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The Orange County Sheriff's Department Women’s Team captured 1st place in the 5K Women’s Law Enforcement Division in the 10th Annual Lupus Race for Life run on October 4 at LaMirada Regional Park.
They were well represented by, Denise Herstch, Susie Briggs, Jacquelyn Martinez, Jesicka Contreras and Susan Edwards. Denise Herstch placed 1st and Susie Briggs placed 2nd in the Law Enforcement Individual 5K competition. More...
The Annual Red Cross Blood Drive will be held in the IRC Briefing Room from 1000-1600 hours on Tuesday October 27, 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 or you can call me to schedule a time.
Walk-In donors with no appointments are welcome too. I thank you in advance for your assistance.
At this Blood Drive we also will be taking advance registration sign-ups for the “4th Annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive”. Last year we finished in 2nd place behind Riverside Police Department for Donations collected (94 to 107). With your help again, we will exceed that amount.
When you donate blood, please remember that you must bring Picture Identification.
Thank you for your time.
Deputy C.D. Vincent IRC – CJX
January’s Battle of the Badges: On Wednesday, January 27, 2010 from 7AM to 7PM, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be participating in the 4th Annual “BATTLE of the BADGES” Blood Drive.
The Battle of the Badges Blood Drive will run for two weeks, from Tuesday, January 19th to Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010, as Police and Fire Departments throughout Southern California compete in a friendly competition to see which Badge-Carrying Personnel, Family and Friends can donate the most blood and ultimately save the most lives.
On September 11, 2009, we received a handwritten letter from a Ms. Emily P. of Mission Viejo. Her letter states:
"Dear Police Officers! My name is Emily P. I am going to second grade. I wanted to say thank you for protecting our homes."
Anna MacKenzie from American Airlines wrote a letter of commendation for the following Airport Operations Division members:
Sergeant Dave Manley, Deputy Lionel Luna, Deputy Scott Vanover, Deputy Richard Leonard, Sheriff's Special Officer Dan Truong and Sheriff's Special Officer Charles Volkel. MacKenzie wrote: "I would like to thank the members of the Airport Operations Division who donated their time to help make Operation Snowflake a success and a lasting memory for our Snowball Express families!
The picnic will now be a yearly event, so we can continue to honor and bring some joy to the surviving spouses and children of our fallen U.S. military personnel. Snowball Express is the charity for the children of our fallen military heroes. We started in 2006 with a simple idea: Provide hope and new memories to the children of our fallen military heroes who died while on active duty since September 11, 2001. As a Nation, we are blessed. We owe it to these children to do something special and nothing is better than meeting someone who is just like you."
CSO Carrie Murray of San Clemente Police Services received a letter of thanks from Alyssa B. for returning her lost camera.
Miss B. said she spent over $1,000 of her babysitting money for her camera and it is one of the most important things in the world to her. She inadvertently left the camera on the beach and was excited to find out CSO Murray found the camera and returned it to her.
Miss B. said, "Your honesty means a huge amount to me and I think that life will reward you for that eventually."
Lieutenant Paul D'Auria of San Clemente Police Services received a phone call from Don H. of Sea Pointe Estates. Mr. H. called to commend Deputy Sherri Gilman for the manner in which she handled a call at his residence last month. Mr. H. said he had arrived home late one evening from a trip out of state. He was exhausted and left his vehicle parked outside, leaving the doors unlocked. The vehicle was ransacked later that evening and Deputy Gilman responded to take the report. Mr. H. said Deputy Gilman was very professional and helpful and feels she is a real asset to the Orange County Sheriff's Department and San Clemente Police Services.
Lynn Woods from the San Clemente Chamber of Commerce recently sent a letter of commendation and appreciation to Sergeant Nancy Gafner of San Clemente Police Services for her work in making the annual Street Fiesta a success. This event attracts over 40,000 people and with Sgt. Gafner organizing and preparing the security for the event, the Fiesta was a safe, family-friendly event for all attendees. Ms. Wood wrote, "I have worked with San Clemente Police Services on many Chamber of Commerce events, however the Fiesta is a major event that needs the strong direction of a law enforcement leader. Sgt. Gafner is that leader and without her direction, this event could not continue to be as successful as it has been since she has coordinated the law enforcement services."
Office Technician Leo Figueroa of Airport Operations Division received a letter of commendation from passenger Terri K., who is a teacher for Odessa High School in Washington. K. wrote: "While returning home with 16 students, one of the student's laptops was left behind. I contacted the Sheriff's Lost and Found and was relieved to find out the laptop was safe. Because of Leo's help, the laptop arrived in perfect condition!"
