmates with programming while in custody and the inmate continues those same or similar services upon release their chances of not re offending increase by about 50%. Other studies have shown that inmates have not truly been rehabilitated unless they have been out of custody and clean and sober for three (3) years. Regardless of the studies the aforementioned statistics prove that this philosophy can work if you have a willing participant, staff that can properly assess and coordinate placement, and funding to provide aftercare services. 

I will continue to monitor this program and provide you with periodic updates on its progress.                    

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Lieutenant Willliam Griffin  and Crime Prevention Specialist Jan Sener coached Ladera Ranch parents and youngster on ways to protect against "Stranger Danger."  The community meeting was called by the Ladera Ranch Civic Council in the wake of reports that a man was attempting to kidnap children in the neighborhood. The abduction attempt drew a large response by Department patrol deputies and investigators.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department Crime Lab reported that the Garden Grove and Newport Beach Police Departments were among the first agencies in California to obtain DNA hits on unsolved crimes from samples obtain under recent provisions of Proposition 69. The evidence was processed by the Sheriff's Crime Lab.

Voters passed Proposition 69 in November of 2004. A provision of the proposition was that California began collecting DNA samples in all felony arrests. 

Director Dean Gialamas of the Forensic Science Services Divison said in a letter to the two city police chiefs that, "due to the diligent efforts of your officers and staff in collecting DNA from qualified arrestees, coupled with the efforts of our crime lab and the State DOJ crime lab, Garden Grove PD and Newport Beach PD are among the first agencies in California to collect samples from arrestees that provided a DNA hit to previously unsolved cases. 

"I am providing this information to not only recognize the efforts of your agencies and personnel but also to serve as a reminder to your personnel that their efforts with this new responsibility have made a significant difference in two unsolved burglary cases and one unsolved attempted homicide case from other local agencies in Orange County.

"Please accept my thanks and congratulations on a job well done."

Details of the cases were not disclosed because they are open cases.

The lab was also credited in a recent homicide arrest reported by the Orange County Register.

Monday, March 9, 2009

Man charged in murder of high school friend in 1988
Investigation went cold until defendant's DNA was entered in database.
By LARRY WELBORN
The Orange County Register

SANTA ANA – A Long Beach man has been charged with stabbing and murdering a high school friend and setting the body on fire to destroy the evidence in 1988.

Paul Gentile Smith, 48, faces a maximum sentence of life in state prison if he is convicted of murdering Robert Haugen, 29, a suspected marijuana dealer, in the victim's Sunset Beach apartment.

Please accept my thanks and congratulations on a job well done.

There was a multi-family block party in Paramount last July 4 and shortly after dark a supsected drunk driver spun out of control, hit a car and pinned an 8-year old boy against a car. The disoriented driver kept hitting the gas pedal despite warnings by people who were banging on the windows of the white SUV.

Sheriff's Special Officer Nelson Torres, of the Central Justice Center, led efforts to extract the intoxicated driver and put the car in neutral. SSO Nelson and two other neighbors pushed the car back, pulled the young boy free and began to administer CPR.

More screams were then heard, from a neighbor unable to find her little girl. She was soon located pinned under the SUV. SSO Torres helped led a team of 20 men and women in lifting the SUV onto the curb, creating enough space to free the frightened and tearful little girl.

The young boy died of his injuries but the girl who had been trapped was released from the hospital after treatment for cuts and bruises.

The coordinated efforts of the 20 people were credited with saving the little girl's life.

The American Red Cross named SSO Torres among those at the scene who earned the title Hometown Heroes. A breakfast was held this morning by the Red Cross to honor those men and women.

Congresswoman Sanchez also issued a proclamation dated today, recognizing SSO Torres for his lifesaving actions.

SSO Torres' supervisor is Sergeant Manny Pacheco said that the action was impressive but SSO Torres had kept the incident to himself until recently.

"I would have put him in for the medal of lifesaving if I had known about it," said Sergeant Pacheco.  

To see the Congressional Certificate click: NelsonTorres3.10.09.pdf (126.99 kb)

Preliminary results of the American Red Cross Battle of the Badges Blood Drive are in and the Orange County Sheriff's Department was named runner up in two of the major categories: Greatest Number of Donors at a Single Drive and Greatest Participation (per captia) Overall Agency.

The competition included 59 law enforcement agenices in the Southern California area. The competition inspired 2,472 donors to participate, including 94 from the Orange County Sheriff's Department. 

The Department's participation was organized by Deputy Curtis Vincent. He had been honored last year by the American Red Cross for his work in organizing blood drives.

