The crew of Duke and a Search and Rescue Team made up of Reserves and Professional Services Responders located and rescued a 64-year old man who was missing in a canyon area near Moulton Meadow Park.

Moe Sakhaii was reported missing at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday after he had gone to the park to fly his remote control model airplane.  Laguna Beach Police Department officials requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department and at first light a Search and Rescue Team that included a Reserve Deputy and a bloodhound launched a search of the area.

Assistant Sheriff Michael Hillmann reported to the scene and coordinated resources for the mission. In addition to the Sheriff's Department, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Laguna Beach Fire Department participated in the mission.

At about 1:30 p.m. the crew of Duke, made up of Deputies Dave Tilstra, pilot and Chad Taylor, the Tactical Flight Officer spotted something in the canyon. TFO Taylor saw what appeared to be waving hands. Deputy Tilstra manuevered the helicopter deep into the canyon to a point where a positive identificaiton was made of the missing man.

The team found Mr. Sahkaii was alert but dehyrdrated.

The Search and Rescue Team was directed to the scene and first aid was given until a helicopter from the Orange County Fire Authority, which is equipped with a rescue hoist, arrived at the scene. Mr. Sahkaii was airlifted from the canyon floor to the command center. He was taken by ambulance to the command center.

Department Commander Lieutenant Ted Boyne said of the operation: "It was a very dramatic scene and all involved should be recognized for a job well done."

The Orange County Register reported on the rescue. To view their story click here.  

Various Department employees have recently been cited by members of the public for the exemplary service they have provided to the community. 

Here are some examples.  

We recently received a letter from Investigative Assistant Anthony Hernandez of the District Attorney's office, Target/Gang Unit, commending Office Technician Sandra Alsman of the Support Services Division, Records Unit.

In his letter he wrote:

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for Office Technician Sandra Alsman's hard work and dedication in assisting our office with obtaining necessary documentation to proceed in the prosecution of defendants.

While there have been more than two requests Sandra has processed for me in the past, the last two stand out in mind. On those occasions, I sent "rush" requests directly to Sandra to obtain multiple certified booking photos and fingerprint cards with little or no lead time before commencement of trials. Without any hesitation she accepted the requests in a very professional and pleasant manner. Sandra was able to deliver the documents within a business day which made me look very good in the eyes of the Deputy District Attorney and Investigator handling those cases. However, the person who should have been commended is Sandra which is why I felt very strongly about sending you this letter of appreciation.

Sandra's attitude and hard work are greatly appreciated and she has my sincere gratitude."

On July 21, 2009, Lt. Tom Slayton, Department Commander, received a thank you letter from Mario Fiermonte, a resident of Mission Viejo, expressing his appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Deputies Charles Johnson, Kevin Webster, Timothy Wayne, Steven Sherrill, and Brad Carrington during an incident in Mission Viejo.

Mr. Fiermonte wrote, "Please see that the deputies responding to my report of a possible break-in next door to my house this afternoon are thanked for such an excellent, rapid, and professional response to what could have been a deadly situation. Your deputies were calm, patient, and appeared tactically expert in their approach to the possible break-in."  

On July 1, 2009, Captain Ron White received a thank you letter from Angela Schiffman, a representative of the Coto De Caza Master Association, expressing her appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Crime Prevention Specialist Jan Sener, who presided over their first Neighborhood Watch meeting. 

Crime Prevention Specialist Sener provided much valuable information in the form of flyers, brochures and materials to aid in their efforts to get their group started. Ms. Schiffman wrote, "Her knowledge, experience and guidance was invaluable. We found her thoughtful, kind and patient nature second to none. I wanted to let you know how grateful we are to have a resource such as Ms. Sener available to us, and hope to have many more equally productive and beneficial experiences with her going forward."  

 Samuel Hernandez, a Senior U.S. Probation Officer from El Paso, Texas sent an e-mail to the supervisor of Office Technician Judy Aguilar of the Support Services Division, Records Unit.

