fso_mag_0201.pdf~Fresno County Federal
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LENDER
The Sheriff's Foundation
for
Public Safety
The Sheriff's Foundation for Public Safety is proud to announce the publication
of the 2002 edition of The Sheriff's Review. The Fresno County Sheriff's
Department Relief Association published the last Sheriff's Review in 1991.
The publication of this magazine was accomplished with the help of many of
our Department members, students from the Center for Advanced Research
and Technology, Natalie Papagni our intern from Bullard High School, and of
course the businesses in Fresno County that made contributions and
purchased ads.
Our Department has experienced many changes in the last 11 years. We have
made every attempt to include all aspects of the Department as it now exists
and have included several articles from our early beginnings.
The Sheriff's Foundation for Public Safety board of directors and staff hope
that you enjoy this issue of The Sheriff's Review and we are looking forward
to bringing you many more issues in the year's to come.
Cover--Honored on the cover is Fresno County Sheriff's Deputy Erik Jon
Deputy Telen was killed in the line of duty on August, 21, 2001 in Dunlap,
A story dedicated to his memory can be found starting on page 12 ..
oven
BARRY PEARLSTEIN Phone: (559) 268·4646
Owner-Agent
L~'8ait ·~
"Professional Services In A Professional Manner"
Lie. No. 1591579
1 243 Van Ness Avenue Fax: (559) 268-21 02 _
Fresno, CA 93721 24 HOUR SERVICE
Proud sponsors of the Sheriff's Foundation for Public .Safety.
GIERSCH & ASSOCIATES, INC.
CIVIL ENGINEERS AND SURVEYORS
CONSULTING ENGINEERING FOR GOVERNMENT
AND PRIVATE SECTORS
PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS
WASTEWATER & WATER TREATMENT
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CITY ENGINEERS SERVING:
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421 North "I" Street
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(559) 673-5981 or (559) 233-4091
Fax (559) 675-3544
E-mail: giersch@pacbeIl.net
2
Table of Contents
•Vision and Values 4 Process Server Pictures and Civil Changes 160
Foundation for Public Safety Staff 5 Office Assistant Pictures 161
ID;~,r~~'~ Introduction 6 California Police and Fire Games 164
Board of Supervisors 11 Havinganlmpact 166
of Deputy Eric Telen 12 Special Guard Employee Pictures 168
ofDepartment Members 14 Systems and Procedures Employee Pictures 169
Foundation History and Pictures 17 Mounted Unit 170
Staff 21 Technical Services Employee Pictures 172
Staff 22 ,Companion Officer Program 173
26 Reserve Officer Pictures 174
33 Explorers 176
37 Canines 178
39 Boat Unit 180
40 North Annex Jail Expansion Project 182
Oriented Policing in Corrections 42 Reserve Unit 184
50 Information Systems Report Data 185
53 Vice/Intelligence Unit 186
57 Department History 190
59 Advertisers Index 192
64
66
67
70
72
76
78
84
87
Open Homicide Cases 88
150 Years of Service " 89
Field Reporting 90
95
96
102
104
105
106
107
108
109
111
112
115
117
121
126
130
131
134
135
136
140
Enforcement Consortiu m 143
nSystems 145
146
153
oyee Pictures 156
Employee Pictures 158
and Secretary Pictures 159 3
• •
Sheriff's epartment
1551 n, V·sicn and Values
Statement
Our Mission
The members of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, in
partnership with the community, are dedicated to excellence in
the delivery of public safety services.
Our Vision
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department is committed to an
ongoing partnership with the community based on
communication, cooperation and trust. This partnership will
promote an environment that ensures safety and peace, while
treating all persons with respect and dignity . .
Our Values
• Professionalism -While leading by example, we are
committed to excellence, honor, and valor In the
performance of our duties.
• Accountability -Through communication and cooperation,
we strive to build community confidence with sensitivity to
the diversity of all peopl'e, holding all employees to the
highest standards of professional conduct
• Integrity -Dedication to the ethical standards of honesty,
humility, fairness and respect.
• Trust -Through teamwork to instill mutual respect between
ourselves, and to promote confidence within the community.
• Commitment -To these principles, to the public, and to the
Law Enforcement Code of Ethics.
