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."

“First inspection on Black Monday started when the Tactical Team staff marched onto the field in a strict military manner,” said Class 190 President, Irvine Police Officer Joshua Assayag.  “A loud and clear voice proclaimed, ‘the time to prepare is past, the time to perform has begun’.”

Photos by Professional Services Responder Randy Frager

What followed was a regime of training that began early in the morning and continued late into the day, five and sometimes six days a week.

The routine of hard work, discipline and integrity included 50 physical fitness challenges and 43 learning domains, including training in “the law, cultural diversity, community relations, officer safety, health and fitness, ethical decision making and much more,” said Academy Commander Lieutenant Jeff Bardzik. This is the last Basic Academy Class to graduate before Lieutenant Bardzik retires.

“The program is designed to provide a solid foundation for the 19 graduates to have a successful law enforcement career,” Lieutenant Bardzik said.

Class President Assayag said the class became a family, sharing the load and helping one another while helping each other celebrate family achievements and work through personal tragedy. More...

When DNA Laboratory Supervisor John Hartmann was asked what he wanted for his retirement gift, funded by the  passing of a hat among his generous colleagues, the image of a miter saw popped into his head, the gift of choice for a recently retired lab worker.

What he really wanted was to help somebody.  For several years John and his wife Kathryn have worked as volunteers for Corazón, an organization that helps to house and educate the poor of Tijuana and Tecate.

The Hartmann’s have helped build their share of houses, more like a dwelling than a house, according to John. The simple structures are put up in a day by a team of volunteers, not much more than walls, windows, a door and a lock.

“I remember one family living in the hills near Tecate, a couple and their three children living in a mini-camper shell.  By the end of the day, they had a home.”

John Hartmann had been one of a small group of people who established the Department's DNA lab in the late 1980's and helped make it one of the most respected DNA labs in the country.  He worked in the Department for 30 years.

As his retirement approached, John Hartmann knew what he wanted as a parting gift from his co-workers. He wanted to help educate a child in Mexico.

The money was raised and donated to the education of Roberto Mendoza Carrizoza.

“One of the effects of economic poverty is that many children drop out of school at an early age due to a lack of family resources,” said Corazón scholarship coordinator Cindy Stephen in a thank you letter to the Department. “This lack can manifest itself in the family not having enough money to pay fees, buy uniforms and supplies, or buy books in the upper grades.  It can also manifest itself in the child having to go to work to provide for the necessities of the entire family.  We see a significant decline in school attendance as the children get older.”

She said the group’s motto is: "Feed me today, and I’ll be hungry tomorrow. Teach me today, and I can feed my family forever."  "Your generosity has helped a child to have a life-changing opportunity to remain in school during an economic time that is especially difficult in Mexico.”

For more information on Corazón click here.  

To read the Corazón thank you letter click: hartmann Scan001a.pdf (74.98 kb)

Here are some pictures of the Rotary Club of San Juan Capistrano working on Corazón houses last month.

hartmann Scan001a.pdf (74.98 kb)

A team of Reserve Deputies and Professional Services Responders working a Search and Rescue detail in Coto de Caza were credited this week with finding an unconscious jogger near a trail.  He had been missing for more than 17 hours.  

The team began the search at the Coto de Caza Golf Course at 11 p.m. on July 15 after a search by Deputies and a helicopter had been called due to darkness and fog.

Sergeant D. Hanson, Reserve Deputy Al Lenning and K-9 Sonsee took up the search and were joined at 3:45 a.m. by Reserve Sergeants M. Losquadro and S. Chenot Reserve Deputies A Lenhard, D. Kemp, S. Chan, PSR's B. Clark, J. Chun, L. Bumanglag, C. Duncan, K. Adams and A. Phillips.

The effort turned into a full-unit callout.  Deputies and PSR's deployed to search for the missing male believed to have gone jogging in the area.  Patrol deputies previously searched; DUKE unable to provide much assistance due to heavy fog.  SRRU deployed to search trails in the area immediately east of the golf course/clubhouse area.  Fielded 3 teams. 