He received this letter from a Red Cross official after the results were announced.

Deputy Vincent, 

Your Blood Drive on January 28th was a big success.  94 donors and 73 Units were collected. 

Thank you so much for all you do.  Have a great day. 

Vanessa Van Mil

DRD Biomedical Services

American Red Cross

To see the announcement of the winners click: battle of badges.pdf (46.11 kb)

To see the Website on the competition click here.

For a rundown on the agency by agency results click here.

Academy Commander Lt. Jeff Bardzik opened the Basic Academy Class 188 graduation and told the hundreds gathered there that the program is rooted in law enforcement tradition and principles of hard work, discipline and excellence.

The program includes courses in law, community relations, officer safety, health and safety, cultural diversity and ethical decision making, to name a few.

The curriculum is designed to forge foundations in law enforcement careers, including academic, physical and emotional development.

Photos by Professional Services Responder Travis Frager

Class Chaplain, Downey Police Officer Jose Barajas, offered a few words of spiritual inspiration for class and those who came to honor it. 

“We ask for courage, courage to face and conquer all fears. Courage to take us where others will not go.”

POST Bureau Chief of Training and Compliance Ed Pecinovsky attended the graduation and said:

“You are privileged to have completed your training in one of the finest and toughest academies anywhere.  This program that the Orange County Sheriff and Santa Ana College maintains is a model for other academies to follow.”

He added:

“You should be proud of your accomplishments and secure in the knowledge that you could not have received better training or a better qualified staff. “

Class President  Deputy Nathan Beyer also addressed the class. He said he has come to respect the 18 other recruits who were graduating.

“The truth is we challenged each other, we pushed each other, when one of us fell behind the rest of the class picked him up and brought him back up to speed.”

He added, “The reason I have confidence in the 18 men sitting to my left is because of the training staff that sits to my right.” More...

The Orange County Register reported on Sheriff Sandra Hutchens telling children in Ladera Ranch how to defense themselves against dangerous strangers.

Thursday, March 5, 2009

Sheriff tells Ladera kids to avoid strangers

Ladera Ranch Stranger Danger forum reminds kids not to talk to strangers.

By RASHI KESARWANI
The Orange County Register

LADERA RANCH - Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens had two primary messages for the standing-room-only crowd that gathered in the multi-purpose room of Ladera Ranch School for a forum on child safety.

Hutchens told kids not to get into a car with anyone other than their parents. She also urged children not to talk to strangers, especially since bad people can use a variety of tricks to get kids to trust them.

To see the whole story click here.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens:

Basic Academy Class 188 will graduate tonight from the Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in Tustin. On Wednesday the Class participated in the traditional Hot Dog Run at the Huntington Beach Pier. Here are a few pictures of the Run, which took place despite rain and wind.

The City of Diamond Bar, along with members of the California State Legislature and the U.S. Congress have issued Certificates of Recognition to the Orange County Sheriff's Department for exemplary performance during the Freeway Complex Fire.

Lt. Mike Betzler represented the Department at the February 3 meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council Meeting and accepted the certificates on behalf of the Sheriff.

To see the certificate from the city click: In Recognition.pdf (132.14 kb)

To see the certificate from U.S. Rep. Gary G. Miller click: Congressional Recognition.pdf (98.67 kb)

To see the certificate from State Senator Bob Huff click: Cert Of Recognition.pdf (145.95 kb)

To see the certificate from State Assemblyman Curt Hagman click: CA Legislature Assembly.pdf (117.15 kb)

The City included this story about the presentation in their city newsletter:

A number of prominent speakers made presentations at Monday’s Commemoration of the Communications and Technology Division’s 75th Anniversary.

Director Robert Stoffel served as host.

Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Pat Bates presented a resolution from the Board of Supervisors honoring the achievements of the Division.

She said the Division now serves 134 government agencies. It has become a model for the rest of the country and excels at meeting the challenges of new technologies.

To see an unsigned version of the proclamation she presented click : Communications and Technology Division OCSD 03 02 09.pdf (24.94 kb)

Laguna Beach Police Chief Michael Sellers spoke on behalf of the Orange County Police Chiefs and Sheriff’s Association.
He said he felt honored to stand in the garage where the presentations took place.

“I think this is a special place,” he said. “This is where we get the equipment we need to be safe in the field.”

He then told of a time when he had just 15 months on the job and he came to the scene of an accident where a drunk driver had left two police officers trapped in the wreckage.

His regular police channel was not working so he switched to Red Channel.

“The Control One dispatcher coordinated the efforts of responding officers mutual aid,” he said.