4
Sheriff's Foundation for Public
Safety Staff
Lieutenant Susan Leonardo, CSO Milton Vann, CSO Addie Delgadillo,
and Captain Doug Papagni
Sheriffs Foundation for Public Safety
Board of Directors
Sheriff Richard Pierce-Chairman
Captain Donald Burk-Vice Chairman
Captain Thomas Gattie-Secretary
Captain Douglas Papagni-Treasurer
Captain Jose Flores
Captain Roger Greening
Captain Jeffrey Hollis
Captain Michael Leonardo
Captain Carlos Mestas
Captain Ronald Wiley
Mr. Kirk James
Mr. T. David Ward
5
"Serving You Since 1856"
Ihave always believed we can learn much about ou rselve
by studying our history, for we are the products of all th
has gone before us. All history is relevant today, becau
the way we live, the values we believe in are the result
molds prepared for us by our forebears a long time ag
This Review is dedicated to all who came before u
People committed to excellence, honor andl valor in
performance of their duties. Those few that gave the'
lives and those many that worked a lifetime "Serving
Since 1856." -
Richard Pierce, ' Sheriff
6
Richard Pierce
Sheriff
7
CALIFORNIA LECISLATURE
DAVE COGDILL
ASSEMBLYMAN, 25TH DISTRlCT
STATE CAPITOL 1912 STA:-J DI FORD AVE., STE. 4 5 E. YOSEMITE AVE.
SACRAMEl\'TO, CA 95814 MODESTO. CA 95350 ;v!ADERA, CA 93638
(916) 319-2025 (209) 576-6425 (559) 661-0748
FAX: (916) 319-2125 FAX: (209) '17(,-6426 FAX: (559) 661-0325
EIvWL ADDRESS: assemblymernbeLcogdill<cvassembly.ca.gov
Real Esta te
Real Estate Loans
Ronald S. Shapazian, eRB
Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager
559-248-9500. Fax: 559-243-11 XO
5088 N. Fruit. Suite 102. Fresno. CJ\ 93711
E-mail: ronshap(~usa.net
Thank you for keeping us safer
Dr. Vincent V. and Frances Leonardo
Fowler
6
Sierra Firearms Training
Basic Firearms Safety Course
Certification 1000484
Gun Purchase Certificate
Concealed Carry Certificate
(559) 734-6150
Edward F. Peterson Cell -(559) 280-5600
DOJ Instructor G1096 Visalia, California
(559) 673-2637 Madera Fresno
(209) 383-3343 Merced (559) 233-7151
(559) 627-1011 Visalia/Hanford (559) 438-1011
~&ttt~
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'INNi.smittysbailbonds.com Fresno, CA 93779
Specializing in
your security needs
1271 N. Wishon
Fresno, California
(559) 222-2741
#ACO 2787
GILMAN-MAYFIELD, INC.
FIREARM SALES & SERVICE
3279 E. Shields
N.E. Corner in MidTown Plaza
Fresno. CA 93726
"Giving You the Power to Meet any Challenge"
8
Theresa McCray and family at the Sheriff's
Foundation Basketball Fund Raiser
Lieutenants Colleen Mestas and Margie Mims at the
"Breaking the Glass Ceiling" awards presentation.
Department members walking to the 2002 Peace
Officer Memorial Ceremony
Addicott Elementary School. Student riding the new
tricycle donated to the school by the Sheriff's
Foundation for Public Safety 9
Q FRESNO, CALIF. G :t~ 4-~ G/~ ~~ ~t80MBA~GO
OPEN FOR LUNCH AND DINNER
(559) 2664077
1609 E. BELMONT AVE.
FRESNO, CA 93701
A
Richard Zacky
President
315 North H Street, Fresno CA 93701
P.O . Box 12556, Fresno CA 93778
(559)443-6500 Fax (559)443-6517
rnzacky@zacky.com
db DALE BRISCO, INC
Industrial Sheet Metal
JAMIE D. BRISCO
2 I 32 S. TEMPERANCE PHONE: (559) 834-5926
FOWLER, CALIFORNIA 93625 FAX: (559) 834-0191
email: dbimIg4u@aol.com
Industrial Sheet Metal
Jamie D. Brisco
2132 S. Temperance Phone:(559) 834-5926
Fowler, California 93625 Fax: (559) 834-0191
email : dbimfg4u@aol.com
Thank You
To
The Fresno County Sheriffs Department
From
The Melkonian Family
and
THE LONE STAR DEHYDRATOR
2730 S. De Wolfe Ave
SANGER
93657
(559) 266-7117
10
County of Fresno Board of Supervisors
District 2, Susan Anderson, District 5, Bob Waterston,
District 3, Juan Arambula, District 4, Judy Case.
