Undersheriff John Scott was the keynote speaker Thursday at the Module II Academy Class 6R graduation at the Orange County Sheriff’s  Regional Training Academy.

There were 39 graduates in the class, including 17 Reserve Deputy Sheriffs.  Reserve Deputy Sheriff Sergio Kopelev was both the Class 6R President and the graduate honored with the Outstanding Officer Award.  Other graduates were affiliated with the Garden Grove and Claremont Police Departments and with Santa Ana College.

Captain Catherine Zurn told those at the graduation that Reserve Deputy Kopelev maintained a grade average of 98.6 over 14 weeks of training. Reserve Deputy Sammy Chan served as the class honorary historian.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has hailed the Reserves for their service to the Department, which saves the county about $7 million a year.

Class 6R received academic training in courses that included criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, ethics and community policing.  Instruction also covered firearms, arrest and control techniques, first aid, use of force, report writing and use of less than lethal weapons.

All of the training was administered in an environment of moderate stress supervised by the Department’s Academy Tactical Staff.

Undersheriff Scott said of the graduates, “Our graduates come to us with a rich diversity of backgrounds, ranging from a short-order cook, to a company president.  We also have an attorney, an accountant, an art sales broker, a construction worker, a court reporter, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a heating and air conditioning installer, a plumbing contractor, police cadet, secretary, student, and a retired software developer. That pretty much covers the gamut.Three of our graduates are military veterans, eight have master’s degrees and one has a doctorate.  Three came to us by way of a GED. Six are 25 or under and six are 48 or over. Thirteen are bilingual and 20 plan to continue to Level I Reserve training. Thirty-eight are male and one is an undaunted female.

It is this diversity that makes us strong. It gives us a broad spectrum of life experience to help us deal with whatever challenges we are faced with; the unpredictable."

Undersheriff Scott noted that the Reserves come from a long line of those the Department has depended upon, including the posses and volunteer home guard company of the 1800’s and the Sheriff’s Emergency Reserves of World War II and the Aerosquadron, formed in the late 1940’s. Module II Academy Class 6R was the first Level II Reserve Class graduated since February 2006 and it is one of the largest classes at that level ever graduated by the Department.

"The graduation will mark a new era in their law enforcement careers," Undersheriff Scott told the graduates.“As a Level III Reserve you were used primarily for such duties as traffic control, parade security, report writing, evidence transportation, but not likely in duties that resulted in an arrest,” he said. “Now you may be called upon to serve as second person in a radio car, perform bike patrol, help serve warrants, or be part of a surveillance team, or even be called out to respond to a riot. 

Level II Reserves work in crime prevention and the general enforcement of laws. Now, you will be given assignments where making arrests are part of the job.   You will work under supervision of a Level I Reserve or a regular Deputy or Police Officer and at times you may be called upon to supervise Level III Reserves.”

The Undersheriff concluded his remarks with a welcome to the graduates.“Walk out of here tonight proud.  Proud of the training you’ve received.  Proud of the badge you wear. Proud of the service you provide. And proud to be part of this noble and time-honored service to Orange County.Congratulations to each of you, and welcome to the ranks of Level II Reserves!”

Sheriff Hutchens administered the oath to all 39 of the graduates. 

Crime Survivors Inc. is hosting an all day celebrity golf tournamet on July 26 to help raise funds for programs that benefit the victims of crime. 

From the organization's Website:

Vision
Crime Survivors vision is for victims of crime to recover from their experience mentally, physically, emotionally, and financially, by receiving the respect, support, and protection from law enforcement, the judicial system, and the community.

Mission Statement
The mission of Crime Survivors is to ensure the public knows victims’ rights and needs and to provide resources, support, and information to empower crime victims to survive and thrive.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!
Crime Survivors is committed to serving our community by being an advocate and resource for crime victims and their families. If you don’t know where to turn, or are confused or frustrated with the public services that are available to you as you recover or seek justice, Crime Survivors can help. Our web site will provide information, resources and tools that will help you become a “Survivor”.

Victims Advocate
Crime Survivors works in your community to make victims’ rights a top priority. We facilitate communication and cooperation across various public service, government and non-profit organizations to ensure that Victims’ rights are understood, and that the services victims are entitled to are received. If you think you are not receiving the assistance you should, please contact us.

Sheriff's experience helps her learn political ropes

A year after taking office, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens talks about leading a department after predecessor's high-profile exit.

 

Sheriff's deputy to be grand marshal in July 4th parade

Sgt. Mike Dunham will retire in August after nearly 27 years with the department.

By Steve Spernak

OCTOA Executive Director and PSR

Congratulations and countless comments of appreciation continue to come in from all over California to the Orange County Traffic Officers Association who partnered with Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her command staff  in what is believed to be the largest law enforcement tribute for the four Oakland Police Officers lost on March 21st.

The highly successful “Cigar Night Classic” fundraiser for injured OC Motor Officers and the Oakland Police Officers Association was the culmination of five weeks of planning by The Orange County Traffic Officers Association. President and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Blakely helped organize a large contingent of OC Law Enforcement who attended the March funerals in Oakland attended by 21,000 peace officers.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, center, with John and Mary Huffman, parents of OCSD Sergeant Matthew Davis, killed in the line of duty on September 20, 2002

Photo by Professional Services Responder George Ridley 

The Orange County Traffic Officers Association, including Blakely and Deputies Joe Cope and Thom Spratt, were dedicated to finding a way to assist the families of the four Oakland officers and officers here in Orange County who were killed or injured in the line of duty.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her entire command staff,  members of the Board of Supervisors, city mayors, judges, Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters, CHP Commanders,  Council members, Deputy DA’s  and local business owners supported the effort.

