The Orange County Election Ballots were once again secured by the Department's Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders. Lieutenant Roger Neumeister said that 68 Reserves and 4 PSRs took part in the Election Night operation. The Reserves and PSRs provided security while ballots, both electronic and paper, were transported form polling locations all over the county to the central location where the ballots were stored.

Lt. Neumeister estimated that the use of Reserves and PSRs for the detail saved the county about $35,000 in overtime costs.

Professional Services Responder Sam Haddad has received the Presidential Service Lifetime Achievement Award for donating  4,497 volunteer hours to the Department.

He works in a variety of assignments for the Department, including High Tech Support, John Wayne Airport, and Harbor Patrol, He also works in the Lost Kids Booth at the Orange County Fair and as an actor in disaster drills. He also trains members of the Hazardous Devices Unit.

He is an expert in Islamic Terrorism and Culture and trains members of the Department and other law enforcement agencies in “Roots of Terrorism.”

Haddad also volunteers for the Citizens Patrol in the City of Villa Park. He speaks 17 languages and dialects, has two grown children and five grandchildren.
He has owned Austin Aerospace since 1993 and sells aircraft parts all over the world.

Photos by Professional Services Responder George Ridley

He was one of 104 PSRs who received Presidential Volunteer Service Awards last week at the Orange County Rescue Mission’s Village of Hope in Tustin. The Mission’s facility is run by PSR Jim Palmer.

On hand to present the awards was Alison T. Young, Special Assistant to the President and Acting Director of the White House Office of USA Freedom Corps.

“President Bush said on many occasions that the great strength of our nation lies in the hearts and souls of the American People. And he often repeats the admonition, ‘to whom much is given, much is required,’” she told those gathered for the award presentation.

 “President Bush called on all Americans to commit their lives to serving a cause bigger than themselves. Americans across the country are answering that call. You are among the almost 61 million people that dedicated their time to volunteering last year.

“The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is an award created to thank and honor Americans like you who through their continued commitment and example inspire and engage others in volunteer service. Truly the greatest privilege of my job is to learn about and know the extraordinary acts of kindness from Americans of all ages, races and genders for doing extraordinary things simply by giving of themselves.” More...

The Orange County Register has reported on the "Is Your Teen At Risk?" forum in Rancho Santa Margarita, a program in which the Sheriff's Department is deeply involved.  If you link the the whole story, please note that Josh Money is a Reserve Deputy. The Register also ran a slide show ofthe presentation with their story.  

By JOHN CRANDALL
The Orange County Register
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RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – Online videos detailing how to create hallucinogens, Web sites enabling sexual predators to snare victims and cell phones acting as inventory lists to keep track of drug sales.

These were just some of the dangers that parents and adolescents learned about at the "Is Your Teen at Risk?" forum at the Bell Tower Regional Community Center.

To read the whole story and view the slide show click here.

The rescue of a 61-year old Rancho Santa Margarita woman who lay injured on the bed of Tijeras Creek for three days was the result of persistance and hard work by Sheriff's Deputies, Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders.

Reserve Sergeant Michael Losquadro gives an account below.

The Orange County Register reports on extended search for missing woman.

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA – A 61-year-old Rancho Santa Margarita woman who disappeared after an argument with her husband has been found alive in the Tijeras Creek bed after spending more than three days alone in the countryside.

The woman suffered broken bones, including a broken arm, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

To read the whole story click here.

KCBS2 and KCAL9 had a report on the rescue also. To view it click here.

A Walk in the Canyon
By Reserve Sergeant Michael Losquadro

What started as an argument between a Rancho Santa Margarita husband and a wife, and ended up a life and death situation for a local resident.  After a brief argument Saturday morning, October 12th, Sirpa Lee left her home for a walk in the nearby Tijeras Creek.  She left her mobile phone, took no food, water or normal hiking supplies.  Ms. Lee often went to this wilderness area, and expected to return before sundown.  When she didn’t return, her husband and family members became concerned and called the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

What followed was a three day ordeal for Ms. Lee as frustrated deputies, family, friends and civilian volunteers scoured the nearby hiking trails and rough canyon.  More...

