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July 23, 2008 09:04 by John
CRIME SURVIVORS, INC.
&
THE EXCHANGE CLUBS OF ORANGE COUNTY
March, 2008
Dear Friends and Supporters:
Crime Survivors, Inc. and The Exchange Clubs of Orange County are hosting the Annual "No Putting Around" Miniature Golf Tournament Fundraiser at Boomers located at 3405 Michelson Drive, Irvine, CA 92612 on July 27, 2008 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. This year’s event will offer fun for individuals and the whole family with raffles at each hole and gift giveaways throughout the day. We encourage teams of four; at twenty-five dollars per person you will be having fun and helping raise funds for organizations that will help so many more. To become a SPONSOR OF THE EVENT, please choose from OPTIONS ATTACHED. There will be a raffle and gift giveaways throughout the day. To SPONSOR or to DONATE raffle items please call (949) 872-7895 to make arrangements.
We hereby state that donations will be used in relation to the tax exempt purpose of this organization under section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Crime Survivor, Inc. ID # 30-0229425
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. 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.
Exchange, America's Service Club, is a group of men and women working together to make our communities better places to live through programs of service in Americanism, Community Service, Youth Activities, and our National Project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. The Exchange Club is a volunteer service organization for men and women who want to serve their communities in Orange County, to develop leadership skills, and to enjoy new friendships.
Please visit our websites at www.crimesurvivors.com and www.nationalexchangeclub.com
for additional information.
We thank you for your support. Proceeds from this fundraiser will benefit Exchange Clubs and Crime Survivors, Inc. programs. Please call with any questions or additional information at (949) 872-7895.
Sincerely,
Janet Wilson Irving
Event Chair
Crime Survivors, Inc.
The Exchange Clubs of Orange County
Event Co Chairs
PO BOX 54552 – Irvine, CA 92619-4552
Telephone: 949.872.7895 – Facsimile: 775.245.4798 – Email: crimesurvivors@aol.com
Website: http://www.crimesurvivors.com/
July 21, 2008 14:37 by John
The "Beer Can Races" go back for half a century but the now crowded waterway no longer has space for 40 foot sailboats to race at top speed, according to the Department's Harbor Patrol.
The controversy over the race and the challenge it poses for Harbor Patrol was reported ina story in today's Los Angeles Times.
The story said in part: Sailboat racing in Newport Harbor is a beloved summer pastime that borders on obsession for some. But now that harbor police are stopping boats -- midrace -- to issue speeding citations, many longtime racers consider dropping out.
To read the whole story click here.
July 21, 2008 10:14 by John
On May 8, 2008, Mr. Jim Noss wrote a letter commending Deputy Bryan Robins and Sheriff Special Officer Aaron Chamberlain, of the Theo Lacy Facility. Mr. Noss commended them for going the extra yard in helping him get a court order for a clothing exchange approved by the Watch Commander. During his wait, he observed SSO Chamberlain's interactions with the public, his fellow workers and other agencies. He said that SSO Chamberlain was very friendly and efficient at doing his job. He would like to congratulate Deputy Robins for his attention to detail and his logic in handling the situation. Mr. Noss states that Deputy Robins and SSO Chamberlain are great assets to this department.
Lieutenant Lee Trujillo of Stanton Police Services received a letter of thanks from a Stanton resident for the assistance she received from Stanton CSO Nick Rickers. The woman had been assisting her grandson who had received a traffic citation. They had been dealing with the citation and trying to get it resolved since March, when they finally came to the front counter at the Stanton Station where CSO Rickers assisted them. She stated that he made several phone calls, and "he kept us informed as to what was happening. He was pleasant; we were truly impressed with his patience and knowledge." Thank you to CSO Nick Rickers for being a true asset to the Orange County Sheriff's Department, and for your professional attitude and commitment to serving the residents of Orange County.
On July 10, 2008, the Support Services Division received a commendation email from detective Trooper Aimee Nolan of the Vermont State Police expressing her extreme gratitude regarding Records unit employee Blanche Hernandez. Blanche assisted the trooper with the procedures for submitting her request. Within one hour after receiving the request, Blanche not only faxed back a copy of our report, but she also provided the trooper with the arresting agencies information and the report numbers of their reports. Detective Trooper Nolan writes "Sometimes requesting information or assistance from agencies outside of Vermont can be very challenging; however, your department shattered that theory!" Thank you, Blanche, for being such a fine representative of the Support Services Division and the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
July 18, 2008 10:09 by John
Lycos has a natural play drive and prey drive and both of these are sharpened by daily training with his partner Deputy Stephen Brown. As a Department K-9 team they catch bad guys, find drugs, locate evidence and even mingle with school children when giving public demonstrations of their skills.
