You never know where praise will be offered for the work of the members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Here are some kudos recently for the extraordinary work.
Lt. Mike Betzler, Chief of Police Services for the City of San Juan Capistrano was praised by Senior Deputy Orange County District Attorney Tracy Rinauro for his assistance with the San Juan Capistrano gang injunction. Senior D.A. Rinauro wrote, "I have had the pleasure of working with Lt. Betzler for the past year and a half. He is an amazing asset to the Sheriff's Department, the Orange County District Attorney's Office and the San Juan Capistrano community. Lt. Betzler was instrumental to the success of the gang injunction. He has an amazingly positive attitude and excellent communication skills. I have recently had the opportunity to work with Lt. Betzler on gang prevention programs in San Juan Capistrano. He has built a professional relationship with several different community organizations throughout Orange County. Lt. Betzler has connected me to many of these community leaders to work with them on gang prevention
projects in San Juan Capistrano. Lt. Betzler genuinely cares about the San Juan Capistrano community and he is dedicated to making it a safe place to live and work. He has an incredible amount of energy and has on many occasions gone above and beyond the call of duty to assist me with establishing a gang prevention project in San Juan Capistrano. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to work with Lt. Mike Betzler. His professional demeanor, enthusiastic, positive attitude and dedication to his career inspire me."
Sgt. Mike Gavin was recently featured in the OCTA newsletter for his hard work. He has been with OCTA/Transit Police Services since September, 2006. Sgt. Gavin supervises the Right-of-Way Team that patrols the OCTA right of way, and conducts special operations for Transit/Bus Operations. He is currently working with OCTA staff on the implementation of the video live-feed capability for Transit Police Services.
Lieutenant Lee Trujillo received a letter of thanks from a Stanton resident for the professionalism and service she received from Deputy Tim Cullen of Stanton Police Services. Deputy Cullen responded to her home for a call for service in which her step-son had been abducted and later returned safely. She wrote that "he handled our case with such professionalism and sincerity. He really put a lot of time and heart into our case, with his patience and understanding he made myself and my family feel very comfortable, considering what had just happened to us we were all pretty shaken up."
Crime Prevention Specialist Margo Beauchamp was recently commended by Aliso Viejo Council Member Phil Tsunoda. After a series of burglaries in the area, Margo held a Neighborhood Watch meeting for the community. Phil wrote that his neighbors appreciated the discussion and dissemination of crime and burglary prevention information. Because of Margo's presentation, they felt much more informed and prepared regarding protecting their property and home.
On March, 12, 2008, Captain Deana Bergquist of the Harbor Division received a letter of thanks from Orange County Assessor Webster J. Guillory. The letter stated in part, every year, Sheriff's Deputies assist the Assessor Department by providing boat access to various harbor areas that cannot be reached by land. This year is no exception. Please accept our grateful thanks for the help your staff provided to allow successful completion of the latest canvass. Specifically, please pass on our express gratitude to the following individuals, whose boat handling skills and harbor knowledge proved so valuable:
Newport Harbor: Deputy Charles Ivec, Deputy Terry Lundy, Deputy Jason Middlekauff, Deputy Joel Monroe, Deputy William Nelson, Deputy Tracy Sizemore.
Sunset Harbor: Deputy Michael Beachner, Deputy Daniel Downey, Deputy Patrick Douglass, Deputy Joseph Mishica, Deputy Mel Stafford.
Deputy Donna Sievers of Lake Forest Police Services was recently commended by Commissioner Lyle Robertson for her dedication and commitment to the court system. He stated her contributions reflect favorably on herself as well as the department.
Deputy David Murphy of Aliso Viejo Police Services was recently commended by a citizen for his assistance with a theft report and the recovery of the stolen property. The victim stated Deputy Murphy responded in a timely manner, gathered all the details and, within four hours, returned with the stolen bicycle. He offered his thanks to Deputy Murphy for the great work he has done.
Sergeant Jim Greenwood of Dana Point Police Services was recently commended by TIP Manager Debbie Simpson for his assistance at a deceased person call. She stated he was a true professional, showing compassion and concern for the family.