The Orange County Police Canine Assocation will have it's annual benefit show on Saturday, Oct. 11 starting at 6 p.m. The show is at Glover Stadium at La Palma Park,  1151 N Anaheim Blvd., in Anaheim. 

The organization's Website said this about the organization and the show:

The OCPCA is a 501(C)(3) non-profit organization comprised of law enforcement K-9 handlers who are dedicated to receiving the most current and highest quality training available.  Training is a key factor that ensures the best possible service to the community.  The OCPCA was started in 1983 by several law enforcement canine handlers in an effort to share information about the training and use of canines in law enforcement.  As the OCPCA grew, they began to host an annual canine demonstration for the public that served as a fundraiser for the OCPCA.  

In the fall of each year, the OCPCA has continued the tradition of hosting their annual canine benefit show.  At the exciting family show, you can see K-9 teams perform obedience, agility, apprehension, handler protection, explosive and narcotic detection. 

Through the benefit show, the OCPCA raises funds which are donated to assist the families of fallen officers, provide medical care for retired police K-9s, assist police departments needing to replace retired K-9s, and provide further training for K-9 teams.

For more information on the organization and the show click here:

Taffy is one of the most celebrated K-9 members of the Department, being the focus with her owner Reserve Lieutenant William Douglas of numerous news features and awards.  

To see a picture of Taffy and Lieutenant Douglas and a story that ran in South Coast Magazine click: South Coast Magazine.pdf (669.92 kb)

Here is a portion of the Press Release that was issued this week by the American Kennel Club.

 AKC HONORS OUTSTANDING DOGS WITH 2008 AKC AWARDS FOR CANINE EXCELLENCE (ACE) 

--Extraordinary Dogs Receive Top Honors for Their Contributions to the Safety and Well-being of Humankind --

New York, NY – The American Kennel Club® (AKC®) announced today the winners of the seventh AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE), the award designed to commemorate loyal, hard-working dogs that have made significant contributions to their community. The ACE is given annually to dogs in each of the following five categories: Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, Therapy, Service and Exemplary Companion Dog.

“All of this year’s ACE nominees have contributed immeasurably to the lives of individuals and communities across the country, choosing just one for each category is the hardest thing to do,” said Ronald Rella, AKC Director of Project Administration and member of the judging panel. “Whether they serve as law enforcement, search and rescue, therapy, service, or exemplary companion dogs, each nomination is a testimony to the loyalty, devotion and strength dogs give to us.”

The ACE recipients in each category will receive $1,000 and an engraved sterling-silver collar medallion at the nationally televised AKC/Eukanuba National Championship in Long Beach, California on December 13, 2008. In addition they will be honored individually at local dog shows this fall.

Search and Rescue Dog: “Taffy” owned by Lt. Douglas Williams of Laguna Niguel, CA

Taffy, an 8-year-old Bloodhound, is a faithful civil servant, who uses her skills as a scent hound by saving the lives of others. Taffy and her owner, Reserve Lieutenant Douglas Williams, volunteer for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) near Los Angeles, where Lt. Williams is the Supervisor of the Search and Rescue K9 Operations Unit. Taffy kept her community safe by helping to find lost children, Alzheimer’s patients who wandered off, and criminals on the run. She has worked on over 115 documented cases for the police, providing credible information that helped solve crimes. Taffy has had 12 walk-up finds of lost persons or criminals to her credit, a remarkable number for a search and rescue dog.

She travels with Lt. Williams across Southern California and five other states to assist law enforcement agencies and civilian search and rescue groups in training dogs. Taffy also serves as an advocate for the community and as the face of the OCSD Search and Rescue unit. She has attended over 20 community parades, visited schools for presentations with Lt. Williams, and helps raise students’ awareness about the dangers of drug use, gangs and strangers. She also has participated in numerous Boy and Girl Scout events. An ambassador for the American Bloodhound Club and Bloodhounds West, she appeared in numerous “Meet the Breed” booths, including the one at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship.