In it he wrote: "Ms. Aguilar got me my color photo and booking docket, undeniable proof that the person listed in my 1993 criminal history was, in fact, my defendant, which he denied to the Court. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with California law enforcement and probation, both state and federal, have been predominantly negative. However, encountering such a positive and helpful employee within the Orange County Records Division was such a very nice surprise.

Judy constantly kept me up to date on the status of my records and development of the photograph I really needed. I commend you for developing such a helpful and professional employee. Please hang on to her because she truly is a tremendous asset to your agency."

On May 22, 2009, Sheriff Hutchens received a thank you letter from Vivian Brown, a resident of Rancho Capistrano, expressing her appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Deputy Scott Montoya during an incident in Ladera Ranch. Ms. Brown said Deputy Montoya did a super job of diffusing the tension and anger over a parking spot incident.

Ms. Brown wrote, "He was professional, knowledgeable, supportive, fair, helpful and kind. In fact, he is the kindest deputy I have ever encountered in my 53 years of life."

On June 15, 2009, Lieutenant Bill Griffin of South Operations received a thank you letter from Mike Browne, the Wagon Wheel Canyon Association Vice President, expressing his appreciation and thanks for Community Services Officer Tom Perkins' assistance in providing a radar trailer in the Wagon Wheel area. Mr. Browne wrote, "I have heard a lot of positive comments from the citizens of Wagon Wheel since the radar trailer was placed in our community. Please tell Officer Perkins to keep up the good work."

Quarantine due to swine flu at county jail is lifted

Activities inside Central Men's Jail resume normalcy, authorities say. Inmates expected to appear back in court Thursday morning.

“First inspection on Black Monday started when the Tactical Team staff marched onto the field in a strict military manner,” said Class 190 President, Irvine Police Officer Joshua Assayag.  “A loud and clear voice proclaimed, ‘the time to prepare is past, the time to perform has begun’.”

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

What followed was a regime of training that began early in the morning and continued late into the day, five and sometimes six days a week.

The routine of hard work, discipline and integrity included 50 physical fitness challenges and 43 learning domains, including training in “the law, cultural diversity, community relations, officer safety, health and fitness, ethical decision making and much more,” said Academy Commander Lieutenant Jeff Bardzik. This is the last Basic Academy Class to graduate before Lieutenant Bardzik retires.

“The program is designed to provide a solid foundation for the 19 graduates to have a successful law enforcement career,” Lieutenant Bardzik said.

Class President Assayag said the class became a family, sharing the load and helping one another while helping each other celebrate family achievements and work through personal tragedy. More...

The meeting begins at 0930 hrs and can be viewed at www.oc.ca.gov.

Here's the PowerPoint presentation the Sheriff will use at the meeting (Adobe required)

The Red Cross Blood Drive scheduled at the IRC for August 12 will also be an opportunity for interested men and women to register as potential bone marrow donors for 14-month-old Leukemia patient Allison Zicree of Reseda.   

Allison Zicree

For information on Allison Zicree click here.

For information on the Blood Drive click here.

Basic Academy Class 190 accomplished the tradional Hot Dog Run at Huntington Beach on Friday, being welcomed to the law enforcement family by a Sheriff's helicopter, fireboat and motor units.  

Aerial photograph by Sheriff's Staff Writer John McDonald

Jim Amormino, at podium, briefs press on major crime

Photos courtesy of the Orange County Register

Jim Amormino

Public Affairs Director

By Alice McWilliams

Public Affairs Director Jim Amormino was having one of those rare mornings; all seemed quiet and he was catching up on some outstanding media requests and following up on some news stories he had recently handled for the Department.

Then his cellphone rang, putting an end to his "routine" morning.

An armed robbery suspect with a hostage was being pursued by Deputies.

Jim kept talking on his cellphone as he ran out the door of his office and raced downstairs to the pit, where his car was parked.  He hauled away as fast as the speed limit allowed, through rush hour traffic, to join the action in Lake Forest.

Guided by GPS and Bluetooth installed in his car, Jim arrived just as the chase was ending.  His job was just beginning. Two news helicopters whirled overhead and a gaggle of reporters was already arriving at the scene by car.

The suspect had pulled into a dead end parking lot and surrendered peacefully to deputies.

