“I disagree with the characterization in the Los Angeles Times that few of the PSRs help the Department. The PSRs provide a valuable service to the Department and we do not want to lose them. I plan to retool the program to erase the negative perception that continues to undermine their extraordinary work,” she said.

The LA Times Editorial began with this:

O.C. Sheriff shines the badge
Sandra Hutchens’ efforts to repair her department’s image are on target.
July 26, 2008

Orange County’s new sheriff started off with reforms that were by and large symbolic gestures to clean government. Stripping badges from civilian volunteers, few of whom actually helped the department. Reviewing all of the concealed-weapons permits issued in recent years. Traveling without an entourage. Good for her. A few symbols of ethical behavior were exactly what the department needed.

Sheriff Hutchens plans to meet with PSRs on August 16 to address changes to the program.

To read the entire LA Times editorial click here.

The ceremony started off with a grand march by our own Deputy Sheriffs, followed by Class 183. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Class 183 was recognized for their hard work, dedication, and effort they put into the six months of physical and mental training. As the ceremony came to an end, the honored family members pinned badges to their graduating beloved ones.

After swearing to protect, serve, and follow The Code of Ethics at all times, the class was excused by the Tactical Officers into the community to put into practice the skills and knowledge they acquired within the last twenty-six weeks of preparation. This is an example in how the Explorer program continues to be an asset to the adolescents who want to pursue a career in law enforcement.

Submitted by: Lieutenant Explorer Jessica Ortega
Sergeant Explorer Elizabeth Jimenez

This year’s winners are:

• Recruitment Award: Melissa Borjas
• Most Spirited Award: Christina Colima, Elizabeth Jimenez, Simona Popescu
• Most Improved Explorer Award: Melissa Gorfu
• Advisor of the Year Award: Deputy Sherri Gilman
• Leadership Award an Explorer of the Year Award: Katie de Coup-Crank

On behalf of the Explorers of Post #449, I would like to thank the Sheriff’s Advisory Board, Sheriff’s SWAT, Sheriff’s Tactical Training Center, Learning for Life, OCTA, our Advisors, department personnel, Oakley, Surefire, and anyone else I forgot to mention who has graciously supported the Explorer Program for the year of 2007.

Explorer Sgt. Alex Wong
OCSD Post # 449 – West Division

Explorer Sgt. Alex Wong
OCSD Post # 449
West Division

It was decided to document this training for several reasons. We requested the services of your Reserve High Tech unit through Lt. Roger Neumeister. Thank you for being immediately responsive on the typical short notice. Through the subsequent efforts of Reserve Lt. John Shedd a plan was formulated to cover the entire day’s events highlights with both video and still cameras. Reserve Deputy Steve Sobodos, PSR George Ridley and PSR Stuart Golub were brought into the plan.

Early on the morning of the event these volunteers arrived early, with equipment and reviewed the scheduled rotation of training events. They offered a plan to use the two camera method of videotaping so as to offer easier editing for continuity of shots. The still photographers captured similar and different shots all resulting in almost four hours of video tape and over three hundred photographs.

Throughout the day they remained flexible so as to not interfere with training yet worked with each instructor to best obtain what was requested. By the end of the day these four motivated volunteers packed up their equipment and offered additional services if needed as it related to this project.

If sought, this kind of professional service would have cost our division over $1,000 and could not be justified. What can be justified is the accessibility of such skill sets  provided by your Reserves on this day. I commend these four Reserve members for their invaluable services and am genuinely impressed and grateful.

Please expect a formal letter of gratitude from our Division Commander but know now that John Shedd, Steve Sobodos, George Ridley and Stuart Golub represented your division exceptionally.

Lieutenant Jeff Bardzik
Orange County Sheriff’s Department
North Justice Center

I apologize for not getting this message to you sooner but my recent transfer has caused me to become very busy trying to learn all I need to know about my new command.

I sincerely appreciate all the members of the Community Services Division and your dedication to serving the Sheriff’s Department and the County of Orange.  Your service and level of devotion is nothing short of humbling.  I feel as though we accomplished some truly remarkable things in the last two and one-half years.  I am confident you will all continue to accomplish great things for yourselves and for our department.

Thank you for your many hours of devoted duty, your professionalism, your friendship, and for helping me to have a better understanding of what true community service really is.  You are shining stars in our department and I look forward to working with you in future endeavors.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve with you in such a great group of people.  I wish you all the best of luck.  Please continue to stay safe.

Sincerely,

Captain W. David Wilson

Captain Wilkerson brings with him 27 years of law enforcement experience including 8 years as an investigator (7 of which were spent in Narcotics) and 6 1/2 years at the Sheriff’s Training Academy as a sergeant and later, as the Academy Commander.  A change of leadership always brings with it a fresh perspective and innovation, and we look forward to working with the new captain in the coming months, and beyond.

First of all, I’d like to thank all of you for a great year. PSRs donated 15,232 hours in 2007 for a total value of $1,142,400! Nice work, everyone.

Second, we announced a new CSD (Community Services Division) Blog. Although, if you’re reading this, you probably already figured that part out for yourself. While blogs seem to be trendy, we actually have a reason for this one; to ensure that the good work done by our reserves, PSRs, explorers, chaplains, and community volunteers does not go unnoticed. While no news may be good news, unfortunately, all too often good news seems to be no news.

Third, we appointed 56 new PSRs; Welcome one and all! Acting Sheriff Jack Anderson was on-hand to administer the oath and make the presentations.

Fourth, Chairman of the Board of Supervisors John Moorlach attended the meeting in order to present PSR George Ridley with an award from the County of Orange recognizing his volunteer efforts. Thank you, Chairman, and congratulations, George!

Finally, PSR Chairman Jim Palmer spoke briefly and announced that both the State of California and the Federal Government will soon be recognizing OCSD volunteers for their outstanding service. More information on this to follow.

I’d also like to take a moment to point out that this blog was set up by members of our Reserve High Tech Services Unit at no taxpayer expense. Thank you, Bronwen!