Services will be held tomorrow for Reserve Deputy Stan Kudla, who died on September 18 of heart failure.

Reserve Deputy Kudla was 65 years old when he entered the Reserve Academy and was one of the oldest individuals ever to graduate from the physically demanding program. He worked out at the gym three days a week until he was diagnosed with cancer in June.  

He was proud to be a member of the Department and his passion was serving with the Search and Rescue Team.

He was born on June 21, 1935 and graduated from Compton High School in 1954 and went on to receive an Associate’s Degree from Compton College in 1959.

From 1966 until 1994 he served as a senior account agent for Allstate Insurance.  Then he relocated to New Mexico where he served as squadron commander in the Civil Air Patrol and later joined the Angel Fire Search and Rescue Team. He also served with the New Mexico Mounted Patrol.

At age 65, he joined the Orange County Sheriff’s Department as a Reserve Deputy, graduating at an age when most people are retiring.

And he didn’t stop there; he went on to become a Level II Reserve Deputy in December 2003.

As a member of the Reserves, Deputy Kudla received numerous commendations.

He was a regular in the contingent that serves during the Swallows Day Parade in San Juan Capistrano.

He also served repeatedly as security for ballots on election night.

Last year he helped evacuate inmates from the James A. Musick Facility when it was threatened during the Santiago Fire.

Reserve Deputy Kudla did everything from helping investigators clean out a big marijuana patch near Loma Ridge to searching for hidden ordnance and helping maintain high visibility patrols at Mile Square Park.

He strived to do all that was possible to find those lost and in trouble.

There was no sign of health problems prior to June when he was diagnosed with cancer. 

The California Emergency Services Association has awarded a Certificate of Special Recognition to the Citizen Emergency Preparedness Academy run by Department Director of Crime Preventions Programs Jan Sener.  

The certificate said in part: The academy is coordinated fully through the Neighborhood Watch Program. Neighbors are encouraged o create a plan with the understanding that after a disaster there will be a strain on the resources of emergency services. Depending on the severity of the diaster, this can result in little or no available assistance from emergency services for an extended period of time. Emergency service agencies previously recommended preparation to exist for a minimum of 3 days without outside assistance. In the aftermath of Katrina, their recommendations have increased to 2 weeks and include a plan that allows them to function independently and effectively.

For the letter and certificate click here: cesa letter.pdf (116.46 kb)

With all that’s being written about the Sheriff’s Department PSR program, Sheriff Hutchens held a press conference on Monday to set the record straight.  She highlighted some the invaluable work and services the PSRs provide the Sheriff’s Department and the County, free of charge.  She also discussed her decision to have the badges returned.   

The press conference in its entirety can be seen here at Red County blog.

CBS/KCAL ran this story last night.    

FOX 11’s Chris Blatchford had this report.   

And here’s Eyewitness News’ Elieen Frere.

More than a million people attended the 2008 Orange County Fair and the Department staffed the 21-day long event with 954 shifts, including Deputies, Sergeants, Reserves and Bike Patrol Teams.

Department services were provided under contract to the 32nd District Agricultural Association of the State of California. The fair ran from July 11th through August 3 and attendance ranged from a low of 31,433 on Thursday, July 24 to a high of 70,767 on Saturday July 19th.

Photo taken at OC Fair 2008 by Deputy William Nelson

A total of 1,043,467 people attended the fair, making it the 13th largest of all of the state and county fairs in the country. There were fewer people at this year’s fair than in 2007 but this year still ranked as the third highest attendance record for the Orange County Fair.

Calls for service were up by 25 percent over 2007. Department personnel responded to 620 incidents and/or calls for service.

There were 323 incident reports written, including 124 for criminal activity. Of the 124 criminal activity reports made, 74 resulted in arrests. Of those, 69 were for misdemeanors and five for felonies.  During the 2007 Fair, there were 51 arrests, 47 misdemeanors and four felonies. In 2007, there were 199 incident reports filed at the Fair.
                               