Jim grabbed one of the senior supervisors at the scene and caught a quick briefing on the incident. 

He almost immediately began answering questions and giving interviews to KCBS 2, KTLA 5, and the Orange County Register, who had all arrived just minutes after the chase ended.

When one deputy started to restrict the media from a public area, Jim jumped in before the incident escalated.  He mediated the situation, explaining to the Deputy that the media had a right to be anywhere the public was and cautioning the media that mutual cooperation was the best route to a good story.

Much of the area was off-limits to the press because it was an active crime scene, but outside the actual crime scene, the press has free reign.

Jim helps homicide investigators enlist press in effort to find man who fired gun at CHP officer

 “I try to open up communications between the Sheriff’s department and the media. There is a natural mistrust between law enforcement and the media which doesn’t need to be there. It’s just been carried out for years and years and years. There is no reason why it should be that way. The press is our friend and the press can help us.”

The story led the broadcast news shows most of the day and it was featured prominently in the newspapers. 

As is usually the case, Jim was the face of the Department. 

Turn on the local news in Orange County any day of the week and you are likely to find Sheriff’s Spokesman Jim somewhere in the news cast. He is constantly getting the word out to the public about crimes in the Orange County Sheriff’s jurisdiction. More...

When DNA Laboratory Supervisor John Hartmann was asked what he wanted for his retirement gift, funded by the  passing of a hat among his generous colleagues, the image of a miter saw popped into his head, the gift of choice for a recently retired lab worker.

What he really wanted was to help somebody.  For several years John and his wife Kathryn have worked as volunteers for Corazón, an organization that helps to house and educate the poor of Tijuana and Tecate.

The Hartmann’s have helped build their share of houses, more like a dwelling than a house, according to John. The simple structures are put up in a day by a team of volunteers, not much more than walls, windows, a door and a lock.

“I remember one family living in the hills near Tecate, a couple and their three children living in a mini-camper shell.  By the end of the day, they had a home.”

John Hartmann had been one of a small group of people who established the Department's DNA lab in the late 1980's and helped make it one of the most respected DNA labs in the country.  He worked in the Department for 30 years.

As his retirement approached, John Hartmann knew what he wanted as a parting gift from his co-workers. He wanted to help educate a child in Mexico.

The money was raised and donated to the education of Roberto Mendoza Carrizoza.

“One of the effects of economic poverty is that many children drop out of school at an early age due to a lack of family resources,” said Corazón scholarship coordinator Cindy Stephen in a thank you letter to the Department. “This lack can manifest itself in the family not having enough money to pay fees, buy uniforms and supplies, or buy books in the upper grades.  It can also manifest itself in the child having to go to work to provide for the necessities of the entire family.  We see a significant decline in school attendance as the children get older.”

She said the group’s motto is: "Feed me today, and I’ll be hungry tomorrow. Teach me today, and I can feed my family forever."  "Your generosity has helped a child to have a life-changing opportunity to remain in school during an economic time that is especially difficult in Mexico.”

For more information on Corazón click here.  

To read the Corazón thank you letter click: hartmann Scan001a.pdf (74.98 kb)

Here are some pictures of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano working on Corazón houses last month.

hartmann Scan001a.pdf (74.98 kb)

Lost property reports are routine in this day and age but the first written report of lost property in Orange County took place 240 years ago this week.

It happened at the campsite of the expedition of Spanish Captain Gaspar de Portola, who bivouacked with 63 soldiers and two priests in the area now known as Trabuco Canyon.  They were the first Europeans to explore what is now Orange County.

Sometime during the night of July 24-25, 1769 one of the soldiers lost his blunderbuss.  Blunderbuss in Spanish is Trabuco.

Ever since the report of the lost firearm, the name has stuck.

Trabuco Canyon is an unincorporated section of Orange County and is part of the area now patrolled by the South Operations Division of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens attended a press conference in Los Angeles today to show her support for two of her former Deputies who were shot by a man arrested in Mexico after a nine year effort to capture them.