Lycos, a Groenendael from Holland, is a 60 pound eight-year old certified Royal Dutch Police Dog. He and Deputy Stephen Brown have worked together for seven years.
Deputy Brown and Canine Lycos are just one of eight regular patrol canine teams assigned to Sheriff’s Department Operations. five canine/handler teams are assigned to North Operations and three teams are assigned to South Operations. The Reserve Unit also has two narcotics detection teams attached to the Canine Team as well. Both teams are used by South Operations.
The combined efforts of The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Canine Team provides the department with almost twenty-four a day/seven days a week coverage which is greatly needed, considering the team is already up to 800 deployments for the year. The Sheriff’s Canines are tasked with three missions in the field: suspect apprehension, narcotics detection and the recovery of evidence.
”Lycos will find evidence such as guns and knives contaminated with a suspect’s odor.” Deputy Brown said, “His nose is sensitive enough to find a key inside of a good sized park.” Along with human odor Lycos can find the four major drug odors: marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine and their derivatives. “No other tool is as versatile to law enforcement as canines are.” Not only are the canines capable of apprehending criminals hiding on the street, they are social enough to regularly participate in public demonstrations at schools and Boy Scout meetings. “Not every agency has canines as well rounded as the Sheriff’s Department.” More...
July 15, 2008 13:07 by John
The Orange County Board of Supervisors Presented a Resolution in honor of the Department's womens running team and thier first place victory in April's highly competitive Baker2Vegas run. Special thanks were give to the influence of the team's coach, Retired Lt. Darrell "Guy" Poncy, who died a few days before the race.
The Orange County Board of Supervisors today
In April, the Orange County Register did a feature story ont he team and its accomplishement. To read the story click here.
Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay
By the authority of the Board of Supervisors, the following resolution is hereby issued: WHEREAS, in 1985, the Baker to Vegas Relay was formed by members of the Los Angeles Police Department, as a way to promote physical fitness amongst law enforcement. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department began participating in 1987. Initially, one team of male runners participated; and WHEREAS, in 2002, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department put together its first “Baker to Vegas” women’s running team. The team consisted of twenty sworn female runners and two alternates. They competed against nine other women’s teams, coming in third place. Every successive year, they would tell themselves, “Next year, we will be better;” and WHEREAS, in 2007, the team was in first place with five miles left to go, but one of the runners suffered an injury and they ended up in third place. After the 2007 race, team members were determined to maintain their conditioning and when January 2008 came around, they were ready to go straight into speed training with Coach Poncy; and WHEREAS, starting in February 2008, they met every Friday and Coach Poncy put them through grueling sprint workouts. They conducted this structured sprint training for three months prior to qualifiers and everyone knocked minutes from their previous year qualifying times. Some girls met on the weekends to train together and most runners ran on their own, four to six days a week; and WHEREAS, the 2008 race started at 2:30pm on Saturday, April 19th, and ended at 6:25am on Sunday, April 20th. The Women’s Team had twenty runners, four alternates and ten volunteers. The teamwork was amazing to watch, as everyone on the team assisted in coordinating rides and cheering the runners out on the course, at all hours of the day and night; and WHEREAS, the death of Coach Poncy, just a few days before the race, was a shock and emotionally draining. An email received from Coach Poncy on April 14, 2008, was forwarded to the team members on the morning of April 15th, prior to the knowledge of his death. In the email, he explained how to prepare for the race, which included hydration, proper dress attire and stretching. He also said that he would be out on the course to help them warm up; and WHEREAS, in light of the news of his death, the race seemed so unimportant, but the team came together and remembered how much he wanted them to win. They all dug deep down inside and used their internal strength to stay focused and remember everything that Coach Poncy had taught them; and WHEREAS, on the day of the race, they told each other that Coach Poncy was with them and that he would give them the strength needed to push harder, and he did. On April 20th 2008 at 0625 hours, the twentieth female runner crossed the finish line and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Women’s Team won their very first Baker to Vegas race, for Coach Poncy. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE ORANGE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS does hereby recognize the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Women’s Running Team for their excellence in the Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay and congratulate them for bringing home the title of champions on behalf of the County of Orange and Coach Poncy. Dated this 15th day of July, 2008
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John M. W. Moorlach |
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| Chairman of the Board of Supervisors |
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Supervisor, Second District |
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| Patricia C. Bates |
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Janet Nguyen |
| Vice-Chair of the Board of Supervisors |
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Supervisor, First District |
| Supervisor, Fifth District |
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| Bill Campbell |
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Chris Norby |
| Supervisor, Third District |
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Supervisor, Fourth District |
Those who participated on the team include More...
