Photo courtesy of Orange County Register photographer Michael Goulding

Many people turn away at the sight of Manny, the newest training device at the Coroner's office. The life-like mannequin was created by a studio that works for television and the movies. The mannequin is designed to bring realism to the lessons taught Coroner's investigators from around the state who train at the Department's facility in Santa Ana.

The Orange County Register and KCBS did news features on Manny.

To view the Register's story, click here.

To view the KCBS broadcast clike the icon below.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens congratulates Deputy Kevin Spellerberg, left, and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph on their Heroes with Hearts Awards 

Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department were nominated for Heroes with Hearts Awards by Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc. volunteers Renee Lutz and Cindy Gosting.

In May of 2009 an elderly woman was found dead in her backyard by her son. Because of the circumstances of the death, family members had many questions about what happened to their mother.

Two TIP volunteers responded to the scene where they worked alongside Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph. According to the TIP volunteers, both Deputy Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Ralph were exceptionally compassionate with the distraught family members. They spent time answering all the family members’ questions and were very available to them throughout the afternoon.

Deputy Coroner Ralph allowed the son of the deceased to be with her when she examined his deceased mother. This was very important to the son.

Family members complimented both the Deputy and the Deputy Coroner on a number of occasions. Following are direct quotes from Renee Lutz and Cindy Gosting, the TIP volunteers who nominated Deputy Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Ralph:

• “Deputy Coroner Ralph has a lovely demeanor and is very kind.”

• “Deputy Spellerberg was very respectful and kind and takes his job very seriously.”

• “I have been on other calls with both of these individuals and they always show caring and compassion.”

For their compassionate care of citizens in crisis, Trauma Intervention Programs of Orange County is pleased to present Deputy Kevin Spellerberg and Deputy Coroner Kelly Ralph with the 2009 Heroes with Heart Awards.

For visit the Website of the Trauma Intervention Programs, Inc Orange County Chapter click here.

“Working Together to Save Lives” is the newly completed mural located in the Orange County Coroner Division facility. The mural celebrates the special collaboration between the Department and OneLegacy, the organ and tissue recovery organization serving the seven-county greater Los Angeles area.

Among those at the presentation were Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, Chief Deputy Coroner Jacque Brendt, officials of OneLegacy and a couple of special ladies.

The mural captures the first time that Amber Vargas listened to her mother’s heart beat in the chest of the Karen Athey, whose life was saved by the organ donation.  Both Amber and Karen were present.  

The presentation of the mural was covered by both the Orange County Register and KCAL.

Click here to view the Register report.

Click the icon to view the KCAL report.

A Message on the Department Reorganization
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens 

Our Core Values:

Integrity without compromise;
Service above self;
Professionalism in the performance of duty;
Vigilance in safeguarding our community.

We all continue to feel the effects of these challenging economic times, both in our professional and personal lives.  The Fiscal Year 2009/10 budget approved by the Board of Supervisors requires our Department to cut 28 million dollars from our budget this fiscal year. Based on revenue projections, we must prepare for an additional 60 million dollar cut in fiscal year 2010/11.  When faced with these unprecedented budget cuts, I directed my Command Staff and Division Commanders to “deconstruct” their commands and look at our core functions—those functions that impact our responsibility for direct public safety services.  The decision of who would be laid off was made as a result of what functions could be eliminated and/or combined without directly impacting our core mission.  These layoffs were not based on performance; they were based on the elimination or consolidation of functions and were made solely because of our current financial situation.  

During the past few weeks, I have met with each Assistant Sheriff, Executive Director, and Captain.  The purpose of the meetings was to tell them if they were staying or if they would be laid off.  For me, this has been one of the most difficult and gut-wrenching of tasks.  As I have publically stated, given the budget cuts we have been directed to make, I felt it my duty to preserve the delivery of front-line law enforcement so that the residents of Orange County would continue to enjoy the benefit of our public safety services and not be impacted by our budget cuts.

You will see from the attached Organization Chart that the shape of the Department has been dramatically altered.    I have cut two Assistant Sheriff and five Captain positions. Assistant Sheriff Hillmann with be responsible for Field Operations and Investigative Services. Assistant Sheriff James will be responsible for Custody and Court Services.  Executive Director Dostal will continue to be responsible for Administrative Services Command. 

Of the remaining nine Captains, two will serve as Area Commanders.  The Area Commander will assist their respective Assistant Sheriff with their expanded commands.  Tim Board will serve as the Area Commander for Field Operations and Investigative Services and Jay LeFlore will serve as the Area Commander for Custody and Court Services.

Director Gialamas, in addition to his Crime Lab responsibility, will assume command of Support Services.  Undersheriff Scott will assume direct responsibility for Professional Services Division and I will assume direct responsibility for Coroner and the Crime Lab/Support Services Divisions.I view these cuts as temporary and something that we cannot sustain for more than a couple of years. I fully intend to rebuild the department when the economy improves.In addition to our Command Staff cuts, we are having to impact the lives of 30-40 of our employees either through demotion or layoffs.  This process will be completed sometime in September.

I want to personally acknowledge the tremendous contributions of our personnel who are impacted by these budget cuts.  They have all contributed to the success of this Department and are to be congratulated for their commitment and dedication. Their service and individual contribution to the success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will not be forgotten.

Finally, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work and willingness to go the extra mile to secure the safety of all and to continue the great reputation of community service that the Orange County Sheriff’s Department so richly deserves.  Your actions serve to make me proud every day. It is an honor to be your Sheriff and to serve side by side with you.   My decisions have and will always be based on what is best for the public safety needs of Orange County and the continued success of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  

To view the new Organization Chart click: New Org Chart.pdf (2.15 mb)

To view the old Organization Chart click: Old Org Chart.pdf (1.43 mb)

Retired Deputy Coroner Maureen Albrecht told Mari Frank on KUCI about her success in losing weight in last year's Battle of the Badges. To hear what she told Mari click the icons below.

The latest just came in from the Battle of the Badges Weight Loss Competition.