Sheriff Hutchens had been a Los Angeles Sheriff's Captain, commanding the Norwalk Station, when the shooting occurred. She spent time at the hospital with Deputy Michael Schaap, who was shot in the head with an AK-47 Assault Rifle.

Suspect Emigdio Preciado was placed on the FBI's Ten Most Wanted List after it was discovered he was hiding in Mexico. A $150,000 reward was offered for information leading to his capture.

Orange County Sheriff's spokesman Jim Amormino said the two deputies were thrilled that Sheriff Hutchens, their former Captain, came to the press conference to show her support for them. As the Captain for Norwalk, Sheriff Hutchens also supervised Whittier.

The FBI Press Release gives details on the case and his capture.

The Annual Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in the IRC Briefing Room from 0700-1900 hours on Wednesday August 12, 2009.

As with the past Blood Drives, the Red Cross will be offering a County-wide Drawing and assisting with providing in-house drawings for gas cards, and other prizes.  Also, as in the past, all participants will receive a Donor T-Shirt and coupon to a local restaurant. 

If you wish to participate you may register on-line at http://www.givelife.org/ Code: OC1.  Walk-In donors with no appointments are welcome, too. When you donate blood, please remember that you must bring Picture Identification. At this Drive we will have Mrs. Gina Cousineau to talk with anyone interested about how to register as a donor and to become a hero to those in need.  

We have 19 pre-registered. There are plenty of times still available from 0715 to 1900. Time slots are spaced every 15 minutes. So if you can spare a little time, it would be gratefully appreciated.

To be eligible to donate you must be healthy, at least 17 years old, weigh at least 110 pounds, and may not have donated whole blood in the past 56 days or a double red cell donation in the last 112 days. You may not give blood if you have received a Red Cross notification asking you not to do so. Donors must provide ID prior to donating.

Introducing the Statistical Tracking and Reporting Unit:

S.T.A.R. Research Analysts, left to right, Heather Wroniak, Catalina Reyes, Ginell Laske, Lauren Felix and Joyce Scott-Moody

To hear the KUCI interview with Analyst Ginell Laske click the icons below:

S.T.A.R.

The Statistical Tracking and Reporting Unit (S.T.A.R.), formerly the Crime Analysis Unit, was formed in November 2005. It is currently housed under the SAFE Division. There are five Research Analysts assigned to the Unit. The Statistical Tracking and Reporting Unit is under the supervision of a SAFE Sergeant. Crime Analysis is the most basic form of law enforcement analysis. Crime analysis allows an analyst to determine who is doing what to whom with its focus on crimes against persons and/or property. There are four types of analysis that are most often used by law enforcement analysts. They are:

The analyst’s duties include the following operations and investigations support:

A team of Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders working a Search and Rescue detail in Coto de Caza were credited this week with finding an unconscious jogger near a trail.  He had been missing for more than 17 hours.  

The team began the search at the Coto de Caza Golf Course at 11 p.m. on July 15 after a search by Deputies and a helicopter had been called due to darkness and fog.

Sergeant D. Hanson, Reserve Deputy Al Lenning and K-9 Sonsee took up the search and were joined at 3:45 a.m. by Reserve Sergeants M. Losquadro and S. Chenot Reserve Deputies A Lenhard, D. Kemp, S. Chan, PSR's B. Clark, J. Chun, L. Bumanglag, C. Duncan, K. Adams and A. Phillips.

The effort turned into a full-unit callout.  Deputies and PSR's deployed to search for the missing male believed to have gone jogging in the area.  Patrol deputies previously searched; DUKE unable to provide much assistance due to heavy fog.  SRRU deployed to search trails in the area immediately east of the golf course/clubhouse area.  Fielded 3 teams. 

Subject found approx 0900 hours in area being searched by one of our field teams.  Subject found in serious medical distress by Dep. Lenhard and PSR Chun.  OCFA dispatched and deployed to scene in SRRU 4x4 vehicles.  Subject received on-scene medical attention and was evacuated.

OCSD Wins Battle of the Badges Competition

Photo Courtesy of the Orange County Register, photographer H. Lorren Au Jr.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department beat the Santa Ana and Anaheim Police Departments in the Second Annual Battle of the Badges competition, with 30  competiting law enforcement officers losing a total of more than 1,000 pounds.