July 15, 2008 10:09 by John
This just in from Harbor Patrol Dispatcher Brian Stanley
The boating public in Orange County will soon have an extra layer of security to rely upon in the event they need emergency police, fire or medical services. Thanks to the diligent work of Lt. Colin Murphy, formerly of the Sheriff Department’s Emergency Communications Bureau, the State of California has recognized the Harbor Patrol dispatch center as a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). As a PSAP, the Harbor Patrol has been given permission to install, and the state of California has agreed to pay for, a computerized phone system that will significantly enhance its ability to provide rapid emergency services to the citizens who rely on the Harbor Patrol for those services.
When a citizen in Orange County calls 911 from a standard landline phone or cellular phone their call is routed to the police department having jurisdiction over that area. When that call is answered by the emergency dispatcher, data is received on the dispatcher’s computer screen that indicates the caller’s address and phone number. When the caller is using a cellular phone the data received indicates the caller’s phone number, cellular service provider, and the address of the cell tower receiving and relaying the call. Additionally, by using global positioning satellite technology, the dispatcher receives the approximate lat/long location of the cell phone. [more[
Prior to the installation of the enhanced 911 system, the Harbor Patrol dispatchers have used a standard landline to receive emergency and non-emergency calls for service. When a 911 call was transferred into the Harbor Patrol dispatch center by the receiving police department all data was lost. Often a caller in the middle of an emergency situation is too scared, irate or uncertain to give the emergency dispatcher pertinent information such as their location or phone number. If a call was lost or dropped prior to obtaining a phone number, the dispatcher wasn’t even able to attempt a call back.
Another feature of the enhanced 911 system is the ability for the dispatcher to transfer and conference phone calls. This will make it easier for information to be relayed to multiple public safety agencies at the same time, eliminating confusion and saving valuable time.
The enhanced 911 system the will be a valuable tool for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol dispatchers and will allow the Harbor Patrol to provide the same level of public safety services to its citizens as all the other PSAP centers in Orange County.
The Orange County Sheriff's Harbor Patrol Division provides law enforcement, marine/residential firefighting, open-water rescue and vessel assistance in the three Orange County harbors of Sunset/Huntington Harbor, Newport Harbor, and Dana Point Harbor, as well as the 48 miles of Orange County Coastline.
July 14, 2008 10:42 by John
Mothers of Preschoolers has put together a video presentation their program for incarcerated moms at the James A. Musick Facility, the first program of its kind for parents behind bars.
For more information on the International organization knows as MOPS check their Website by clicking here.
A months back I had the opportunity to observe a MOPS meeting at Music. To see the story I wrote, click here.
A portion of video is shown below.
July 11, 2008 09:26 by John
The Fourth of July always provides additional challenges for law enforcement, and this one was certainly no different.
The shooting of Gynnae Ramos and the abduction of her 9-year old son Ryan Ramos pulled 50 investigators into the field, supported by uniform deputies and a wide range of non-sworn personnel. An Amber Alert was put out for Ryan and his father Lonnie Ramos. Over the holiday weekend, I met with Gynnae and briefed her on the search for her son and her estranged husband. While public attention was primarily focused on the kidnapping, most of our Department was busy keeping the peace at holiday parades, public BBQs and fireworks displays in virtually all of our contract cities. Harbor Patrol helped host a Newport Harbor cruise for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, where many of us spent our Friday morning.