On September 3, 2009, Kristin Kvesic from the Orange County Food Bank wrote a letter thanking the Airport Operations Division for a recent food donation. Kvesic wrote: "Because of your efforts, we collected over 114 pounds of much needed food for the County Food Bank. We would like to thank Sheriff's Special Officer Sterling Young for delivering the food to us and to all of those who participated in the food drive. Many will benefit from your generosity!"
Cash Awards up to $250 are being offered this year to top performers at this year's Survive & Thrive 5k Run/Walk.
2009 Survive & Thrive 5k Run / Walk
Health & Safety Expo
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base,
Los Alamitos , CA
For Details click here
From the Crime Survivor's Website
About the Cause
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.
Proceeds to Benefit
Monies RAISED from the Annual Crime Survivors 5k Run / Walk -- Health & Safety Expo will benefit the following Crime Survivors, Inc. Programs.
  • Victim Emergency Bags
• Resource Guides
• Let’s meet Officer Frank Books
• What’s Happening in Court Books
• Web Site
• Self Defense & Safety Classes
• Safety Kits & Safety Book
• Giving Thanks Campaign
• Thanksgiving Meal Baskets
• Christmas Meal Baskets
• National Crime Victim’s Rights Week
• Awards Banquet • Miniature Golf Tournament
• Run Walk Health & Safety Expo
• Survivors Gift Drive & Elf’s Holly Day
Victim Emergency Bags
Victim Emergency Bags are provided to victims / survivors of crimes and will be distributed through Police Departments, Fire Departments, Ambulance and all medical, in addition by non profit organizations assisting victims / survivors of crimes.
Resource Guides
Our goal is to develop, print and distribute Victim Resource Guides to each law enforcement vehicle in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California. The Resources Guides will include contact information for all organizations that provide services to crime victims in each county. Law enforcement officers, who are usually the first on the scene of a crime, can then provide the Resource Guide to crime victims at their critical time of need.
Let’s Meet Officer Frank Books
In partnership with author Officer Frank Caruso, Crime Survivors’ goal is to purchase
and distribute copies of Let’s Meet Officer Frank to libraries, daycare centers, police departments, and other children’s services centers in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. This popular children’s book, with its affirming message, focuses on the human aspects of law enforcement, helping children understand the important, positive role that public service has on their lives. Such awareness can lead to a greater knowledge and respect for fellow citizens, which in turn can help prevent future crime and violence.
Lieutenant Michael Mullen is the first member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in seven years to graduate from POST’s Command College.
The 18 month course operating under the auspices of the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards & Training, is designed to prepare law enforcement leaders of today for the challenges of the future.
“We went away for one week every other month for a year and then we were off for six months to study and write our thesis,” said Lt. Mullen, second in command of the Department’s Airport Operations Division.
His thesis was the Role of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in the Sheriff’s Department of the Future. He sees the tool, now used extensively by the military in the War on Terror, as having growing importance in the coming years as a part of the Sheriff’s Air Support capability.
“They’ll be used in emergency operations and surveillance. They will continue to take on a growing role,” said Lieutenant Mullen.
He said the admission process to the course was one of the toughest screenings he has undergone in his career. He was admitted along with 20 other law enforcement managers from all over the state, including two Commanders from Santa Ana and a Lieutenant from Buena Park.
“I believe the Command College has given me the skills and knowledge to anticipate and prepare for the future of the Sheriff’s Department. It has validated a lot of my existing beliefs,” Lt. Mullen said.
He said one of the benefits of the course was the experience of working closely with highly motivated police managers from across the state.
In addition to his duties at the airport, Lt. Mullen was assigned to a special investigations team during the time he was attending the Command College.
“It was a great experience in multi-tasking,” he said. “All of us in the course were ordered to put our Blackberry on “Command College mode,” which meant off. During the breaks we would all be on the Blackberry answering important messages.”
He said that the Department will benefit from his experience because he will use what he learned in mentoring sergeants and deputies who he works closely with everyday.
“The Command College validated my belief in ‘a servant leadership’ philosophy. That is one in which you strive to make a difference at the lowest level of your command, you do the best you can and you know that when you leave it is better than it was when you first showed up.”
Lieutenant Chuck Wilmot, in the process of transferring from Chief of Police Services for Rancho Santa Margarita to command the S.A.F.E. Bureau, is currently attending Command College and is due to graduate in May. No other Department members are now enrolled in the program.
To learn more about the Command College click here.
Supervising Radio Dispatcher Karen Daly
Karen Daly was interviewed by KUCI's Mari Frank and she gave tips for public on when to call 911 and how to most effectively call in an emergency.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens joined Aliso Viejo Mayor Donald Garcia and other officials from the city and the Department to introduce Chief of Police Services Lieutenant Bob Osborne to city residents.