Subject found approx 0900 hours in area being searched by one of our field teams.  Subject found in serious medical distress by Dep. Lenhard and PSR Chun.  OCFA dispatched and deployed to scene in SRRU 4x4 vehicles.  Subject received on-scene medical attention and was evacuated.

OCSD Wins Battle of the Badges Competition

Photo Courtesy of the Orange County Register, photographer H. Lorren Au Jr.

The Orange County Sheriff's Department beat the Santa Ana and Anaheim Police Departments in the Second Annual Battle of the Badges competition, with 30  competiting law enforcement officers losing a total of more than 1,000 pounds.

The Sheriff's Department competitors won by shedding a combined 14.5 percent of their body weight during the 10-week competition administered by the Lean for Life Foundation through Lindora Medical Clinics.

The competitors also attained an overall 11 percent reduction in blood sugar, 48 percent decrease in triglyceride levels and a 27 percent reduction in LDL "bad" cholesterol. They also managed an average 9 percent reduction in waist circumference.

To see the Orange County Register's story on the competition click here.  

To see the KCAL-9 TV presentation click the icon below:

There was a separate competition for adolescents who were paired and mentored by the law enforcement competitors. All of the adolescents met the goal of losing at least 10 percent of their body weight.

The Sheriff's Department competitors included: Investigator Alex Salceda, Laguna Niguel Police Services, lost 21.4 pounds, 7.6 percent; Deputy Anthony Papsis, OCTA, 33.7 pounds, 14.6 percent; Deputy Chris Geeslin, James Musick Facility, 27 pounds, 10.3 percent; Sergeant Jim Bau, James Musick Facility, 35.9 pounds, 14.6 percent; Sergeant John Meyer, Mission Viejo Police Services, 57.5 pounds, 19.2 percent; Deputy Jonathan Daruvala, Dana Point Police Services, 43.7 pounds, 17.7 percent; Deputy Marisela Elmore, Dana Point Police Services, 22.3 pounds, 11.6 percent; Sergeant Matthew Stiverson, Theo Lacy Facility, 59 pounds, 18.3 percent. Deputy Patricia Neiman, IRC, 41.8 pounds, 15.3 percent; Sergeant Paul Wade, Theo Lacy Facility, 45.1 pounds, 16.2 percent.  

 

A contingent of 11 Explorers and two advisors participated in the 2009 L.E.E.P.A.A.C. Law Enforcement Explorer Conference on July 5 in Gunnison, Colorado. L.E.E.P.A.A.C. stands for Law Enforcement Explorer Post Advisor's Association of Colorado.

The competition was held at Western State College, where the Explorers were housed.   It was a unique competition because each Explorer is teamed up with three other explorers from three separate posts.   There were forty 4-person teams competing.  

Competitors came from Colorado, California, Arizona, Utah and Texas.  The competition lasted one week. 

The closing ceremonies for the Explorers was held on Saturday, July 11.  

All of the Explorers' registration fees and lodging were paid for by private donations or funds from Explorers working paid events.  

OCSD Explorers who won awards include:    

Lex Ogan – 1st for CSI.

Anthony Hart – 2nd for Hostage Negotiations.

Simona Popescu – 3rd for CSI.Melissa Gorfu – 3rd for Cell Search & 3rd for High Risk Traffic Stop.

Brian Hirst – 4th for High Risk Traffic Stop. 

Frank Salgado – 4th for Officer Down & 5th for High Risk Traffic Stop.   

Explorers who competed: Lieutenants Lex Ogan, Tri-cities Division; Frank Salgado, West Division; John Leahy, Lake Forest Division; Sergeants Melissa Gorfu, West Division; Danielle Blaszak, Lake Forest Division; Simona Popescu, Mission Viejo Division; Brian Hirst, Tri-cities Division; Corporal Anthony Hart, Rancho Santa Margarita Division; Explorers Evan Hotchkin, Mission Viejo Division, and Alicia Cahhal, Mission Viejo Division.