On Saturday, I met with the Ramos family at a press conference organized by our Department Public Information Director Jim Amormino. The family made a public plea for help finding young Ryan. Those efforts proved effective as a tip came in that the RV in which the boy and his father were believed traveling had been left near the Mexican border. On Sunday, word came that the boy had been dropped safely at a Mormon Church in Juárez. Within two hours, Investigators Mario Gutierrez and Mike Starnes were on their way to Juárez, aboard a private plane owned and piloted by Department Professional Services Responder Tim Reynolds. Reserve Deputy Al Pregler served as co-pilot. The investigators worked with the U.S. Marshals and Mexican authorities to have the boy released to them. They returned the next morning and mother and son were reunited.
By Monday, July 7, we were putting the finishing touches on the investigation and returning to “normal” operation. The caliber of police work I observed over the holiday weekend makes me proud to be one of you. Thank you for your extraordinary efforts.
July 10, 2008 14:55 by John
The O.C. Fair is about to open and for the Department that means 21 days of activities ranging from a B.B.King Concert to a skateboard competition--all themed to the term “Say Cheese.”
The O.C. Fair is the largest single special events contract with the Sheriff’s Department. During the 21 days of the Fair, deputies and reserves staff over 1000 uniformed foot patrol positions.
The O.C. Fair runs from July 11 to August 3 and is closed on Mondays. For more information on the O.C. Fair go to http://www.ocFair.com/2008/index.asp
“One of our proudest achievements is the reputation we maintain as being one of the safest Fairs in the state. The County Fair is a place where families feel safe and it is not uncommon to see moms pushing around their strollers at 11 or 12 at night,” said Lieutenant Tom Gallivan, of North Operations. “The deputies work hand in hand with the Public Safety Officers at the Fair to maintain a safe family fun environment for the patrons and employees.” More...
July 10, 2008 10:04 by John
The Orange County Register reported in its Online news about the good police work by the Department's Court Operations Judicial Protection Unit and the Bomb Squad.
By KIMBERLY EDDS
The Orange County Register
A Costa Mesa man on probation for domestic violence against his estranged wife is facing bomb and weapons charges after threatening her, the Huntington Beach Police Department, and the Superior Court judge handling his family court case, authorities said.
Ronald Gary Turner, 44, was arrested July 2 after Orange County sheriff's deputies found handcuffs, pepper spray, throwing knives and a stolen 9 mm gun inside his vehicle during a traffic stop. The gun was loaded with hollow-point rounds and had the serial numbers removed.
During a search of his Costa Mesa home, authorities discovered a cache of explosives, including two homemade bombs with timers, two homemade guns, other bomb-making materials, tactical equipment, a bulletproof vest, and listening devices. Two children lived in the room next to where the bombs were kept, according to county prosecutors.
To read the whole story click here.
July 9, 2008 08:32 by John
This just in from Deputy Gary M. Smith about the achievements of OCSD Explorer Post #449.
OCSD Explorer Post #449 sent 14 Explorers and three Advisors to the Channel Islands Competition in Oxnard, CA from 07/20/08 to 07/22/08. The participants were selected based on their participation, dedication, and commitment to the Explorer program. The competitors represented our Department in a professional and spirited manner and participated in team and individual events consisting of: High Risk Car Stops, Domestic Violence Response, Vehicle Searches, Building Searches, Hostage Rescue, etc.
Post #449 participants:
Jasmine Arredondo Christina Colima
Evelyn Gomez Alan Cleveland
Alex Kim Oscar Gutierrez
Richard Shoopman George Pereyra
Jesus Bonilla Juan Diaz
Garrett Eggert Jeremiah Kennedy
Travis Boenker Travis Leahy
Station 18 brought home trophies in the following categories: More...
July 8, 2008 16:04 by John
Over 250 people attended this year’s Make a Wish Old Glory Parade/Cruise. There was a very generous $5,000.00 donation from a member of the Sheriff’s Advisory Council. The families enjoyed a kid friendly catered cruise of Newport Harbor and a water display by the Harbor Patrol fireboat.
Department personnel, including Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, flipped pancakes for the youngsters and their families.
On Friday July 4, 2008 at 10:00 a.m., Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, the American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, The American Legion Yacht Club and Electra Cruises, co-hosted a pancake breakfast and harbor cruise for “Make–A-Wish” children and their families.
“Make-A-Wish” Foundation grants the wishes of children with life threatening medical conditions.
Sheriff Hutchens will be just one of the many volunteers that will be flipping pancakes for the kids and their families.