A total of 954 shifts were staffed for the 21-day duration of the fair.  An overview of uniformed field deployment is as follows:

 544 shifts were staffed by Sergeants and Deputies assigned to operations for a total of 5,474.50 hours

 57 shifts were staffed by the Bicycle Patrol Team for a total of 456 hours.

 410 shifts were staffed by Reserve Bureau Personnel for a total of 3,068 hours.

A note from Lieutenant Roger Neumeister to the Reserve Deputies who worked hard in July:

This is the busiest time of the year for Department Reserve Deputies and our men and women turned out to fill the need.

From July 1, 2008, to the end of the Orange County Fair, August 3, 2008, Reserve Deputies worked over 550 event shifts. This represents a monetary value of approximately $275,000 to the taxpayers in Orange County. It also represents an untold value in additional public safety. Outside of the Fair duty, Reserve Deputies continued on patrol, aero missions, search and rescue call-outs, along with transportation shifts and investigations details during this busy season.

The need for Reserve Deputies was in high demand during July, not only because of the Fair but due to Independence Day activities in virtually all of our Department contract cities.

 The following Reserve Deputies worked double digit shifts during this period:

Reserve Captain Rick Olson                     14 shifts

Reserve Deputy Roger Huff                      14 shifts

Reserve Deputy Frank Weber                   12 shifts

Reserve Deputy Barry Bowyer                  11 shifts

Reserve Sergeant Don Hanson                  10 shifts

Many more Reserve Deputies worked more than the expected 3 shifts during this busy season. All who contributed to this effort should be thanked.

Thank you Reserve Deputies!

The Sheriff's order for Professional Services Responders to turn in their badges has been making news.  A news story by the Los Angeles Times and a column by the Orange County Register's Gordon Dillow show that PSRs are not happy about having to turn in their badges but seem committed to making the volunteer program the best in the country.

To read the LA Times story click here.  

To read Gordon Dillow's column click here.  

The American Bloodhound Club will honor K-9 Taffy, a member of the Department's Search and Rescue.

Taffy's handler, Reserve Lt. Doug Williams said the honor is the result of a life's work by the 8 year old hound. 

She's found numerous lost children and has helped capture a career's worth of criminals, including some who were sent to prison for murder, Lt. Williams said.

The award will be given to Taffy at a banquet in Long Beach on October 3, 2008.

Here is the criteria for the Award that will be bestowed on Taffy.  

The American Bloodhound Club
Meritorious Service Award for a Bloodhound Nomination

The American Bloodhound Club may present one "Meritorious Service Award for a Bloodhound" per year. The Bloodhound and owner chosen for this award will receive a commemorative prize. Criteria for this award shall be the performance of extraordinary service to the community by a purebred Bloodhound as documented by either American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, or other foreign registry. This service must be in the areas of volunteer search and rescue, law enforcement work, therapy work, or any other form of service achievement. Show or performance event records, including ABC mantrailing titles, are not acceptable qualifications for this award. The owner of the Bloodhound need not be an ABC member; rather, the dog and owner must have performed exemplary service to the community. Both living and deceased Bloodhounds are eligible for nomination.

The American Bloodhound Club may present one "Meritorious Service Award" per year. The award shall consist of an engraved 14" solid maple plate. Criteria for the award shall be outstanding service to the American Bloodhound Club and/or the Bloodhound breed. Please ensure that the nominee has served well beyond the realm of fulfilling an elected office or appointed position. The nominee need not be an ABC member, but must have performed exemplary service to our breed.

To find out about the American Bloodhound Club visit their Website at http://www.bloodhounds.org/

For one of the kudos collected by Taffy in her career: Bloodhound Response AV.pdf (568.33 kb)

For a South Coast Magazine Article on Taffy: South Coast Magazine.pdf (669.92 kb)

For an account of Taffy's Peabody Award: Peabody Award Article.pdf (597.81 kb)

A California Gold Star Award was given to the team, see an article about it:  CA Goldstar Award.pdf (536.01 kb)

Jan Sener, Director of Crime Prevention, was recently commended by Lori Donchak, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of San Clemente, for her commitment and leadership abilities. Jan recently organized the San Clemente Youth Task Force meeting. She assembled a cross-section of speakers and executed a productive and timely agenda for the evening.    Mayor Pro Tem Donchak wrote, "It was absolutely clear that the audience respects and values Jan's involvement in their community needs." The meeting was attended by over 100 citizens with growing attendance each meeting. This is attributed to Jan's dedication to the youth and her ability to create a process and a culture for change in San Clemente.