The Sheriff's Department competitors won by shedding a combined 14.5 percent of their body weight during the 10-week competition administered by the Lean for Life Foundation through Lindora Medical Clinics.

The competitors also attained an overall 11 percent reduction in blood sugar, 48 percent decrease in triglyceride levels and a 27 percent reduction in LDL "bad" cholesterol. They also managed an average 9 percent reduction in waist circumference.

To see the Orange County Register's story on the competition click here.  

To see the KCAL-9 TV presentation click the icon below:

There was a separate competition for adolescents who were paired and mentored by the law enforcement competitors. All of the adolescents met the goal of losing at least 10 percent of their body weight.

The Sheriff's Department competitors included: Investigator Alex Salceda, Laguna Niguel Police Services, lost 21.4 pounds, 7.6 percent; Deputy Anthony Papsis, OCTA, 33.7 pounds, 14.6 percent; Deputy Chris Geeslin, James Musick Facility, 27 pounds, 10.3 percent; Sergeant Jim Bau, James Musick Facility, 35.9 pounds, 14.6 percent; Sergeant John Meyer, Mission Viejo Police Services, 57.5 pounds, 19.2 percent; Deputy Jonathan Daruvala, Dana Point Police Services, 43.7 pounds, 17.7 percent; Deputy Marisela Elmore, Dana Point Police Services, 22.3 pounds, 11.6 percent; Sergeant Matthew Stiverson, Theo Lacy Facility, 59 pounds, 18.3 percent. Deputy Patricia Neiman, IRC, 41.8 pounds, 15.3 percent; Sergeant Paul Wade, Theo Lacy Facility, 45.1 pounds, 16.2 percent.  

 

A contingent of 11 Explorers and two advisors participated in the 2009 L.E.E.P.A.A.C. Law Enforcement Explorer Conference on July 5 in Gunnison, Colorado. L.E.E.P.A.A.C. stands for Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor's Association of Colorado.

The competition was held at Western State College, where the Explorers were housed.   It was a unique competition because each Explorer is teamed up with three other explorers from three separate posts.   There were forty 4-person teams competing.  

Competitors came from Colorado, California, Arizona, Utah and Texas.  The competition lasted one week. 

The closing ceremonies for the Explorers was held on Saturday, July 11.  

All of the Explorers' registration fees and lodging were paid for by private donations or funds from Explorers working paid events.  

OCSD Explorers who won awards include:    

Lex Ogan – 1st for CSI.

Anthony Hart – 2nd for Hostage Negotiations.

Simona Popescu – 3rd for CSI.Melissa Gorfu – 3rd for Cell Search & 3rd for High Risk Traffic Stop.

Brian Hirst – 4th for High Risk Traffic Stop. 

Frank Salgado – 4th for Officer Down & 5th for High Risk Traffic Stop.   

Explorers who competed: Lieutenants Lex Ogan, Tri-cities Division; Frank Salgado, West Division; John Leahy, Lake Forest Division; Sergeants Melissa Gorfu, West Division; Danielle Blaszak, Lake Forest Division; Simona Popescu, Mission Viejo Division; Brian Hirst, Tri-cities Division; Corporal Anthony Hart, Rancho Santa Margarita Division; Explorers Evan Hotchkin, Mission Viejo Division, and Alicia Cahhal, Mission Viejo Division.

Explorer Rebekah Schaff – South Division 

Advisors: Sgt. Dan Daniels, of Community Services, and Deputy Sherri Gilman, San Clemente Police Services.  

Sheriff's Special Officer Tanya Reed of Airport Operations set three world records in a July 3 competition of the United States Power Lifting Federation National Meet in LaMirada. The 46 year old weighs 176 pounds and she set records for squat lift, 380 pounds; bench press, 314 pounds, and dead lift, 480 pounds. She placed first in her age group and third in overall total points.

She has now qualified to compete in the World Power Lifting meet in November, which will be held in Las Vegas.

SSO Reed won a Gold Medal in the 2007 World Police and Fire Games held in Adelaide, Australia.  