“We are inspired by the work of the Make-A-Wish Foundation,” Said Sheriff Hutchens. “It’s wonderful to spend some time with these children and their loved ones and give them a chance to get away, relax and have some fun.”
At approximately 11:30 a.m. the guests boarded the Electra Cruise Ship at the 15th Street Public Dock to cruise the bay and view the Old Glory Boat Parade. American Legion Newport Harbor Post 291, Electra Cruises and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department hosted the event in cooperation with the “Make-A-Wish” Foundation, through the generous support of the community. Dozens of local citizens have generously donated time and funds to make this event a success.
For more information please call the Sheriff’s Department Harbor Patrol at: (949) 673-1025.
July 8, 2008 09:44 by John
From today's OC Register online is the story of a Sheriff's Professional Services Responder dropping his own plans and pitching into help the Department and a boy in trouble.
SANTA ANA – Flight instructor Tim Reynolds was between lessons Sunday when he got the phone call.
"Can you fly to El Paso immediately?'' David Corsiglia, a reserve lieutenant with the Orange County Sheriff's Department, asked him.
A 9-year-old boy, Ryan Ramos, needed to be picked up.
Reynolds, a pilot for more than 30 years, cancelled his next lesson as well as a planned charter to Catalina to pick up a newly engaged couple.
To read the entire profile click here.
July 3, 2008 09:29 by John
Updated 1025
Department spokesman Jim Amormino announced that the suspect Lonnie Ramos died in an vehicular accident in Juárez, Mexico on Sunday.
Updated 7/7/08
From the Orange County Register
A task force of investigators from several agencies is in Juárez and neighboring El Paso, Texas, coordinating the boy's return to the U.S. The lead investigator – Orange County Sheriff's Lt. Gary Smith – said he is not sure when the child would board a plane back to California. Authorities hoped to have Ryan in El Paso on Sunday, Smith said.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens expressed her gratitude to investigators and the news media for placing emphasis on the case, particularly on publicizing the Amber Alert.
“It's hard to remember the days before the Amber Alert, but it's been extremely helpful,” Hutchens said.
An Amber Alert was issued after a man shot his wife in Lake Forest Wednesday evening and kidnapped his nine year old son.
For the latest details on the case from the Orange County Register click here.
For earlier story by the Orange County Register click here.
Amber Alert Details:
On July 2, 2008, at 6:32PM, Ryan Ramos was abducted from Lake Forest, California (Orange County).
SUSPECT IS CONSIDERED ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
Last seen driving a Red Porsche, CA license: 4BWU827.
Suspect has access to another vehicle described as a Chevrolet Suburban with CA license plate: 5LTC712
IF SEEN, CONTACT ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT at 714-628-7170.
For the latest information from the Sheriff's Department click here.
Here is a picture of the supsect Lonnie Ramos:
Here is a picture of the kidnapped boy Ryan Ramos:
To read the Amber Alert issued by the California Highway Patrol click here.
To read the Orange County Register story on the Amber Alert click here.
For the Los Angeles Times story click here.
The suspect may be in the motor home, 2005 Fleetwood Providence; CA Lic: 5EGW556; VIN: 4UZAAHBS04CM52903 pictured below.
June 30, 2008 09:33 by John
There is a great quote from San Clemente Chief of Police Services Lt. Paul D'Auria in H.G. Reza's Los Angeles Times story about gang trouble in San Clemente and San Juan Capistrano.
In the story, Lt. D'Auria said:
"The community has to bond and say, 'We want our streets back,' " he said. "If the kids can get together to form a gang, why can't the parents get together to stop them?"
To read the whole story click here.
June 26, 2008 11:16 by John
The Exchange Club of Corona del Mar, which has been supporting community causes in Orange County for 21-years, honored five members of the Department on Thursday.
The five received plaques and kudos from the Club’s Crime Prevention Program. The club also donated to the Department three large sacks of teddy bears. They purchased the bears with the proceeds of their recycling program. The bears are used by deputies when there is a need to comfort a child they encounter when duty takes them to a family crisis.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens attended the Awards Presentation. Club members, who have given the awards for several years, said it was the clubs first presentation attended by the county sheriff.