“When I first took office I went around to all of the City Managers to find out if we were doing our job, if there were issues,” Sheriff Hutchens said at the meeting. “I got nothing but accolades about what the men and women in the contract cities are doing.”
Patrol Operations Division Commander Mark Billings said, “We tailor our contract police services exactly the same as if you had own police force. We find we all become one family. Deputies who come here to Aliso Viejo become members of your community. At least that is what we strive for. “
Lt. Osborne at microphone with Sheriff Hutchens and Capt. Billings
Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager
He then introduced the guest of honor, Lieutenant Osborne, appointed to serve as Aliso Viejo Chief in April 2009.
Lt. Osborne noted that there was a small turnout and remarked that is probably a sign that most residents are content with their police services and he then proceeded to explain why.
“An interesting fact is that almost every city created in California in the last 50 years has become a contract city. It’s kind of a trend as to how things are going now.”
He explained that the Sheriff’s contract with the city combines the advantages of a small town police force with a large regional law enforcement agency.
It includes a motorcycle Deputy who is known by his first name in the community and a SWAT unit and Search and Rescue Team that have been deployed in Aliso Viejo in recent weeks due to separate incidents of a barricaded man and a missing woman. More...
This is the second year that Sandra Alsman of the Support Services Division collected cash donations and "pink" yogurt lids from personnel for The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Those who made contributions received "pink ribbon" pins and cookies (donated by: Cookies by Vicky). To help raise cancer awareness, division personnel had a "Passionately Pink" day on Friday, September 25, 2009.
To read the Orange County Register Story on the "Race for the Cure" click here.
Deputy Juan Viramontes, of Transit Police Bureau ensures bus riders have a safe journey.
He was honored this week at the Orange County Transit Authority Board of Directors meeting.
To hear Deputy Viramontes and other OCTA workers talk about the honor of recognition click here and then click the audio icon.
Local news reports this evening documented the actions of a team of Deputies to save the life of a man threatening to jump from a 7th floor rooftop. Here is the Orange County Register's story and an accompanying video.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Deputies grab man threatening to jump from structure
San Juan Capistrano man had been reported missing by his wife, officials say.
By SALVADOR HERNANDEZ
The Orange County Register
MISSION VIEJO – Using discreet gestures to communicate with each other, deputies ended a tense hour-long standoff at the top of a hospital’s parking structure today with a man threatening to jump.
Three deputies grabbed and pulled the apparently suicidal man away from the edge of the seven-story parking structure at Mission Hospital this morning, capturing the rescue on a video camera mounted in one of the patrol cars.
Deputy Ed Macias of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said he tried to talk the man down for almost 30 minutes, discussing his problems and his options, while the man swung back and forth at the edge of the structure, roughly 70 feet from the ground.
“I told him I wasn’t there to hurt him, and I wanted to know why he was so angry,” Macias said.
To see the rest of the story and a video click here.
Cash Awards up to $250 are being offered this year to top performers at this year's Survive & Thrive 5k Run/Walk.
2009 Survive & Thrive 5k Run / Walk
Health & Safety Expo
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base,
Los Alamitos , CA
For Details click here
From the Crime Survivor's Website
About the Cause
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.
Proceeds to Benefit
Monies RAISED from the Annual Crime Survivors 5k Run / Walk -- Health & Safety Expo will benefit the following Crime Survivors, Inc. Programs.
• Victim Emergency Bags
• Resource Guides
• Let’s meet Officer Frank Books
• What’s Happening in Court Books
• Web Site
• Self Defense & Safety Classes
• Safety Kits & Safety Book
• Giving Thanks Campaign
• Thanksgiving Meal Baskets
• Christmas Meal Baskets
• National Crime Victim’s Rights Week
• Awards Banquet • Miniature Golf Tournament
• Run Walk Health & Safety Expo
• Survivors Gift Drive & Elf’s Holly Day
Victim Emergency Bags
Victim Emergency Bags are provided to victims / survivors of crimes and will be distributed through Police Departments, Fire Departments, Ambulance and all medical, in addition by non profit organizations assisting victims / survivors of crimes.
Resource Guides
Our goal is to develop, print and distribute Victim Resource Guides to each law enforcement vehicle in Los Angeles County and Orange County, California. The Resources Guides will include contact information for all organizations that provide services to crime victims in each county. Law enforcement officers, who are usually the first on the scene of a crime, can then provide the Resource Guide to crime victims at their critical time of need.