Deputy Steve Marble of San Clemente Police Services was recently commended by Debbie Simpson, Crisis Team Manager of TIP (Trauma Intervention Program). Debbie said she and another TIP volunteer were dispatched to a residence in San Clemente after a male in his 30's had committed suicide and was found by his estranged wife. The victim's brother came to the residence and became very confrontational with Deputy Marble and the estranged wife. Debbie wrote, "Deputy Marble was fabulous. He took the brother aside and talked to him for a long time and made sure he calmed down. Later he checked in with us to see if there was anything else he could do to help. We believe Deputy Marble made all the difference in how the situation could have turned out. We want to commend him for being so caring and for going out of his way to help someone. He is a terrific representative of the Orange County Sheriff's Department."

On June 11, 2008, Home Owner Association president Ron Capizzi of Mission Viejo commended the performance of Radio Dispatcher Alva Jensen on a recent call for service. Ron stated that he called the desk and spoke to Alva regarding a parking problem in Mission Viejo. He stated that Alva was very helpful and the responding personnel were able to contact the owners of all illegally parked recreational vehicles in the area and have them moved. In the message he stated that Alva was instrumental in helping to solve the parking problem with her friendly and helpful demeanor which is a credit to the Sheriff's Department.

Deputy D. Holloway and Deputy D. Monteleone of Laguna Hills Police Services were recently commended for their assistance with a sensitive family issue in Laguna Woods. The citizen stated their compassion and the professional way they handled themselves are a credit to the department.

Lieutenant W. Griffin of South Operations received a letter of commendation from the Ladera Ranch Community Director for the outstanding job the reserve deputies did on July 4th. She stated everyone had a safe and fun day due to their presence and wished to express her appreciation for them giving up their holiday to work the event. Congratulations on a job well done to Deputies B. Novak, F. Chirico, S. Lytton, R. Townsend, J. Delahaye and J. Messina.

Deputies Roberto Miranda and Greg Allen were recently commended by a citizen named Christy. She spoke very highly of the manner in which they performed their duties at the Theo Lacy Facility Lobby. Christy came to visit her husband at Theo Lacy to tell him his father passed away. She said, "This has been the worst situation my family has ever been through. We have never had to deal with anything of this magnitude before and dealing with the death of my husband's father was hard on us all. I just wanted to say thank you for your understanding when I had to tell him his father passed. Your staff was very caring and concerned about the mental health of my husband in this time of need." Christy was very appreciative with how she and her family were treated by our staff members and concluded the letter with, "Once again, thank you for making this unpleasant experience easier on my family."

On July 15, 2008, Barbara Moran wrote a letter commending Sergeant Dave Sawyer. Mrs. Moran commended Sergeant Sawyer for helping her resolve a matter regarding her son who was an inmate at the James A. Musick Facility. Mrs. Moran stated she was calling from out of state and was fortunate to reach such a "professional and courteous official." She further said, "I am truly grateful for the professional attitude and courteous assistance of Sergeant Dave Sawyer."

The Los Angeles Times ran an editorial on Saturday praising the actions of Sheriff Sandra Hutchens but they mischaracterized one of her initiatives. The editorial inferred that she was dismantling the Professional Services Respoder program. She has recalled badges from the PSRs. It was not in a step toward dismantling the program but rather to restructure it to better serve the needs of the Department.

"I disagree with the characterization in the Los Angeles Times that few of the PSRs help the Department. The PSRs provide a valuable service to the Department and we do not want to lose them. I plan to retool the program to erase the negative perception that continues to undermine their extraordinary work ." she said.  