Explorer Rebekah Schaff – South Division 

Advisors: Sgt. Dan Daniels, of Community Services, and Deputy Sherri Gilman, San Clemente Police Services.  

Sheriff's Special Officer Tanya Reed of Airport Operations set three world records in a July 3 competition of the United States Power Lifting Federation National Meet in LaMirada. The 46 year old weighs 176 pounds and she set records for squat lift, 380 pounds; bench press, 314 pounds, and dead lift, 480 pounds. She placed first in her age group and third in overall total points.

She has now qualified to compete in the World Power Lifting meet in November, which will be held in Las Vegas.

SSO Reed won a Gold Medal in the 2007 World Police and Fire Games held in Adelaide, Australia.  

To see a video of her most recent competition, click the icon below:

Undersheriff John Scott was the keynote speaker Thursday at the Module II Academy Class 6R graduation at the Orange County Sheriff’s  Regional Training Academy.

There were 39 graduates in the class, including 17 Reserve Deputy Sheriffs.  Reserve Deputy Sheriff Sergio Kopelev was both the Class 6R President and the graduate honored with the Outstanding Officer Award.  Other graduates were affiliated with the Garden Grove and Claremont Police Departments and with Santa Ana College.

Captain Catherine Zurn told those at the graduation that Reserve Deputy Kopelev maintained a grade average of 98.6 over 14 weeks of training. Reserve Deputy Sammy Chan served as the class honorary historian.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens has hailed the Reserves for their service to the Department, which saves the county about $7 million a year.

Class 6R received academic training in courses that included criminal law, laws of arrest, search and seizure, ethics and community policing.  Instruction also covered firearms, arrest and control techniques, first aid, use of force, report writing and use of less than lethal weapons.

All of the training was administered in an environment of moderate stress supervised by the Department’s Academy Tactical Staff.

Undersheriff Scott said of the graduates, “Our graduates come to us with a rich diversity of backgrounds, ranging from a short-order cook, to a company president.  We also have an attorney, an accountant, an art sales broker, a construction worker, a court reporter, an engineer, an entrepreneur, a heating and air conditioning installer, a plumbing contractor, police cadet, secretary, student, and a retired software developer. That pretty much covers the gamut.Three of our graduates are military veterans, eight have master’s degrees and one has a doctorate.  Three came to us by way of a GED. Six are 25 or under and six are 48 or over. Thirteen are bilingual and 20 plan to continue to Level I Reserve training. Thirty-eight are male and one is an undaunted female.

It is this diversity that makes us strong. It gives us a broad spectrum of life experience to help us deal with whatever challenges we are faced with; the unpredictable."

Undersheriff Scott noted that the Reserves come from a long line of those the Department has depended upon, including the posses and volunteer home guard company of the 1800’s and the Sheriff’s Emergency Reserves of World War II and the Aerosquadron, formed in the late 1940’s. Module II Academy Class 6R was the first Level II Reserve Class graduated since February 2006 and it is one of the largest classes at that level ever graduated by the Department.

"The graduation will mark a new era in their law enforcement careers," Undersheriff Scott told the graduates.“As a Level III Reserve you were used primarily for such duties as traffic control, parade security, report writing, evidence transportation, but not likely in duties that resulted in an arrest,” he said. “Now you may be called upon to serve as second person in a radio car, perform bike patrol, help serve warrants, or be part of a surveillance team, or even be called out to respond to a riot. 

Level II Reserves work in crime prevention and the general enforcement of laws. Now, you will be given assignments where making arrests are part of the job.   You will work under supervision of a Level I Reserve or a regular Deputy or Police Officer and at times you may be called upon to supervise Level III Reserves.”