Let’s Meet Officer Frank Books
In partnership with author Officer Frank Caruso, Crime Survivors’ goal is to purchase
and distribute copies of Let’s Meet Officer Frank to libraries, daycare centers, police departments, and other children’s services centers in Los Angeles and Orange Counties, California. This popular children’s book, with its affirming message, focuses on the human aspects of law enforcement, helping children understand the important, positive role that public service has on their lives. Such awareness can lead to a greater knowledge and respect for fellow citizens, which in turn can help prevent future crime and violence.
Deputies caught vandals painting Swastikas and racial slurs on a Lake Forest Elementary School in a rare incident of Hate Crime in south county.
The story was reported by the Orange County Register's Erika I. Ritchie.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Swastikas and racial slurs painted at elementary school
Sheriff's deputies arrest four; fifth person sought.
By ERIKA I. RITCHIE
The Orange County Register
LAKE FOREST A Rancho Santa Margarita man and three Mission Viejo teens were arrested early this morning after swastikas and racial slurs were spray-painted on Foothill Ranch Elementary School, police said.
School neighbors called police about 11 p.m. Friday and responding deputies saw several people spray-painting graffiti at the back of the school, said Sheriff’s Lt. Don Barnes, the city’s chief of police services.
“They painted swastikas and white power racial slurs on the walls, windows, doors and grounds of the school,” Barnes said. “Everything was painted in white supremacy-type statements.”
The group fled to nearby Foothill Ranch Towne Centre. Deputies eventually arrested two teens at a hamburger stand, Thomson Vo, 19, from Rancho Santa Margarita, and a 16-year-old boy from Mission Viejo. Vo was booked into Men’s Central Jail and the juvenile was taken to Juvenile Hall., Barnes said. Both will be charged with felony vandalism and hate crimes, he said.
About 8 a.m., deputies arrested two more teens – a 15-year-old boy from Mission Viejo and a 17-year-old boy from Mission Viejo. A fifth person is believed to have been involved, Barnes said.
Barnes said that hate crimes like this are rare in southern Orange County.
To read the full story click here:
To read the story on the capture of the fifth suspect click here:
We salute the men and women of the U.S. Marshals Service, the oldest law enforcement agency in the United States. The U.S. Marshals are celebrating their 220th anniversary, established with the authorization of none other than President George Washington.
We have a contingent of U.S. Marshals right down the street from Sheriff's Headquarters, working in the Ronald Reagan Federal Courthouse.
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For Immediate Release
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Contact: |
| September 23, 2009 |
U.S. Marshal James M. Wahlrab (614) 469-5540 |
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U.S. Marshals Service – Protecting Americans for 220 Years
The 220th Anniversary of the United States Marshals Service
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 James M. Wahlrab, United States Marshal for the Southern District of Ohio, is proud to announce the 220th Anniversary of the United States Marshals Service on September 24, 2009. The United States Marshals Service is our nation’s oldest and most versatile federal law enforcement agency, who occupies a unique and valued position in our country’s history, and in our criminal justice system. The dedication and perseverance exhibited by United States Marshals Service employees during the past 220 years can be described by one general theme, “Longevity does not breed success. Success breeds longevity.”
As part of the Judiciary Act, approved by Congress on September 24, 1789, entitled, “An Act to establish the Judicial Court of the United States”, the Act directed the appointment of United States Marshals to support the new federal court system, and launched the United States Marshals Service. Established on September 24, 1789, when President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act into law, the U.S. Marshals Service has grown from the 13 original U.S. Marshals to a force of 4,700 dedicated employees carrying out missions as varied as apprehending fugitives, housing and transporting prisoners, protecting witnesses and federal judges, and managing and selling seized assets.
During the past 220 years, United States Marshals and their Deputies have executed warrants, distributed presidential proclamations, registered enemy aliens in time of war, helped conduct the national census, protected the President and the Federal Courts, provided for the custody and transportation of federal prisoners, maintained and disposed of seized and forfeited properties, ensured the safe conduct of judicial proceedings, protected Federal Judges, jurors and other members of the Federal Judiciary, provided for the security of federal courthouses, and of federal witnesses, and directed and coordinated regional, state and local fugitive task forces to apprehend dangerous fugitives.
In conjunction with this historic event, the Honorable Ted Strickland, Governor of the State of Ohio, has officially recognized September 24, 2009 to be “U.S. Marshals Day” in Ohio, by Proclamation, and encourages all to join in this observance.
In addition, Ohio United States Senator Sherrod Brown and United States Congresswoman Marcia L. Fudge have also extended official Proclamations and Commendations to the United States Marshals Service recognizing this historical date.