He added that he had neglected to thank all of the communications personnel who helped him through what was one of the toughest ordeals of his police career.

“Thank you for being there for us,” Chief Sellers said. “Day to day we count on you to cover for us when we get into a jam. When something goes down, something fails, it’s nice to know there is a redundant system of qualified professionals out there looking out for our interests.  You help make Orange County the safe place it is.”

Newport Beach Fire Chief Steve Lewis spoke on behalf of the county’s fire chiefs.

He said he has heard stories from his father and father-in-law about serving in public safety in the 1940’s when there was only one-way radio communication.

“They carried a roll of nickels in case they couldn’t find the location they were sent to,” he said.

“They would call for directions.”

He added that he senses a family feeling among the Communications Division workers. 

“When you are out there, we can only do so much by ourselves. At some point we have to communicate. If we don’t have that, things can go downhill without communications.” 

Costa Mesa City Manager Allan Roeder spoke for the county’s city managers.

“We have 34 cities and one county and no element of government in this county works as well as what we have right here.  The reason for that is because of you in the audience.

He said the partnership between Communications Division and the Orange County cities is nationally recognized  as the model for teamwork consideration between public safety, public works and general government communications coordination.

Ken Mann, President of the California Public Safety Radio Association said that the organization was virtually founded by Orange County and has been strongly supported by the county ever since.

Greg Boswell, Program Manager, Orange County Emergency Medical Services said that the Communication Division has made it possible for ambulances and paramedics to communicate directly with hospital emergency room personnel to best treat an injured person while enroute to the medical help.

“Thanks to you out there at 3 a.m. when there is a problem,” Boswell said.

 Undersheriff John Scott was the final speaker.

He called the Communications Division workers the “unsung heroes” of law enforcement.

He had all of the current and former Communications Division workers stand for a round of applause by the audience.

Communications and Technology Division OCSD 03 02 09.pdf (24.94 kb)

O.C. Sheriff addresses CSUF audience

Eight months into her term, Hutchens says the next step is to implement change

Jeremiah Dobruck

Daily Titan Staff Writer

March 2, 2009

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens talked about her plans for change in the scandal-plagued Orange County Sheriff’s Department to students filling a room and spilling out the door at Cal State Fullerton yesterday.

Hutchens visited CSUF as part of Humanities and Social Sciences Week and touched on issues such as Orange County’s ability to respond to terrorism, legalizing marijuana and prison overcrowding in the face of budget cuts.

She encouraged criminal justice majors to stick with what she called, "the most rewarding career they’ll ever have."

To see the entire Daily Titan story click here.

Crime Survivors President Patricia Wenskunas was recently interviewed by Mari Franks on KUCI about resources that are available for crime victims.

Click the icons to hear the Public Service Announcements.  

Segment 1

Segment 2

It is now known as the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Communications & Technology Division but it is the descendent of Radio Station KGHX, which went on the air 75 years ago. The Anniversary is on Monday. Always high tech for its time, the organization has grown through the decades to become one of the most modern law enforcement communications centers in the country. 

On March 2, 1934, the first coordinated radio communication in Orange County went out from KGHX.  It was originated through a rudimentary amplitude modulation type of broadcast from station to car only. Mr. Wendell Jones, Chief Radio Operator, broadcast the first All Points Bulletin at 1500 hours that day: “Be on the lookout for a gray roadster bearing Missouri plates, possibly containing Charles ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd, reportedly observed west of Anaheim.”

The station had been dedicated earlier that day by Sheriff Logan Jackson and Board Chairman Willard Smith. The system was run as a 400-watt one-way broadcast system on 2490 kHz and served the Sheriff, 12 city police departments, CHP, and California Division of Forestry (which managed Orange County’s Fire Department). The facility occupied 120 square feet of floor space on the second floor of the County jail building on Sycamore Street in downtown Santa Ana. Orange County assumed the $10,000 cost of the central station and staffed the facility with 13 employees at an investment of $75,000. The decision was made not to use deputies to operate the KGHX police radio system, and civilians were hired to be the radio operators. The county purchased the first radio transmitter, a Western Electric Model 9C, for $8,069.87. The individual cities participating in the network purchased their receive-only units at a cost of $79.50, including installation.

To read the most up to date history on Orange County Communications click: History and Heritage 2009 pdf.pdf (5.65 mb)

Wilma Sparks saw a lot change during her 32 years with the Department’s Communications team.

She joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as a teletype operator in August, 1963. She retired as a Communications Coordinator I in January, 1995. More...