The Editorial began with this:

O.C. Sheriff shines the badge
Sandra Hutchens' efforts to repair her department's image are on target.
July 26, 2008

Orange County's new sheriff started off with reforms that were by and large symbolic gestures to clean government. Stripping badges from civilian volunteers, few of whom actually helped the department. Reviewing all of the concealed-weapons permits issued in recent years. Traveling without an entourage. Good for her. A few symbols of ethical behavior were exactly what the department needed.

To read the entire editorial click here.

Lieutenant Dan Dwyer arrived for his tour as Operations Watch Commander on a recent Friday with a wish that it be an easier shift than the one he pulled the previous Sunday.

On that last shift Dwyer directed the response to the discovery of five dead bodies in a San Clemente home.  The deaths are still under investigation but it has been determined that nobody outside the house contributed to the deaths.  

When Lt. Dwyer arrived at the Loma Ridge Emergency Operation Center the Friday after the five deaths, he was briefed by Lt. Ted Boyne.The two have known each other since Lt. Boyne was Lt. Dwyer’s training officer at the Men’s Central Jail in 1984.

The Watch Commander on a Friday night will have between 120 and 160 patrol cars in the field, as well as responsibility for twelve contract cities, many miles of unincorporated area spread over virtually all of Orange County, the OCTA, building security and SSO traffic enforcement. His staff will provide backup for the Airport and Harbor Patrol dispatchers. When Lt. Boyne goes home, Dwyer opens his computer and looks at the screen to see what cars are on calls.

The screen categorizes calls in four different colors. Red is for top priority calls, where lives may be at stake. Yellow is priority two, no lives at stake but a vandalism or theft may be in progress. Green is priority three, vandalism or theft may have recently occurred. Then there is blue, illegally parked cars and that sort of thing.

On hand at the dispatch center, Lt. Dwyer has a staff of dispatchers, 911 emergency call takers, Control One dispatchers and technical wizards who babysit the rooms filled with electronic gadgets needed for thousands of radios. All these resources must be orchestrated to make it possible to place a deputy in the right location as quickly as possible when a call for help comes in from the public. More...

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has asked that all Professional Service Responders turn in their badges while she reviews the volunteer program. As a result of her request, Lieutenant Thomas Slayton, who supervises the program, sent the following letter to all PSRs praising their service and explaining why their badges should be turned in:

As you may have already heard, there are some changes being made to the PSR program. Our new Sheriff, Sandra Hutchens, is very aware of the valuable service you provide to the people of Orange County. However, she would not be doing her job if she didn’t evaluate all aspects of this department with a fresh set of eyes. We recently met with the new Sheriff in order to discuss the ongoing issue of badges, and it was determined that, in light of the recent California Attorney General opinion on the subject, it would be prudent to collect all badges issued to PSRs. Although I understand that some of you may find this frustrating, I believe that it was the right thing to do and I’ll explain why. 

2007 was a banner year for the PSR program. Collectively, you donated over 16,000 hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and to the people of Orange County. Some examples of your service include: 

·         Daily traveler assistance at John Wayne Airport. In this assignment, you have helped countless harried travelers navigate the terminal, and served as the Sheriff’s Department’s “eyes and ears” for dangerous and illegal activity.

·         Robotic construction and programming for the Hazardous Devices Squad (Bomb Squad).

·         Flying air missions for the department, using your own aircraft to do so.

·         Acting as a mobile “Citizen Patrol” for some of our contract cities. In this role, you have helped to suppress property crimes and juvenile activity. You have done this safely and appropriately by serving as “eyes and ears” for the department, never making contact but reporting what you see.

·         Volunteering as an Emergency Communications Dispatcher

·         Search and Rescue – in this role, you work side-by-side with sworn reserves. Among other things, you respond to search for missing hikers, children, the elderly, and weapons used in the commission of a crime. Often in the middle of the night while the rest of us are sleeping.

·         Performing photography and other high-tech computer services as needed. Most recently, some of you provided free assistance on the Community Services Division’s new blog as well as a complete renovation of the Orange County Training Manager’s Association's website, including all programming and hosting. 