Among the backers was a bi-partisan team of local legislators, including Assembly members Jose Solorio, Van Tran, Jim Silva, Curt Hagman, Jeff Miller, Chuck Devore, Mike Duvall and State Senators Lou Correa, Bob Huff and Tom Harman as well as  U.S. Representative John Campbell.

Others who showed support were the Choirboys (retired police motorcyclists) and Oakland Assemblywoman ASM Sandre Swanson, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Special congratulations went to OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens who won not only the ‘Chief’s Challenge’ as highest donor, but won over the 1,000 attendees with her appearance at the fundraiser. Hutchens was joined by Assistant Sheriffs Mike James, Mike Hillman, and Jack Anderson and several OCSD Lieutenants at the Traffic Officers reception and graciously accomodated photos and handshakes from well-wishers, including Judge Lance Ito.

Mike Harrah, owner of Original Mikes Restaurant, who hosted the entire event, hospitality, staffing and food stations, was recognized at the formal presentation by Deputy Bradley Blakely who presented Harrah a signed and framed Litho of the Association’s artwork.

The centerpiece of the night’s event was the tearful address Oakland Police Officer Andy Luty offered on the incredible lives, loves and living of Officer John Hege, and Sgts. Dan Sakai, Erv Romans and Mark Dunakin.

Chris Dunakin, brother of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, was joined by his parents and family, and gave a rendering eulogy and grateful thanks to the family of law enforcement who will help the 9 orphans left behind in Oakland.

Dunakin was joined by Oakland Officers Andy Luty, Jim Gordon and Jim Fisher in lighting the ‘eternal flame’ candlelight vigil in front of framed  photos of the Officers. 

Blakely presented each member of the Oakland Police Department with litho artwork, signed by the Association Board, as well as Chris Dunakin and his parents who attended and were introduced in front of the 1000 + attendees inside Original Mikes for the formal program.

Pictures of the four Oakland officers killed in the line of duty this year

Brad Blakely closed the night's program with  special recognition to Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who donated $5000.00 in support of the event. Unfortunately, Leno was unable to attend at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts.

Donors can still send in any amount to honor the Oakland Officers and injured OC Motors by going to their website at OCTOA.org , to see the photo collage and check the opportunity to be sponsors next year.

The OCTOA “Cigar Night Classic”, honoring heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, helped bring closure to the Oakland Officers and their families and overwhelmingly showcased the caring and closeness of the OC Cops, electeds and community that help make this “legacy event” a classic in OC law enforcement history.

Gynnae and Ryan Scheffilea came to Sheriff's Headquarters today bearing platters of sandwiches, cookies and cake and more wishes of thanks than could fit on the Department Website.

The mother and son were international news last July 4 weekend, when she was shot and he was kidnapped and the subsequent Amber Alert sent every investigator and deputy who could be spared on the search. It ended with Gynnae's recovery and Ryan's safe return.

Ryan after his safe return last year

Today they were accompanied by relatives and they brought a few letters, some they wrote and some were written by friends.

To see Department Blog story on Ryan's safe recovery last year click here:

To see the letter that Ryan wrote to the Department click: Ryan's letter Scan001a.pdf (56.38 kb)

To see Gynnae's letter click: gynnae Scan001.pdf (40.13 kb)

To see a letter from friends click: Friend Letter a.pdf (37.58 kb)

To see the Medal of Merit Commendation to those most responsible for safe return of Ryan click:  medal of merit.pdf (295.01 kb)

A Sergeant, three Deputies and an Administrative Manager received awards from the Exchange Club of Corona del Mar, which has been honoring Department members for exemplary service for 22 years.  

Each received plaques from the club's Crime Prevention Program at a luncheon that was attended by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and other Department members. The club also donated to the Department sacks of teddy bears.  They purchased the bears with the proceeds of their recycling program.  The bears are used by deputies to comfort children they encounter when duty takes them to a family crisis.

Five Department employees received awards: Sergeant Mike Anderson, Jail Compliance and Training Team; Deputies Brian Nissen, Centrral Men's Jail; Dave Martin, Marine Operations; Steve Brown, North Operations K-9, and Administrative Manager Tracy Carrol, Inmate Records Bureau.

Here is what their supervisors said of those honored. More...

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and 16 of Orange County's police chiefs have sent a letter to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and California lawmakers opposing a plan to release "low risk" felons from prison and place them directly into the community without parole supervision. 

The letter began: 

We, the undersigned members of Orange County law enforcement, are writing to express our concerns over a recent proposal for the release of convicted “low risk” felons on “no parole.”  It needs to be noted that parole as “constructive custody” has operated as a protection of society against those who have historically exhibited an inability to comply with the law or respect the rights of others.  Doing away with parole without a reasonably certain assurance that those released will comply with the law on their own subjects the law abiding public to an avoidable risk of harm.  The safety of the law abiding public is the first and foremost obligation of government.  The proposal as presently written will seriously compromise the efforts of local police, sheriff’s and district attorneys to control crime in their communities and protect the public from the harm it entails.

The public has a right to expect that the government will provide some degree of supervision to ensure that those previously convicted of crimes, incarcerated and then released back into society will lead productive lives and not continue to victimize the innocent.  In our view, failure to do so is contrary to the very purpose of the criminal justice system, to protect the public.  Local law enforcement undertakes great expense and effort to protect the communities from those who commit crimes, and we are concerned that this proposal will not only increase their burdens, but undermine these continuing efforts by failing to provide the needed tools.

To read the entire letter click: Letter - No Parole Early Release.pdf (6.98 mb)