The Undersheriff concluded his remarks with a welcome to the graduates.“Walk out of here tonight proud.  Proud of the training you’ve received.  Proud of the badge you wear. Proud of the service you provide. And proud to be part of this noble and time-honored service to Orange County.Congratulations to each of you, and welcome to the ranks of Level II Reserves!”

Sheriff Hutchens administered the oath to all 39 of the graduates. 

 

Sheriff's deputy to be grand marshal in July 4th parade

Sgt. Mike Dunham will retire in August after nearly 27 years with the department.

Gynnae and Ryan Scheffilea came to Sheriff's Headquarters today bearing platters of sandwiches, cookies and cake and more wishes of thanks than could fit on the Department Website.

The mother and son were international news last July 4 weekend, when she was shot and he was kidnapped and the subsequent Amber Alert sent every investigator and deputy who could be spared on the search. It ended with Gynnae's recovery and Ryan's safe return.

Ryan after his safe return last year

Today they were accompanied by relatives and they brought a few letters, some they wrote and some were written by friends.

To see Department Blog story on Ryan's safe recovery last year click here:

To see the letter that Ryan wrote to the Department click: Ryan's letter Scan001a.pdf (56.38 kb)

To see Gynnae's letter click: gynnae Scan001.pdf (40.13 kb)

To see a letter from friends click: Friend Letter a.pdf (37.58 kb)

To see the Medal of Merit Commendation to those most responsible for safe return of Ryan click:  medal of merit.pdf (295.01 kb)

A Sergeant, three Deputies and an Administrative Manager received awards from the Exchange Club of Corona del Mar, which has been honoring Department members for exemplary service for 22 years.  

Each received plaques from the club's Crime Prevention Program at a luncheon that was attended by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and other Department members. The club also donated to the Department sacks of teddy bears.  They purchased the bears with the proceeds of their recycling program.  The bears are used by deputies to comfort children they encounter when duty takes them to a family crisis.

Five Department employees received awards: Sergeant Mike Anderson, Jail Compliance and Training Team; Deputies Brian Nissen, Centrral Men's Jail; Dave Martin, Marine Operations; Steve Brown, North Operations K-9, and Administrative Manager Tracy Carrol, Inmate Records Bureau.

Here is what their supervisors said of those honored. More...

Explorers Cpl. Oscar Gutierrez and Lt. Lex Ogan were honored by the Department, Cpl. Gutierrez for bravery and Lt. Ogan for supporting a Deputy in an altercation.  Also honored was Deputy Curtis Vincent for his service as an advisor to the Explorers.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and Command Staff honor Explorer Corporal Oscar Gutierrez who saved a wheelchair-bound woman from a burning building

Explorer Corporal Gutierrez has been with Explorer Post #449 for three years and aspires to become an Orange County Deputy Sheriff.  He recently graduated from high school and will be attending college in the fall.

His act of heroism was the subject of an earlier Blog story. To view that entry click here.

To view the Explorer Gold Award commentary click: Oscar001 a.pdf (56.33 kb)

Lt. Ogan was working with a Deputy doing undercover buys of alcohol by a minor. At an establishment in San Clemente the Deputy was punched in the face. Before the Deputy could call for help, Explorer Lt. Ogan had called for backup.  Explorer Lt Ogan provided the dispatcher with the proper location and circumstances involved.

"Lex remained calm and acted as a good witness until Deputies arrived. I was proud that Lex was able to act accordingly during a stressful situation for both of us," the Deputy reported.

To view the Explorer Gold Award Commentary click: Lex 001.pdf (54.21 kb)

Deputy Vincent has trained Explorer teams for High Rish Vehicle Stop competitions and his teams have placed first and second in recent regional games.  He has mentored three Explorers who have been named Explorer of the Year.  A 29 year veteran of the Department, Deputy Vincent has been an Explorer Advisor for 8 years.  