United States Marshals and Deputies have served in Ohio since the early 1790’s, with offices located with the federal courts in Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Cleveland, Toledo, Akron and Youngstown. In the early 1900’s, the state of Ohio was divided into northern and southern federal districts, and the current Southern District of Ohio houses U.S. Marshals and the federal court system in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Dayton, and is comprised of the lower 48 counties in Ohio.
United States Marshal James Wahlrab proudly notes, “The operational and administrative personnel in the Southern District of Ohio continue to uphold our priorities of justice, integrity, and service with dedication and utmost professionalism. We proudly serve our diverse communities and celebrate the rich history forged by our predecessors. As we set our priorities for the future, we recognize we can not be successful without the support and cooperation of our judiciary, Court Security Officers, fugitive task force partners, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, and most importantly, the citizens we serve on a daily basis, not only in Southern Ohio, but throughout the entire country.”
For current information on the United States Marshals Service, including historical information, the Top-15 Fugitives List, qualifications, recruiting and employment opportunities, and current assignments, please refer to our website: www.usmarshals.gov.
Attachments:
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America’s Oldest Federal Law Enforcement Agency
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More than 50 Deputies, Firefighters, Lifeguards and Ambulance crew members joined forces last week to sharpen their skills at responding to a multiple casualty accident on the water.
Photos by Professional Services Responder George Ridley
Harbor Patrol and Duke, Firefighters from Newport Beach, Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, along with Newport Beach Lifeguards all worked together to pull 10 simulated victims from the water after a report that two boats had collided in Newport Harbor.
The Daily Pilot published a story on the exercise.
Quickening the safety response
Sheriff Harbor Patrol, lifeguards and firefighters have to work together when an emergency call goes out.
By Joseph Serna
Updated: Thursday, September 17, 2009 9:11 PM PDT
The call went out over harbor patrol emergency airwaves at 10:12 a.m. Thursday.
There was a boat accident in Newport Harbor and everyone was in the water. Nothing else, no details on how many people were injured or dead, and no idea of where to go.
It’s the type of call police, lifeguards and the Orange County Sheriff Harbor Patrol know they could get if there was a mass-casualty incident they need to be ready for.
Luckily, the call Thursday was only part of a drill between the harbor patrol and Newport Beach firefighters and lifeguards.
To see the complete Daily Pilot story click here.
The rescue fleet on the scene
For more pictures click More...
Sheriff's Department sponsored Law Enforcment Explorer Post 449 was honored on Friday with the William H. Spurgeon III Award. Also honored was Deputy Gregg Surrell, as 2009 Advisor of the Year and Sheriff's Explorer Oscar Gutierrez with a Meritorious Action Award. Sheriff's Explorers Adam Hack, Amanda McCarthy, Lex Ogan and Frank Salgado were honored at the Spurgeon ceremony with Young American Awards.
Undersheriff John Scott accepts the Spurgeon Award on behalf of Post 449
Photos by Department photographer Jerry Manson
Sheriff's contingent at the award ceremony
To view information on Post 449 click: history b Scan008.pdf (78.35 kb) and history b 2 Scan001.pdf (64.77 kb)
To view information on Explorers Hack and McCarthy click: hack and mccarthy Scan007.pdf (133.35 kb)
To view information on Explorers click: ogan and salgado Scan006.pdf (92.00 kb)
To view information on Explorer Oscar Gutierrez click: gutierrez Scan003.pdf (89.67 kb)
To view information on Deputy Gregg Surrell click: advisor Scan005.pdf (85.96 kb)
To view a Board of Supervisors Resolution honoring Explorer Post 449 click: 50th_Anniversary_of_Explorer_Post449.pdf (26.17 kb)
To see the rest of the pictures click: More...
The Orange County Sheriff's Department Emergency Operations Center was activated at 0900 hours on Tuesday, September 22 and the activation is expected to remain in force until 2100 hours on Thursday, September 24th unless weather conditions change or an extension is warranted.
The activation is in cooperation with the Orange County Fire Authority and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The Orange County Sheriff's Department serves as the Region 1 Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Coordinator and the center will coordinate monitoring for smoke and fire during the ongoing Red Flag Warning in Region 1 (Los Angeles and Orange Counties).
Deputy Stu Thomsen patrols unincorporated areas of North Orange County and is known as the "go to guy" on the North Operations Bike Patrol Team.
What some may not know about Deputy Thomsen is that to a whole generation of BMX racing enthusiasts, he went by the name of "Stompin' Stu Thomsen." In a recent article in Garage Magazine he is described as the one everybody in BMX racing wanted to be like. He is a living legend.
Stompin' Stu Thomsen
Photos by Courtney Halloway and courtesy of Garage Magazine
Deputy Stu Thomsen
Board of Supervisors Chair Patricia C. Bates relaunched ReadyOC this week; a formidable tool in preparing Orange County for an emergency. Participating in the Chair's press conference was Donna Boston, the manager of the Department's Emergency Management Bureau.