“I want to thank your club for honoring our personnel,” Sheriff Hutchens told the group. “I think you know how much it means to them. As you see, they have brought family members and friends. It means so much, with all the negative press sometimes that we get, it really does my heart good that you are honoring these folks who absolutely everyday do a wonderful job. We appreciate your recognizing what they have done and I know they do. “
“I’m so happy to be Sheriff of Orange County,” she added. “I’m here to serve you. My message to you is simple; this is your sheriff’s department. We’re going to take our direction from you. I’m going to work with these great men and women of this Department and we’re going to make it even better. “
The first presentation was to Deputy Holly Fisher of Harbor Patrol.
Harbor Patrol’s Captain Deana Bergquist said Deputy Fisher was well deserving of the award. She has been with the Department nearly 19 years and has worked in Harbor for 5 years, serving in all three stations. She is licensed by the Coast Guard to captain a vessel of 100 tons. The license is recognition of her boat handling and navigation competence. It entitles her to wear a pin on her uniform noting the Coast Guard license. Only 16 members of the Department hold the Coast Guard license.
Captain Bergquist noted that the weather on Thursday was near perfect but when winter comes, the day sky often darkens with storm clouds, gale force winds and waves that break over the jetties and inside the harbor. When weather conditions turn ugly, some mariners, Captain Bergquist said kindly, “exceed their skill level.”
“Holly has been involved in a number of dangerous situations,” Captain Bergquist said. She told a story that occurred in January. More...
June 23, 2008 09:53 by John
Calltaker Jennifer Demers of Dispatch received a letter of commendation from Leonard Atencio, a teacher with the Birney Elementary School in Pico Rivera. Mr. Atencio was impressed with Calltaker Demers' professionalism and her willingness to extend herself beyond her duties. Mr. Atencio wrote:
"On Friday May 23, 2008, I and two of my colleagues took our seventy three fifth grade students on a field trip to Sunset Beach. We were completing our visit to the Bolsa Chica Wetlands Conservancy with a planned beach cleanup. Halfway along the beach our kids encountered a dead seal, apparently mutilated or attacked and newly washed ashore. Our group continued on with the cleanup while I attempted to inform an agency about the seal. Unfortunately, there were no lifeguards on duty.
After calling a couple of numbers given to me by a resident I was put in contact with a young lady named Jennifer at the Orange County Sheriff's Department. She transferred my call to a number which was no longer in service. After the second time, Jennifer took the initiative and setup a conference call with me while she attempted, over the next 45 minutes, to find an agency willing to take the information I was trying to report. She made a number of calls to various groups and organizations expertly, efficiently, patiently, assertively and politely guiding us through this phone maze in order to get me in contact with the right people. More...
June 20, 2008 10:30 by John
When the driver of an Hummer parked illegally in a handicap parking spot threatened Alice Chandler last week, she called 911. Three Deputies responded to the scene. They gave the man a ticket and suggested Chandler call them next time before she confronts a parking violator.
The feisty lady, five days shy of her 80th birthday, informed the deputies that she had once been a Special Deputy for the Orange County Sheriff's Department and she still had her badge and gun.
"The one deputy gave me look," she said later. "It got me wondering whether I should turn it in."
She went home and wrote a letter to Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. She congratulated Sheriff Hutchens as the first female Sheriff in Orange County. Former Special Deputy Chandler wondered whether she may have been the first female Deputy Sheriff in the Department.
"I am not sure if there was ever another woman deputy at that time, at least I never met or heard of one," she said in her letter.
Department records reviewed so far were unable to determine whether or not she was the Department's first female Deputy.
Although Department records indicate she was Special Deputy, she was given a Deputy Sheriff's badge.
"I was told by Sheriff Musick that I had the full responsiblility of a deputy sheriff and could be called at anytime should they need me and I felt so proud to have my badge and the responsibiity," she said in the letter.
She came to the Division Commanders meeting on Thursday, her 80th birthday, and formally turned her badge, identification card and gun, a .32 caliber long revolver, to Sheriff Hutchens and Captain Davis Nighswonger. She was given a birthday cake and a rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" by all who were present.
To read a Los Angeles Times account of the story click here.
June 20, 2008 10:05 by John
Sandra Hutchens was sworn in as Orange County Sheriff on Thursday. A ceremonial swearing in will take place on Tuesday.
Chairman John Moorlach of the Orange County Board of Supervisors had this to say of the swearing in:
On March 17, 1995, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to appoint me to the vacant position of Treasurer-Tax Collector. I was sworn in immediately following the vote.