To view the Award commentary click:  Vince001.pdf (60.93 kb)

Mission Viejo is the safest city in the country by some measures and that status was likely to stand despite the efforts of a six-foot tall, 200 pound man who attempted to rob the Bank of America  branch at the Alberston's on Muirlands. The suspected serial robber was taken down and held for Deputies by a 5-foot, seven inch woman who weighed just 125 pounds.  The woman carried no gun but was armed with the experience she gained as a Long Beach Police Officer before her retirement.

The Orange County Register reported the episode.  

Retired cop pins down suspected bank robber

Man suspected in several robberies is arrested at Albertsons. Officer was calm about the encounter.

Contact the writer: 949-553-2918 or ejames@ocregister.com

The Department has two new Sergeants; Michael Ellis and Brad Olsen. Sergeant Ellis, formerly with Lake Forest Police Services, has been assigned to the IRC.  Sergeant Olsen, formerly with the Orange County Intelligence Assessment Center, has been assigned to the Men's Main Jail.

Nine men and women from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department competed in relay triathlon events at the Western States Police and Fire Games on June 13-14 and the results were sweet.

Games participants Investigator Susan Edwards, Lieutenants Bob Wren, Mike Hiller and Jim Rudy, Deputies David Sprague, Charles Foote, Investigator Myrna Caballero and Deputy Evan Phillips 

The  games were held at Castaic Lake in Santa Clarita where over over 100 competitors from law and fire agencies throughout the western United States participated in the event.  There were three teams from OCSD competing in three different categories.  All three are medal winners.  The race consisted of a one mile lake swim, 22 mile bike ride (With a 1,700 foot climb in the first 7 miles) and 10k run around the lake.  The Men’s Masters Team had the overall fastest time out of seven relay teams. 

Men’s Master Relay Team (“OCSD Old” was the team name)   Gold Medal

Lieutenant Mike Hiller - Swim

Lieutenant Bob Wren - Bike

Lieutenant Jim Rudy – Run

Mixed Open Relay Team    Gold Medal

Investigator Susan Edwards – Swim

Investigator Jason Park – Bike

Investigator Myrna Caballero – Run

Men’s Senior Relay Team     Bronze Medal

Deputy David Sprague - Swim  

Deputy Evan Phillips - Bike

Deputy Charles Foote - Run

Nearly 42,000 people turned out on Friday to see the Angels beat the Padres but before they played the game, the crowd watched two Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies honored on the field as Orange County’s Top Cops.

Photos by Professional Services Responder George Ridley

Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies Gary Lewellyn and Richard Olszynski were selected by the board of the Orange County Chapter of the Peace Officers Research Association of California.  They were honored with the Department’s Medal of Valor earlier this year for their part in a gunbattle at the Mission Viejo Mall where a serial armed robber was killed. Sheriff Sandra Hutchens was on hand to help present the Top Cop Awards.

A portion of the game's ticket sales made through PORAC was donated to Project 999, which raises money to help the survivors of Orange County law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty. To learn more about Project 999 go to their Website at http://www.project999ride.org/

The National Association of Counties has honored the Orange County Sheriff's Department with a 2009 Achievement Award.

A summary of the T.A.G.R.S. program will be posted on the Association's Model Programs database where it can be accessed by county officials nationwide.

The Award will be presented next month at a ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee.

To view the letter from the Association announcing the award click: National Association of Counties Award 0610144636 (2).pdf (87.83 kb)

To see the North County Times Article on the City of Lake Elsinore linking to T.A.G.R.S. click here.

Dana Point Deputy of the Year Steve Hoffman was interviewed on KUCI by Mari Frank.

To hear the interview click the icons below.

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

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

Four Orange County Sheriff's Deputies were recipients of this year's Vehicle Theft Recovery Officer of the Year Awards. Deputies Saul Cardenas, Joseph Kantar, Trent Hoffman and Tyler Ray received their honors at a reception on May 28 at the Irvine Marriot. The Awards are sponsored by the Auto Theft Advisory Committee, a partnership of law enforcement, insurance companies and auto related companies working together to fight auto theft.