To see a video of her most recent competition, click the icon below:

Sergeant Mike McHenry and Deputy Lance Christensen attended the National Conference of the National Association of School Resource Officers in Baltimore last week and gave a presentation on the unique program they offer in Orange County. 

More than 80 School Resource Officers from around the country attended the presentation. More than 700 SRO's attended the national conference. 

“Our material was modified slightly from last year’s presentation as we identified the social trends with the help of some student research from our south county teens", Sergeant McHenry said. They produced the "social trends" boards focusing on "at-risk" social groups.  

Research participants were asked to identify those groups they thought were "at-risk" through a series of descriptions, photos, and magazine clippings.   

The results helped confirmed some of the trends observed by Orange County SRO's. The study helped Sergeant McHenry and Deputy Christensen prepare the display boards to reflect the current trends they encounter in south county schools. The boards help create a dialogue about these identified youth groups and their propensity for at-risk behavior. 

The display boards  contain some of the contraband confiscated by Deputy  Christensen in his role as an SRO, including drug paraphernalia, materials in which contraband is hidden and weapons and simulated weapons.   More...

Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was the first public official to participate in an online question and answer session with readers of OCRegister.com.  The Register reported that more than 1,200 people logged into the session and the Sheriff answered questions for over an hour. The Register hopes to make the question and answer session a regular feature of their online coverage.

Here is a sample question and below is a link the the full session.  

To view all of the questions and answers click here.  

A letter from Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens to the Department:

After many months of assessing different options to address the department's budget crisis, the administration has made a critical decision to close the entire Central Women's Jail while we work on the development of a contract to house federal prisoners. The closure plans have already started and will move forward in phases with a completion date of July 24th.

In an effort to utilize all personnel displaced by this closure, female deputies will be assigned throughout the jail system, including the Theo Lacy Facility. To ensure an efficient and smooth transition, we will do everything possible to accommodate all personnel impacted by the closure.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the personnel assigned to the Central Women's Jail. They have done and continue to do outstanding work. Recently I attended several briefings where their efforts were recognized by me and members of the command staff. The closure of this facility will be difficult and will put additional strain on the entire system. The personnel at the Women's Jail were extremely helpful with all aspects of the closure plans.

While many people have worked on these closure options, I would like to specifically thank Deputy Denise Fairchild who did a significant amount of work showing the impacts of the proposed closure. This material was presented to the Board of Supervisors and was critical in mitigating issues created by the closure.

Now more than ever, I am confident all personnel will come together as a team and assist with the relocation efforts. Our collective dedication and commitment will make this transition successful and continue to move this department forward during very difficult times.

Manager of Community Relations Damon Micalizzi

Damon Micalizzi of Department Public Affairs was interviewed by KUCI's Mari Frank.

To hear Damon's broadcast click the icons below.

The Fourth of July was fast approaching when 29 men and women turned out to man the Department’s DUI Checkpoint in Mission Viejo.

A Press Advisory had gone out the day before, warning drivers to expect saturation enforcement.

Photos by Traffic Safety Coordinator Will Funk

“Driving drunk isn’t worth the tremendous risk. If you’ve had too much to drink, you’d better find a safe and sober ride home or your chances of arrest are high,” said Sgt. Jerry Brittain, of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Unit. “Too many people still fail to understand that alcohol and driving don’t mix. Impaired driving is no accident - nor is it a victimless crime.” The checkpoint was funded by a grant, based on the high number of DUI related deaths and injuries experienced on holiday weekends. Nationally, during the 2008 Independence Day Holiday weekend, nearly 400 people were killed or injured in alcohol-related traffic collisions.  

From 2003 through 2007, 389 people died in Orange County in alcohol-related highway accidents and during the same time 10,676 people were injured. From 2005 through 2007, 46,090 people were arrested in Orange County for Driving Under the Influence. During the July 4, 2008 holiday weekend there were no traffic deaths in alcohol related traffic accidents in Orange County but 30 people were injured.  More...

The Orange County Police Canine Association will have two shows at the Orange County Fair on July 19 at 3 and 7 p.m.

From the OCPCA Website: