This just in from Court Operations:

On October 12, 2009, Sheriff’s Special Officer James (Jim) Wallace of the Court Operations Division received a very special and well deserved honor.  Jim was named “Bailiff of the Year” by the Orange County Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates.  Jim received his award at the Newport Beach Pacific Club in front of a packed house of Trial Attorneys, Bench Officers, and other Orange County Law Officials. 

SSO Wallace began his career in Law Enforcement in 1983 as a Reserve Officer with the Orange Police Department.  He performed duties as a Level 1 Reserve Patrol Officer and donated thousands of volunteer hours to the community and police department.   He was hired in 1998 by the Orange County Marshall's Department and began serving as a Court Services Officer.  He later became a Sheriff’s Special Officer when the agency merged with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

SSO Wallace spent the past eight years assigned to Division L73 at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.  He provided Bailiff Services to Judge Gerald Johnston within the Orange County Probate Court.  He performed his duties with distinction and states “it was a privilege to work with Judge Johnston". He was recently re-assigned to Judge Cheryl Leininger in Division L-53 which he enjoys very much. 

In 2005, SSO Wallace received the “Crime Prevention Practitioner of the Year Award from the Orange County Victim Witness Program.  He developed a program for frightened youth who were testifying in court against someone who had harmed them.  The program was designed to familiarize the victims with the court process and ease their fears.  Jim states, “One of my goals working in the court is to make the experience a positive one.  I try to let people know that it is a professional process and can be fun.  It shouldn’t be something to fear.”

Court Operations Lieutenant Brad Virgoe was pleased to see SSO Wallace receive his award.  He states, “Jim is a very special person and has a heart as big as the court house.  He does an outstanding job as a bailiff, but it’s the other things that I notice.  He’s always the one to buy the cards and flowers when an associate loses a family member, or organize and collect money when someone is in need.  It happened way too many times last year, but Jim was always there for everyone.”

SSO Wallace was a valuable asset during a recent high profile case that occurred at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.  He had an established rapport with the involved attorneys and maintained contact over a several week period.  He received updates and information that was necessary to the event planning and security of the Justice Center.  Jim’s involvement directly contributed to the safe and efficient handling of the incident.

SSO Wallace has a long history of service and is a proud Air Force and Viet Nam Veteran.  He is married to his wife Ginger, and enjoys every minute of time with his two sons David and Brian, and grandchildren Ryan and Katie.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Exchange Club of San Clemente recently held their awards luncheon and honored three members of the Department for good work.

Those honored were Deputy Rod Valdez, Senior Volunteer Bill Waibel and Investigative Assistant Karen Huggins. Included are the remarks given when they received their awards.

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR

 Deputy Rod Valdez

Deputy Rod Valdez was hired by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in August of 1986 as a deputy sheriff where he was assigned to the jails. 

In 1994, Rod transferred to the contract city of San Clemente where he has spent the past 15 years. 

He spent three years as a motor officer working traffic in San Clemente, during which time he was struck while on the motorcycle in two separate collisions – neither was his fault, but after the second accident he decided to not tempt fate and returned to driving a black and white patrol vehicle.  More...

Deputy Christensen, left, gives a presentation to the National School Resource Officers Association in 2008.  

The California School Resource Officer's Association has named Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Lance Christensen it's SRO of the year. Earlier this year he was named a runner-up for School Resource Officer of the Year by the National School Resource Officer's Assocation.

Deputy Christensen will receive the state organization honor on Wednesday during the organizaton's annual conference, this year in San Diego.

His nomination by Tesoro High School said in part:

"Deputy Christensen guides students toward making better, informed choices and he checks in on them often. He works at building long-lasting relationships with students, rather than simply doling out consequences and moving on the next case. His strong rapport and relationships with students have impacted students to confide in him when otherwise they might not, and either would have made destructive decisions or ignored when their peers have. Deputy Christensen demonstrates the "critical friend" model without asking students to be critical friends. Under this non-judgmental guidance, students are drawn from an inner sense of responsibility regarding their friend's choices as well as their own. This phenomenon has thwarted many negative outcomes."

The CSROA describes itself this way on it's Website:

The CSROA is comprised of dedicated peace officers and educators of California who readily commit their experiences, efforts, and knowledge to achieve the common goal of providing all California schools with a safe and healthy learning environment. Members of the CSROA serve California’s schools statewide, participating in various community-based prevention efforts and convene with a number of committees dedicated to recognizing the potential in today’s youth.

To view the Employee Spotlight feature on Deputy Christensen run on the Blog previously click here.

To learn more about the organization click here.

Deputy Christensen has been featured in the Deparment Blog several times. Click here to see some of his contributions to the Department's mission.

To view his nomination by Tesoro High School click: ChristensenCSROAOfficer2009Nomination2.pdf (115.42 kb)

To see a Department Blog story on Lieutenant Mike Mullen's achievement click here. 

To see the Certificate presented by Supervisors Chair Pat Bates click: Mullen Cert.pdf (1.55 mb)

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!"

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.

Three Reserve Deputies were among 14 reserves who graduated last week with Class 16R from the Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin.

They were Reserve Deputies Michael Lee, a high school teacher and tennis coach, Darren Smith, an information specialist for the County of Orange and Kevin Wang, creative director for a holding company.

Class 16R takes oath as law enforcement officers

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

Reserve Deputy Lee was selected as Class Chaplain and he offered a prayer before the hundreds of family, colleagues and supporters of the graduates.

“We entered this program as individuals and sit together tonight as brothers and sisters,” Class Chaplain Lee told those gathered. “Thanks for family and friends who supported us through this long and challenging process. Thank you for our instructors who have given their time unselfishly to teach us, shepherd us and mentor us. We also give thanks for our Academy Tactical Staff who since day one have been training and mentoring us to be the best possible police officers we possibly can. More...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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

Eight youngsters from around Orange County were honored last week for their exemplary conduct when they called 9-1-1 to report real life emergencies.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was joined by fire officials, news personalities and show business celebrities in honoring the youngsters at the Sheriff's Regional Training Academy in Tustin last Thursday.

Sheriff Hutchens presented an award to Drew Zavala, 11, of Yorba Linda, who called to report an assault in his home to Orange County Sheriff's Dispatcher Jennifer Demers.

The Sheriff said in her presentation: "On June 19, 2009, 11-year-old Drew called 9-1-1 to report a known suspect had broken into the house and was fighting with his mother. Drew remained very calm and provided Dispatcher Jennifer Demers with his correct address and phone number. This was very important, as he had called on a cell phone, which does not automatically show the address of the caller. Even though Drew’s mother was injured, he remained calm throughout the call and answered each question he was asked. Thanks to Drew’s quick action, units arrived and were able to help Drew’s mother."

Four awards went to youngsters who called the Anaheim Police Department, one who called the La Habra Police Department and one who called the Orange County Fire Authority. 

Award Presenters included the Sheriff and Orange County Fire Authority Chief Keith Richter, KOCE-TV's Ed Arnold, Fox 11 News Anchor Christine Devine, and actresses Tatum and Haley McCann, who have starring roles in the hit movie "The Time Traveler's Wife."

9-1-1 For Kids is an organization dedicated to teaching youngsters how to make 9-1-1 calls. For more information on the group click here. 

Thanks to Orange County California Assistant Sheriff Mike James,  Investigator Jeff Brown and Investigator T. Morris  for sharing this investigative account of a chilling incident that was skillfully handled by these professionals.  As always, we’re sharing the method and not the specific information about the victim/suspect as this case is still active.  Frankly, if there is any agency that has had a similar case, no matter where you are, please try and get through to Mike or Jeff to compare.  No telling where the suspect has been previously.

 The child victim in this incident was confronted by suspect who offered her money to get into his car within a close proximity to the child’s home.  The child refused and went to tell her father.  The father saw the suspect vehicle leaving and got a partial plate.  Investigator Brown had a flier prepared and Investigator Morris located a suspect from the partial plate in COPLINK.  In addition, Anaheim Police Department found the same COPLINK information that Investigator Morris found and Irvine Police also had a case involving the suspect.  From the press release, it appears that all of the agencies are looking at similar cases to insure that they haven’t overlooked anything. 