In a recent letter to Rancho Santa Margarita Chief of Police Services Lieutenant Chuck Wilmot, resident Christine Belmonte complimented Deputy Doris Rodriguez' actions during a call involving vehicle vandalism. Ms. Belmonte wrote in part: "While outside my residence discussing my complaint, another incident occurred involving someone speeding past and shouting obscenities. Deputy Rodriguez was in her patrol car before I knew what was happening.  She pursued the speeding vehicle, tracked the subject down and then returned to make sure I felt she attended to my complaint. Deputy Rodriguez' acute awareness of her surroundings, quick thinking and decisive actions reassured me that there really is someone out there who is concerned and will take action!"

On March 7, 2009, Captain Ron White of the South Operations Division received a letter from Ronald Ooley and Suzanne Shirley, commending Investigator Ted Harris and Investigator Chad Kajfasz of the South Investigations Detail. Ooley and Shirley praised Investigators Harris and Kajfasz for their professionalism, thoroughness and courtesy while handling a stolen property investigation.

Ooley and Shirley said, "Investigator Harris and Investigator Kajasz ascertained exactly what happened and collected written documentation and pictures. With this information they were able to find the perpetrator(s) and recover most of the property. All of the Investigators were remarkable! They were courteous, efficient and extremely helpful."

Sheriff's Special Officer Harmon Ward of the Airport Operations Division received a commendation from passenger Carolyn Rawski. On April 2, 2009, Rawski was on a flight to Denver when she realized her driver's license was missing. She called Airport Police Services and spoke to Officer Ward who advised that her license had been found and they were going to mail it to her. Rawski wrote: "I was comforted by Officer Ward, knowing I would have my license waiting for me when I returned home. The John Wayne Airport Police were great partners in helping me avoid a real nerve rattler and I am very grateful. God bless you all!"

On April 15, 2009, Sergeant Mike McHenry of the South Operations Investigation Detail received a telephone call from Paula Adams, a resident of Lake Forest, commending Investigator Jared Dahl of Lake Forest Police Services. Adams praised Investigator Dahl's professionalism regarding a criminal threats investigation he handled. Adams said, "He has helped me tremendously. He guided me through every step and I just wanted to let you know; I appreciate his effort. Your Investigator Dahl is a wonderful person."

On April 21, 2009, Sergeant C. Dennsion received a telephone call from John Kaplan, a resident in the unincorporated area of South Orange County, commending Deputy Mike Duda. John praised Deputy Duda's handling of a relative with some emotional and mental health issues. Deputy Duda spent about a half hour speaking with the relative and trying to help them with their situation. John used words such as "Phenomenal" and "Truly Great" to describe Deputy Duda. John wanted us to know how impressed and appreciative he was of Deputy Duda's performance.

Recently Sheriff's Special Officer Miguel Rodriguez of Airport Operations received a commendation from Legal Processing Specialist Victoria Aguilar, who works at the North Justice Center Traffic Division. On May 1, 2009, Officer Rodriguez was filling in at the court and was asked to assist with the long line of people waiting to check in at the traffic window. People were upset about the extended wait time and Officer Rodriguez calmed them down by offering information and collecting citations that were eligible for extensions. Aguilar wrote: "I believe people appreciated that he was trying to help them which made a difference. I would like to express how much I appreciate the Officers at the Traffic Weapon's Screening area. They are always friendly and helpful."

A recent issue of Scoutweek, an official publication of the Orange County Council of the Boy Scouts of America had this item about Oscar Gutierrez, a member of Orange County Sheriff's Post 449 and a hero. 

He was also profiled earlier this month in the Orange County Register. To view the Register story click here.