September is National Preparedness Month, a time for all to assess whether they are ready for fire or earthquakes, floods or other natural and man-made disasters.
For more information go to http://www.readyoc.org/
Here is the information sheet released at the Preparedness press conference.
ReadyOC Unveils Web-Based Campaign to Urge and Empower Residents
and Businesses to Prepare for Major Emergencies
Part of OC’s Largest Emergency Preparedness Initiative, ReadyOC.org Provides Readiness
Tools and Resources for Responding to Earthquakes, Wildfires, Terrorism and More
SANTA ANA, CA, Sept. 15, 2009 – ReadyOC, Orange County’s largest disaster preparedness initiative, today unveiled a new web-based campaign to educate and empower residents and businesses to prepare for and respond to emergencies using resources available at ReadyOC.org.
With nearly 80 percent of county residents reporting they are not prepared for a major emergency, ReadyOC.org provides individuals and organizations with access to the step-by-step advice and tools they need to be ready for earthquakes, wildfires, flooding, terrorism and other disaster situations. This initiative is administered jointly through the Santa Ana and Anaheim police departments as part of the Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI), a grant program funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
The relaunch of ReadyOC.org, which debuted in November 2006, was formally announced this morning by Orange County Fifth District Supervisor and Board Chair Patricia C. Bates at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
“Preparedness is the cornerstone of emergency readiness, and what we do now will determine what our lives will be like after a major disaster,” said Bates, a long-time emergency preparedness activist and a supporter of the ReadyOC initiative. Bates also announced a proclamation recognizing September 2009 as “National Preparedness Month for the County of Orange.”
“We urge everyone in the county to actively pursue emergency preparedness by going to ReadyOC.org,” she added. “The site offers the resources you need to quickly and easily make a plan, get an emergency kit together and stay informed with real-time emergency information.”
ReadyOC.org features live breaking news, information about emergency preparedness classes, training and events, videos and downloads, access to Twitter, FaceBook and YouTube channels, emergency kit checklists, family planning tools, online games for kids, and more. The interactive site also includes links to local, regional and national emergency preparedness and response resources.
Content is provided in both English and Spanish.
About ReadyOC
ReadyOC is a public service campaign funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI) aimed at educating and empowering Orange County residents, businesses and the community to better prepare for any kind of natural, health or man-made threat. Through http://www.readyoc.org/, the goal is to get local residents and businesses better prepared for a variety of emergency situations that could impact the county, and also to offer opportunities for concerned citizens to get involved with area readiness efforts. Working together, everyone can make a difference in creating awareness, motivating preparedness and encouraging involvement.
There are 16 intelligence agencies that form the Intelligence Community of the United States. Wonder what they have planned for the next four years? Well not all of it is secret. The Director of National Intelligence yesterday released to the public the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy.
Here is what the government has released:
The Director of National Intelligence Dennis C. Blair today unveiled the 2009 National Intelligence Strategy – the blueprint that will drive the priorities for the nation’s 16 intelligence agencies over the next 4 years. The National Intelligence Strategy (NIS) is one of the most important documents for the Intelligence Community (IC) as it lays out the strategic environment, sets priorities and objectives, and guides current and future decisions on budgets, acquisitions, and operations.
“This strategy advances our original, founding directive to achieve an Intelligence Community that is integrated and collaborative. But it really goes much further than that. It reflects a more refined understanding of the threats we face and how we’ll combat them. In describing our objectives, it prescribes methods for achieving them that can only be carried out by an Intelligence Community that is agile, adaptive, and united. Most importantly, it recognizes that national security hinges on good intelligence and it provides me with the tools I need to monitor performance and ensure accountability,” Blair said.
The National Intelligence Strategy lays out the strategic environment – challenges the U.S. faces not only from other nations and non-state actors, but also from global trends related to forces like economics, the environment, emerging technology, and pandemic disease. It identifies four IC-wide goals to: enable wise national security policies, support national security actions, deliver top-notch capabilities, and operate as a team. Finally, it explains the IC’s objectives – what the IC intends to accomplish (6 mission objectives) and how the IC will accomplish them (enterprise objectives).
The 6 “mission objectives” are: 1) Combat Violent Extremism; 2) Counter WMD Proliferation; 3) Provide Strategic Intelligence and Warning; 4) Integrate Counterintelligence capabilities; 5) Enhance Cybersecurity; and 6) Support Current Operations (ongoing U.S. diplomatic, military, and law enforcement operations).