 This is an absolutely incredible investigation, where time was saved and information from all of the agencies Officers came together to show the value of sharing information.  In all of my presentations around the country, I make sure the participants know that COPLINK is part of the solution.  The Officers who work day after day developing suspects, reporting suspicious activity and insuring that the methods criminals use are accurately reflected make COPLINK work for them.  In cases where you can’t make an arrest, you provide the information to set up the next investigator.  The odds that your suspect is in your system or that of the agencies you share with?  80% - More for sexual crimes.  The precursors are their downfall.  Congratulations to all involved here.  Great job!!   Mike

Mike Widmer

Law Enforcement Liaison

Knowledge Computing Corporation

COPLINK

The Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor Association (OCLEEAA) sponsored the 2009 Summer Explorer Academy at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy in Tustin, from August 2nd through August 6th.  The Explorer Academy simulates an abbreviated basic law enforcement academy. There were 198 explorers from throughout Orange and Los Angeles Counties who began the academy.  Of the 198, 173 successfully graduated. Orange County Sheriff's Department Explorer Post 449 was strongly represented and proudly watched 47 explorers graduate at the Tustin Academy on August 6th.  Undersheriff John Scott, Lieutenant Paul Fuzzard (Community Service Bureau Commander – Explorer Director) and Sergeant Dan Daniels (Community Services Bureau – Explorer Coordinator) were present at the graduation. More...

The Blood Drive and Bone Marrow Drive at IRC on Wednesday August 12, 2009 was a success. 

A total of 67 Employees from various parts of the Department and County Agencies attended this drive. The Red Cross collected 60 pints of blood. In addition, 44 Sheriff's employees registered for the National Bone Marrow Registry. According to officials at that Registry, “Orange County Sheriff's personnel provided the most new registered donors in a single day”.  

Deputy Curtis Vincent, who has organized blood drives at IRC in recent years, offered special thanks to Correctional Service Technician Annette Ortega for helping to organize the Bone Marrow Drive. CST Ortega began the Bone Marrow Drive after seeing the story of 14 month old Allison Zicree of Reseda and her need for bone marrow. CST Ortega hand-delivered flyers to various agencies and employees.    

Three investigators and two Sheriff's Special Officers were commended Thursday for their handling of a cache of weapons at the home of a man incacerated on suspicion of attempted murder.

Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson congratulated the five for the recovery of about 50 weapons, including loaded high caliber weapons that were unique and difficult to handle without an accidental discharge. Some of the weapons were outfitted with bayonets and a World War II vintage hand grenade was found.

Those commended were Investigators Chris Wax, Mike Starnes, Tracy Harris and SSO's Joe Giese and Bob Wagner.

Left to right: Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, SSO's Bob Wagner and Joe Giese, Investigators Tracy Harris, Chris Wax and Mike Starnes

"It should be noted that most of these weapons were either a hybrid or considered unique sophisticated weaponry," said the commendation prepared by Sergeant Gary Strachan. "Additionally, they were loaded with large capacity magazines and a round of ammunition was chambered in every weapon.

"During the course of the assignement, a WWII grenade was discovered in a large safe located on the back patio of the residence. Due to their extensive training and experience, a potentially life threatening incident was quickly averted. The doors to the safe were immediately closed and an area was cleared of staff. The Sheriff's Department Bomb Squad was requested and the grenade was properly disposed of.

"The hard work and commitment to excellence demontrated is a testament to their respective units and the entire Department. They have shown to be faithful and devoted public servants and should be commended."

Captain Lee Trujillo said, "Excellent job by all! Thank you."
 

Sheriff's officer carries around a lot of extra weight

In a national meet in La Mirada, Sheriffs Special Officer Tanya Reed set three world records in weightlifting for her division.

The crew of Duke and a Search and Rescue Team made up of Reserves and Professional Services Responders located and rescued a 64-year old man who was missing in a canyon area near Moulton Meadow Park.

Moe Sakhaii was reported missing at about 10:30 p.m. on Thursday after he had gone to the park to fly his remote control model airplane.  Laguna Beach Police Department officials requested assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department and at first light a Search and Rescue Team that included a Reserve Deputy and a bloodhound launched a search of the area.

Assistant Sheriff Michael Hillmann reported to the scene and coordinated resources for the mission. In addition to the Sheriff's Department, the Orange County Fire Authority and the Laguna Beach Fire Department participated in the mission.

At about 1:30 p.m. the crew of Duke, made up of Deputies Dave Tilstra, pilot and Chad Taylor, the Tactical Flight Officer spotted something in the canyon. TFO Taylor saw what appeared to be waving hands. Deputy Tilstra manuevered the helicopter deep into the canyon to a point where a positive identificaiton was made of the missing man.

The team found Mr. Sahkaii was alert but dehyrdrated.

