By Steve Spernak

OCTOA Executive Director and PSR

Congratulations and countless comments of appreciation continue to come in from all over California to the Orange County Traffic Officers Association who partnered with Orange County Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her command staff  in what is believed to be the largest law enforcement tribute for the four Oakland Police Officers lost on March 21st.

The highly successful “Cigar Night Classic” fundraiser for injured OC Motor Officers and the Oakland Police Officers Association was the culmination of five weeks of planning by The Orange County Traffic Officers Association. President and Orange County Sheriff's Deputy Brad Blakely helped organize a large contingent of OC Law Enforcement who attended the March funerals in Oakland attended by 21,000 peace officers.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, center, with John and Mary Huffman, parents of OCSD Sergeant Matthew Davis, killed in the line of duty on September 20, 2002

Photo by Professional Services Responder George Ridley 

The Orange County Traffic Officers Association, including Blakely and Deputies Joe Cope and Thom Spratt, were dedicated to finding a way to assist the families of the four Oakland officers and officers here in Orange County who were killed or injured in the line of duty.

Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her entire command staff,  members of the Board of Supervisors, city mayors, judges, Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters, CHP Commanders,  Council members, Deputy DA’s  and local business owners supported the effort.

Among the backers was a bi-partisan team of local legislators, including Assembly members Jose Solorio, Van Tran, Jim Silva, Curt Hagman, Jeff Miller, Chuck Devore, Mike Duvall and State Senators Lou Correa, Bob Huff and Tom Harman as well as  U.S. Representative John Campbell.

Others who showed support were the Choirboys (retired police motorcyclists) and Oakland Assemblywoman ASM Sandre Swanson, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California Attorney General Jerry Brown.

Special congratulations went to OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens who won not only the ‘Chief’s Challenge’ as highest donor, but won over the 1,000 attendees with her appearance at the fundraiser. Hutchens was joined by Assistant Sheriffs Mike James, Mike Hillman, and Jack Anderson and several OCSD Lieutenants at the Traffic Officers reception and graciously accomodated photos and handshakes from well-wishers, including Judge Lance Ito.

Mike Harrah, owner of Original Mikes Restaurant, who hosted the entire event, hospitality, staffing and food stations, was recognized at the formal presentation by Deputy Bradley Blakely who presented Harrah a signed and framed Litho of the Association’s artwork.

The centerpiece of the night’s event was the tearful address Oakland Police Officer Andy Luty offered on the incredible lives, loves and living of Officer John Hege, and Sgts. Dan Sakai, Erv Romans and Mark Dunakin.

Chris Dunakin, brother of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, was joined by his parents and family, and gave a rendering eulogy and grateful thanks to the family of law enforcement who will help the 9 orphans left behind in Oakland.

Dunakin was joined by Oakland Officers Andy Luty, Jim Gordon and Jim Fisher in lighting the ‘eternal flame’ candlelight vigil in front of framed  photos of the Officers. 

Blakely presented each member of the Oakland Police Department with litho artwork, signed by the Association Board, as well as Chris Dunakin and his parents who attended and were introduced in front of the 1000 + attendees inside Original Mikes for the formal program.

Pictures of the four Oakland officers killed in the line of duty this year

Brad Blakely closed the night's program with  special recognition to Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who donated $5000.00 in support of the event. Unfortunately, Leno was unable to attend at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts.

Donors can still send in any amount to honor the Oakland Officers and injured OC Motors by going to their website at OCTOA.org , to see the photo collage and check the opportunity to be sponsors next year.

The OCTOA “Cigar Night Classic”, honoring heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, helped bring closure to the Oakland Officers and their families and overwhelmingly showcased the caring and closeness of the OC Cops, electeds and community that help make this “legacy event” a classic in OC law enforcement history.