The 7 “enterprise objectives” are: 1) Enhance Community Mission Management; 2) Strengthen Partnerships; 3) Streamline Business Processes; 4) Improve Information Integration & Sharing; 5) Advance S&T/R&D; 6) Develop the Workforce; and 7) Improve Acquisition.
“Guided by the NIS, we will succeed by harnessing our skills, work ethic, courage, and creativity. I am confident that we will become an even more agile, adaptive, and united community. And, we will operate at all times under the rule of law, respectful of privacy, civil liberties, and human rights,” Blair concluded.
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence, now in its fourth year, oversees the coordination and integration of the16 federal organizations that make up the Intelligence Community. The DNI sets the priorities for and manages the implementation of the National Intelligence Program. Additionally, the DNI serves as the principal adviser to the president and the National Security Council on all intelligence issues related to national security.
To read the 24-page 2009 National Intelligence Strategy, click: 2009 National Intelligence Strategy 2009_NIS.pdf (5.73 mb)
To see the NIS Fact Sheet, click: 2009_NIS_Fact_Sheet.pdf (877.40 kb)
To see Frequently Asked Questions about National Intelligence Strategy click: 2009_NIS_FAQ.pdf (36.26 kb)
The Orange County Register reported on the 9/11 Memorial at the Nixon Library in Yorba Linda, where Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was the keynote speaker.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Sheriff reminds Orange County to be 'ever vigilant'
Hundreds gather at Nixon Library for 9-11 memorial event.
YORBA LINDA — While cautioning that Americans should never forget the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, several speakers during a memorial event on Friday urged the crowd of several hundred to be mindful of current and future terrorist threats.
Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens quoted President Lincoln, who during his turbulent time in office, noted: "' The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate to the stormy present. … As our case is new, so we must think anew, and act anew.'"
Before becoming appointed as Orange County's sheriff last year, Hutchens served as Los Angeles County's homeland security chief.
Hutchens said important lessons have been learned since the events eight years ago, and positive changes made, such as dropping the jurisdictional barriers that once separated law enforcement agencies.
Now, she said, "we work together with the collective purpose to protect American from attack. We do this in honor of our heroes. … We must remain ever vigilant and never forget our vulnerability."
The Stanton Police Department was formed when the city incorporated in 1956 and the department moved in to the current Police Services building in 1971.
The Sheriff’s Department occupied the building in 1988, when the city disbanded their police department and contracted with the Sheriff for police services. The need for renovations was recognized almost at once but they were not begun for 19 years. One of the hallmarks of the renovation is the conversion of the old city jail into a locker room for Deputies.
Photos by Sheriff's Photographer Jerry Manson
A reopening ceremony took place earlier this month and was attended by Stanton Mayor Al Ethans, Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and a large number of officials and representatives from both organizations along with invited guests from the community.
The city’s contract with the Department currently stands at $8.6 million. More...
Sparks flying from a car skidding by caught the attention of Deputy Thomas Spratt and Reserve Deputy Mark Flotho.
They had just exited the 5 Freeway at Alicia Parkway in Mission Viejo and the car, shooting sparks and billowing smoke, was on the other side of the center median, headed toward Laguna Hills at around 60-miles per hour.
By the time the two members of the August 28 Avoid the Ten DUI Task Force were able to make a U-turn around the median, the car had vanished, leaving behind a telltale trail of smoke.
Deputy Spratt accelerated to about 90 miles per hour and turned on his emergency lights. He gave chase until he caught up to the suspect car at as red light on Paseo de Valencia.
“He almost hit a car at the light,” said Deputy Spratt. “We pulled up behind him and were about to get out when the light changed and he took off again.” More...
The Orange County Register reported on Sheriff Sandra Hutchens telling Laguna Beach women to be vigilant against crime.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Sheriff urges watchfulness with Laguna Beach group
Sandra Hutchens says she's seeking staff cooperation in saving taxpayer money.
By CLAUDIA KOERNER
The Orange County Register
LAGUNA BEACH - Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens today cautioned Laguna Beach's Playhouse Women against becoming complacent about Orange County's reputation as a safe community.
Locking doors, removing valuables from cars and watching what's going on in neighborhoods will take away opportunities for crime, she said.
"We have to be vigilant," she said at a luncheon. "We can't be complacent about our safety."
The luncheon and question session was among several the Playhouse Women present each year The group, created in 2007, fundraises for the non-profit Laguna Playhouse. In the last year and a half, the group has raised $25,000, which charter member Deborah Mayhew calls "a great start." Thursday's lunch raised additional funds and also gave the club members a chance to get together.
"I think women are very interested in hearing what she has to say," Mayhew said of the sheriff. "She certainly has a huge job."
