Sheriff-Coroner Sandra Hutchens to the staff:
This Veteran's Day I was reminded that thirty-nine members of our Department have served on active duty in the military this year. Our sworn personnel and professional staff served in all branches, from a Sergeant in the Marines (a Senior Institutional Cook) to a Lieutenant Commander with a Navy Seal Unit (a Deputy at Theo Lacy).
Our co-workers serve around the world as officers and enlisted, in combat units and support assignments, overseas and in the United States. Many of the Orange County Sheriff's Department family serve in combat zones where they experience more hostile fire in a week than in a thirty year law enforcement career. Others are stationed in places far from home, sacrificing time with their families. All serve to keep us safe from harm, to defend our country.
The Orange County Sheriff's Department Military Leave Connection Program offers each of us a great opportunity to support our active duty personnel while they are away from home.
Since the program began in January, it has benefited twenty-three deployed employees. Items sent have included personal hygiene products, snacks, non-perishable food, books, magazines, birthday cards and even a Cinco de Mayo pinata. OCSD employees in each division have put together personal packages with items and notes to be sent to our deployed fellow employees. Study materials requested for preparation for the Sergeant exam were forwarded to one employee. Personal cards from the Executive Command were also sent.
In total, we have sent 113 flat-rate boxes and two envelopes. By now you should see boxes throughout the Department, ready for you to add to the gifts we will be sending. For more information on how to participate in this program, contact Sergeant Dan Daniels or Office Manager Karen Giudice at the Reserve Bureau.
As we look forward to the holiday season, let's stop to remember those who are serving in the military. A few gifts from friends and family go a long way in letting them know that we are grateful for their sacrifice and look forward to their safe return.