We appointed Sandra Hutchens with the provision that she successfully pass the required medical and psychological tests. Consequently, she was not sworn in at the June 10 meeting after our 3-2 vote. Not knowing how long the process would take, we scheduled a public swearing-in ceremony for the June 24 Board meeting. You should have already received my personal invitation. If the e-mail failed to reach you, please consider yourself invited.
We extended an offer to Sandra Hutchens to swear her in earlier, after the successful conclusion of the tests, if she so desired. She did. The Board offices were invited to the meeting three days prior. Several of them sent representatives, including Supervisor Norby’s office.
I had the pleasure, as Board Chair, to perform the swearing in. Judge Kirkwood was in the Hall of Administration for a Commission meeting and dropped into my office. I invited her to stay a few minutes in order to meet Ms. Hutchens and Judge Kirkwood stayed to attend the meeting.
To read the newspaper accounts of the swearing in click More...
June 16, 2008 15:52 by Ryan
 Nathan Wright of the Dana Point Times writes:
There was no question that whoever was appointed to fill out the remaining two years in Carona’s term would have their hands full, reviewing the department’s policies and procedures—and restoring the department’s reputation.
“It’s a tall order for what I see as an extremely capable, strong and committed individual who is dedicated to a great job,” said Supervisor Pat Bates, who voted for Hutchens along with Janet Nguyen and John Moorlach.
In the day following her appointment, Hutchens spoke on her goal of mending damaged relationships and restoring the faith of the staff—including 1,600 sworn officers—in its leadership. “For me, it’s a new day for the Sheriff’s Department,” said Hutchens. “It’s the first step forward in removing this department from scandal.”
Hutchens won’t officially take office until medical and psychological tests are completed but is already discussing plans for internal and external reviews for the entire department, including a jail shrouded in controversy.
“I think the vast majority of the folks are very good people and they work hard every day,” she said. “The expectations here will be very high, and I will certainly lead by example in that arena.”
Read it all right here.
June 16, 2008 10:14 by John
Deputy Peter Mach, of Stanton Police Services, was honored recently for having the 4th highest number of stolen car recoveries of any law enforcement officer in Orange County.
To see the Orange County Register's story on the awards click here.
June 13, 2008 15:28 by John
For a lot of people in Orange County, December 24, 2007 was Christmas Eve.
For Orange County Basic Academy Class 184 it was Black Monday.
That is when 49 recruits arrived at the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy to meet Academy Commander Lt. Mark Billings and the Academy Tactical Staff and to start their training
For the 37 new Peace Officers of Class 184 who graduated Thursday night, the lessons they received on Black Monday was a gift they will cherish for many years.
Picture by Reserve Deputy Steve Sobodos
“The Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy is recognized as one of the best training academies in California, if not the nation,” said Class President Matthew Lemmon, later sworn as a police officer for the City of Santa Ana.
There were lots of tests.
“Our physical fitness was tested, our composure under stress was tested. Our integrity was tested. The Tactical Staff commanded and expected perfection. We were a group of inexperienced individuals, many of us were thinking, ‘what did I get myself into?’ We became a group of individuals who were united in action. For the past 26-weeks we spent more time with our classmates than with our own families,” Officer Lemmon said. More...
June 12, 2008 09:40 by John
Motor Officers escorted participants in the traditional Hot Dog Run held to honor the graduates of Basic Academy Class 184. The class is to graduate tonight at the Orange County Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in Tustin. The run took place at the Huntington Beach Pier. The pictures were taken by Professional Service Responder George Ridley.
More...
June 10, 2008 17:57 by John
RETIRED LASD CHIEF SANDRA HUTCHENS PICKED AS ORANGE COUNTY SHERIFF
Today the Orange County Board of Supervisors selected Retired Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Division Chief Sandra Hutchens as Sheriff. She will command the second largest Sheriff’s Department in California, with 4,000 employees, including more than 1,700 sworn deputies. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has a budget of more than $700 million.
“My appointment as Orange County Sheriff signifies a time for reform; a time of change for the people of Orange County and this department,” said Hutchens. “It is an honor and privilege to serve, and I am resolute in my commitment to bring about transformation, restoring integrity and the public’s trust in our law enforcement agency.”
A longtime Orange County resident, Hutchens emerged from a pool of 48 contenders for the job. Hutch |