These are just a small sample of the most recent work for which you are responsible. This program is healthy, vital, and above reproach. Unfortunately, it had a very controversial beginning and has been shrouded in suspicion ever since. Many articles have been written on the program, unfortunately, very few of them have emphasized the good work that is being done every day. To the media (and the public), this program is still viewed in a negative light for one reason, and one reason only: the badges. 

All of you are fully aware that it is against department policy to carry your credentials when not serving as a PSR. Further, you also know that displaying your badge in an effort to gain favor or preferential treatment would only infuriate a peace officer, resulting in additional complications. Unfortunately, realities such as these are completely lost on those who are on the outside, looking in. Regardless of why the badges were originally issued, they are ultimately unnecessary and serve only to drag this fine program down in the eyes of the very people who are benefiting from its services. Therefore, I ask you all not to see this as an indictment of the program, but instead as an opportunity for its redemption. 

Your good work has gone unnoticed all too long and it’s time to divert the attention of the media and the public from that “shiny object” to your valuable service.

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...

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.

Stuart Pfeifer and Christine Hanley sat down with Sheriff-designee Hutchens yesterday:

Newly appointed Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens said Tuesday that she intends to review all the concealed-weapons permits that her indicted predecessor issued and revoke those of gun owners who can't prove a legal need to carry the weapons.

When former Sheriff Michael S. Carona resigned in January to focus on his upcoming federal corruption trial, he had issued more than 1,100 active carry permits -- among the most issued by any sheriff or police chief in the state. Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca, by contrast, has issued fewer than 400.

Many were issued to traditional holders: judges, prosecutors, jewelers or others whose occupation leaves them in fear for their safety.

But others included wealthy white-collar businessmen, doctors, dentists and financial contributors to Carona's political campaigns.

[...]

The department needs the reserves "if they are here for the right reasons. If you're here for personal gain, if you want a badge or a gun, we don't need you," Hutchens said. "It certainly shouldn't be a political favor."

Read it all right here.

Registrar of Voters, Neal Kelley, once again expressed his great appreciation for the impressive service Department Reserves provided in this week’s election.

The Department’s Ballot Transportation Team is made up of 64 Reserve Deputies and one Professional Services Responder. The team is headed by Reserve Captains Jay Wasserman, Rick Olson and Tony Tabet. Reserve Unit Office Manager Karen Waters and her staff helped organize the effort.

Once the polls close, everything is dependent on our Ballot Transportation Team ensuring that all precincts are accounted for at the Registrar of Voters office as early as possible. The Ballot Transportation for the June 3, 2008, Statewide Primary Election was a tremendous success made possible by the efforts of each of our team members last Tuesday night. As in every election, the team encountered challenges but none that were not overcome by the team’s combined efforts. By 11:25 pm, all of the driver/deputy teams had arrived at the Voter Tally Center, unloaded and were on their way home. That's a good two hours earlier than last February! By midnight, all 1123 precincts were accounted for and the Command Post was secured for the night.

American Legion Post 862 Honored several members of the Department earlier this month, including Investigator Brian Sims, Deputy Christina Brown, Deputy David Purser, Reserve Deputy Mark Flotho, Reserve Lieutenant Mike Beekman and Deputy Thom Lucas. At the same time the post honored Eagle Scout  Kevin James, the son of Captain Mike James.

For information on why the awards were given and some of the pictures click More...

Reserve Deputy Steve Sobodos was home with his family. They had just finished celebrating Mother’s Day, when he was called to respond to a report that a 14-year old special needs boy was missing in Irvine.

He led his bloodhound partner Kenda out of the house and he arrived at the scene. Irvine police were worried. They had found the youngster’s bike and helmet abandoned by a bike trail directly across from a highway. The abandoned bike caused police to suspect an abduction may have taken place.

The search had begun about three hours earlier. Patrol cars, helicopters and officers on foot had scoured the neighborhood. The boy’s parents were terrified.

Deputy Sobodos picked up the helmet and let Kenda find the scent. More...