Hutchens spoke to about 70 women at the Pacific Club in Newport Beach about the state of the department and her goals.
"Right now, we've got to make our cuts like everyone else," she said, adding later that she's seeking to get each of her employees involved in looking for ways the office can be more efficient and effective.
To see the full Register story click here.
Investigators Jeff Brown and Sandy Longnecker of the Special Victims Detail were recently commended by Senior Chaplain Ken Schlenker, on behalf of the National Center for Chaplain Development (NCCD), the Joyful Child Foundation (TJCF), and radKIDS, for their support and encouragement before and during the KidSafety 360 event on Monday, August 14, 2009. He wrote, "Their presentation was invaluable to the community members in attendance, who had a myriad of questions for them at the end of their comments. They are to be commended as both are not only a credit to the Orange County Sheriff Department but also to the citizens they serve. I personally feel extremely privileged to have had the opportunity to work with them on this project." Mr. Mark Taylor, Human Resources/Risk Management Administrator for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita, shared with Lieutenant Chuck Wilmot an email he recently received from city resident Ms. L. K.:
"I wanted to share with you to pass along to the city representatives how thoroughly impressed I am with the Sheriff's Deputies representing our city. As you know, I had an attempted burglary at my home last week, which luckily was thwarted by my alarm and the quick response from the Deputies. At approximately 2:30 a.m. on Friday, August 14 the alarm was set off when they tampered with the telephone box on the service side of my house and drilling the front door.
I was in Dana Point when I got the call from the alarm company and I arrived exactly 30 minutes after that call. There were 3 cars at my house, 2 Deputies and a Sergeant. They were very thorough, kind and calming. They were very responsive and helpful as this was a scary situation for me. They arranged to have the CSI team to come that morning to gather evidence. She was also very helpful.
I received a follow up call today from the Lead Investigator to let me know they had someone in custody that they believe was involved in my incident. They are going to investigate further and follow up with me. This is such a relief and I am so appreciative for their wonderful understanding of the impact this type of situation has on a citizen."
This was truly a team effort and great police work leading to an arrest and burglary charges by Sergeant H. Watson, Investigators T. Russ, A. Salceda, A. Carroll and Deputies M. Duda, M. Shea, W. Fountas, and J. Dietrich. On July 24, 2009, Lieutenant Bill Griffin of the South Operations Division received a letter from Dawn Foor, Supervisor of Sexual Assault Victim Services, commending Deputy Jorge Marquez and Deputy Manny Ramirez of South Patrol. Foor praised Deputy Marquez and Deputy Ramirez for demonstrating an extremely high level of compassion and patience in working with a victim. Foor said, "We were impressed Deputy Marquez's and Deputy Ramirez's knowledge of the dynamics of a sexual assault and dealing with the victim. Deputy Marquez's and Deputy Ramirez's care and concern for the victim helped ensure the highest level of cooperation possible, and we are so appreciative of the support and understanding they provided."On August 5, 2009, Sergeant Lisa Von Nordheim received correspondence from R. Y., a resident of Laguna Woods, commending Deputy James Porras of the South Operations Division. Ms. Youngblood praised Deputy Porras for his caring and empathetic demeanor while handling an incident at her home. She said that Deputy Porras was professional and helped her get through a difficult situation.
Sheriff Sandra Hutchens recently recognized the National Association of Counties Awards given to the Department for excellence in the T.A.G.R.S. program and the DNA lab staff for their case management achievements.
Sheriff Hutchens with T.A.G.R.S. Team
Sheriff Hutchens with DNA Case Management Team
In a related development, the City of Lake Elsinore just praised it's participation in T.A.G.R.S.
Here is an excerpt:
To do it right, the City’s Graffiti Task Force first studied what other cities have done to deter and reduce graffiti vandalism successfully. Increasing communication between the Lake Elsinore Police Department, Public Works, Parks & Recreation, Code Enforcement and Information Technology Divisions, and boosting cooperation with schools and local utilities, is the first lesson learned by the Graffiti Task Force. Proposing a graffiti action plan to guide the City's anti-graffiti efforts
was accomplished earlier this year.
The plan incorporates new technology in the fight against graffiti vandalism. For example, City crews will use new data devices to photograph, detail and submit incident reports electronically into a graffiti database.
This powerful database was developed by the Orange County Sheriff and Coroner’s Department for tracking and compiling evidence against taggers and
other vandals.
To view the Lake Elsinore article click: OutlookWebV9N2[2].pdf (753.76 kb)
To see the Department Blog story on the National Association of Counties award for T.A.G.R.S. click here.
For the Department Blog story on the National Association of Counties Award for the DNA Case Managment Program click here.
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