The Search and Rescue Team was directed to the scene and first aid was given until a helicopter from the Orange County Fire Authority, which is equipped with a rescue hoist, arrived at the scene. Mr. Sahkaii was airlifted from the canyon floor to the command center. He was taken by ambulance to the command center.

Department Commander Lieutenant Ted Boyne said of the operation: "It was a very dramatic scene and all involved should be recognized for a job well done."

The Orange County Register reported on the rescue. To view their story click here.  

Various Department employees have recently been cited by members of the public for the exemplary service they have provided to the community. 

Here are some examples.  

We recently received a letter from Investigative Assistant Anthony Hernandez of the District Attorney's office, Target/Gang Unit, commending Office Technician Sandra Alsman of the Support Services Division, Records Unit.

In his letter he wrote:

"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for Office Technician Sandra Alsman's hard work and dedication in assisting our office with obtaining necessary documentation to proceed in the prosecution of defendants.

While there have been more than two requests Sandra has processed for me in the past, the last two stand out in mind. On those occasions, I sent "rush" requests directly to Sandra to obtain multiple certified booking photos and fingerprint cards with little or no lead time before commencement of trials. Without any hesitation she accepted the requests in a very professional and pleasant manner. Sandra was able to deliver the documents within a business day which made me look very good in the eyes of the Deputy District Attorney and Investigator handling those cases. However, the person who should have been commended is Sandra which is why I felt very strongly about sending you this letter of appreciation.

Sandra's attitude and hard work are greatly appreciated and she has my sincere gratitude."

On July 21, 2009, Lt. Tom Slayton, Department Commander, received a thank you letter from Mario Fiermonte, a resident of Mission Viejo, expressing his appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Deputies Charles Johnson, Kevin Webster, Timothy Wayne, Steven Sherrill, and Brad Carrington during an incident in Mission Viejo.

Mr. Fiermonte wrote, "Please see that the deputies responding to my report of a possible break-in next door to my house this afternoon are thanked for such an excellent, rapid, and professional response to what could have been a deadly situation. Your deputies were calm, patient, and appeared tactically expert in their approach to the possible break-in."  

On July 1, 2009, Captain Ron White received a thank you letter from Angela Schiffman, a representative of the Coto De Caza Master Association, expressing her appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Crime Prevention Specialist Jan Sener, who presided over their first Neighborhood Watch meeting. 

Crime Prevention Specialist Sener provided much valuable information in the form of flyers, brochures and materials to aid in their efforts to get their group started. Ms. Schiffman wrote, "Her knowledge, experience and guidance was invaluable. We found her thoughtful, kind and patient nature second to none. I wanted to let you know how grateful we are to have a resource such as Ms. Sener available to us, and hope to have many more equally productive and beneficial experiences with her going forward."  

 Samuel Hernandez, a Senior U.S. Probation Officer from El Paso, Texas sent an e-mail to the supervisor of Office Technician Judy Aguilar of the Support Services Division, Records Unit.

In it he wrote: "Ms. Aguilar got me my color photo and booking docket, undeniable proof that the person listed in my 1993 criminal history was, in fact, my defendant, which he denied to the Court. Unfortunately, most of my experiences with California law enforcement and probation, both state and federal, have been predominantly negative. However, encountering such a positive and helpful employee within the Orange County Records Division was such a very nice surprise.

Judy constantly kept me up to date on the status of my records and development of the photograph I really needed. I commend you for developing such a helpful and professional employee. Please hang on to her because she truly is a tremendous asset to your agency."

On May 22, 2009, Sheriff Hutchens received a thank you letter from Vivian Brown, a resident of Rancho Capistrano, expressing her appreciation and thanks for the efforts of Deputy Scott Montoya during an incident in Ladera Ranch. Ms. Brown said Deputy Montoya did a super job of diffusing the tension and anger over a parking spot incident.

Ms. Brown wrote, "He was professional, knowledgeable, supportive, fair, helpful and kind. In fact, he is the kindest deputy I have ever encountered in my 53 years of life."

On June 15, 2009, Lieutenant Bill Griffin of South Operations received a thank you letter from Mike Browne, the Wagon Wheel Canyon Association Vice President, expressing his appreciation and thanks for Community Services Officer Tom Perkins' assistance in providing a radar trailer in the Wagon Wheel area. Mr. Browne wrote, "I have heard a lot of positive comments from the citizens of Wagon Wheel since the radar trailer was placed in our community. Please tell Officer Perkins to keep up the good work."