Heroic Explorer Saves Life

On December 4, 2008, Oscar Gutierrez, a 17 year-old Explorer with the Orange County Sheriff’s Post 449 was home doing his homework when he heard screams coming from outside.  He looked out and saw smoke and flames billowing from the apartment building next door to his.  He grabbed a fire extinguisher, his sister and female cousin, who are also Explorers, and ran to help. Sheriff’s deputies were evacuating the building so Oscar began checking around to make sure everyone was safe.  He noticed an elderly couple on a second floor balcony waiting for assistance.  Smoke was pouring out of their apartment.  They were panicking.  The woman was in a wheelchair and the husband seemed frail.  The only way down was an exterior flight of stairs.  Oscar knew what he had to do.  He recruited the help of another neighbor, ran up the stairs and carried the woman in her wheelchair, down the stairs to safety. 

What’s even more amazing about this is that Oscar didn’t feel he did anything special.  He was just doing what he felt was right and didn’t tell anyone.  Deputies who knew Oscar and saw what he did, alerted his High School Principal and soon news spread about his efforts.

Oscar lives with his mother and sister in a rough neighborhood sometimes called “crack alley”.  Several of his cousins have been in trouble with the law but after Oscar’s father was murdered in Tijuana in 2005, he knew he had to be the man of the family and set a good example for his younger sister.  He started working weekends to help out financially and joined Post 449.  Oscar will be graduating from San Clemente High School in June and attending college in San Marcos in the fall.  He will be the first one in his family to go to college.  Oscar will be studying Criminal Justice and hopes to become a Deputy Sheriff. 

Oscar has received recognition from several public officials, his school and the Sheriff’s Department.  The Orange County Council has also submitted him for a National Lifesaving Award that the Council plans to present at the Spurgeon Awards Luncheon in September.

Deputy David Beeler began receiving reports in August of 2008 that Orange County Transit Authority buses were being vandalized with graffiti by a culprit who marked his work with the moniker “NAPR” or “NAPPER”.

Information about the case was placed into the Department’s TAGRS database, without which there was little chance of finding the suspect short of catching him in the act.

There were at least four cases where buses were vandalized using an etching tool to deface bus windows, arm rests and plastic seats.  Each time the graffiti vandal had defaced the property with his moniker and a distinctive arrow and circle.

The TAGRS database itemizes elements of the graffiti incidents, such as style of design and monikers across several law enforcement jurisdictions.   To read more about TAGRS click here for an earlier Blog story.

In January of 2009, a Deputy from the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, a TAGRS participant, called with information that an 18 year old man with a Fullerton address had been arrested for possession of vandalism tools.   A search of the suspect’s backpack by LASD Deputies had yielded numerous stickers with the moniker “NAPR” written on them.  The suspect, LASD reported, was on probation and was subject to search and seizure without a warrant as a condition of his probation.

A few days later Orange County Deputy David Beeler went to the Fullerton address and ultimately tracked the suspect to a house in Lakewood.  Assisted by Deputy Mark Mraz, Deputy Beeler questioned the owner of the house and she let them look around. They found a folder on a desk marked “NAPR”.

When the Deputies questioned the suspect, after advising him of his rights against self-incrimination, he admitted the folder was his but denied he was the graffiti vandal. He claimed it was a man named “Chris” who lived in Norwalk. During further questioning the Deputies confronted the suspect with pictures of the bus graffiti and noted that the distinctive arrow and circle were similar to designs on the folder marked “NAPR” that they had found in his home.

The suspect stared at the pictures for a full minute and admitted he was NAPR. He confessed to being the graffiti vandal who had defaced the four buses.

He said he came up with the moniker from looking at napkins and he defaced the buses with his moniker to signal others that he had been there.

He was charged with vandalism causing in excess of $400 in damage. He pleaded guilty to four counts in late March. His sentence included three years on probation, a $300 fine and 200 hours doing something no graffiti vandal ever wants to do: cleaning graffiti.