----~
Deran Koligian
District 1
In memory of Deran Koligian for his support to the
Sheriff's Foundation for Public Safety, the Fresno
County Sheriff's Department and the County of
Fresno. Deran served the County of Fresno from
January 1983 to December 2001.
11
In Memory of Deputy Erik Telen
On Tuesday, August 21, 2001 Deputy Erik Telen and his
partner, Deputy Brent Stalkerwere assisting fire personnel in
the mountain ofeastern Fresno County. Theywere dispatched
to a rural residence in the Dunlap area in regards to a reported
suspicious person.
The deputies contacted the reporting party uppn their arrival
and made an extensive search forthe subject. They eventually
discovered signs of a forced entry and commenced their
search ofthe interiorofthe house. Having cleared one room,
DeputyTelenwas beginning to clearan adjoining room when
the suspect armed with a shotgun, fired from a concealed
position, fatallywounding Erik. The suspect surrendered after
a six-hour standoff with officers.
Erik Telen Memorial Pin
Erik was born November 20, 1974 in
California to Don and Sharon Telen. He grew
the Clovis area and grad uated from Fresno
High. Erik's father Don preceded him in
October of 1996.
Erik attended the State Center Peace
Academy at Fresno City College in 1997.
graduation from the academy he was hired
Ontario Police Department.
Erik married hiswife Shelley in December
Theirfirstdaughter, Bethaniewas born in Ja
1999 and daughter Brooke was born in
2000. Erik, Shelley and their family
Fresno in 2000 when Erik joined the ranks
Department. The couple's third child, Erik
Sheriff Pierce and Erik at swearing in ceremony born in Octoberof2001 , 2 months after his
death.
Erik was assigned to the foothill area in Area 4 . Erik enjoyed
working in the foothills because he was an avid outdoorsmen.
The Squaw Valley substation, which officially opened in
September of 2001 ,has been named in Erik's memory.
On August 27,2001 officers from at least 68 agencies filled the
pews and lined the walls of People's Church to honor Deputy
Telen. Erik was buried atthe Clovis District Cemetery. Atthe
conclusion of the funeral services, the Ford Expedition that
Deputy Telen used to patrol Area 4 was parked near the
gravesite, one final sign-offoverthe radio was given-"Deputy
Erik Telen, 10 number 7647m 10-8, reporting for a new
assignment. Safe in heaven."
12
Erik at Dunlap Fire just prior to the Burglary call
ceremony
Shelley, Brooke, Erik Jr. and Bethanie
13
In Memoriam
1992 through 2002
The department has lost many members over the past ten years. The Sheriff's
for Public Safety and all of the department members offer our condolences and we all
fond memories of our co-workers and friends. The names listed below are those de ,-
members who we have lost over the past ten years while still actively working
department.
Doris Castellenos, died
on August 1, 1996 from
cancer. Doris started with
the Sheriff's Department
in December of 1990 in
the records section as an
Office Assistant II. Doris
was promoted to Office
Assistant III in February of
1992.
Keith Gray, died on June 8,
1999 from cancer. Deputy
Sheriff Keith Gray began
with the Sheriffs Department
on April 4,1994 and was
assigned to the Patrol
Division. Keith's hobbies
included duck hunting and
riding his fat boy Harley
Davidson motorcycle.
JeffIsaac, died In the line of
duty on September 8, l' 997
from injuries he received in
a single car accident.
Deputy Sheriff Jeff Isaac
began with the Sheriff's
Departmenton January 21,
1994 and was aSSigned to
the Patrol Division.
Delma Graves, died on
March 13, 1993 of smoke
inhalation from a fire that
started in her apartment.
Correctional Officer IV
Delma Graves started with
the Sheriff's Department
on August 15, 1980 and
was assigned to the Jail
Division.
~ ~ .
Clifton Little, died on Dec.
8, 1999 from cancer. Sgt.
Little began hiscareerwith
the Department on Sept.
29, 1978 and was assigned
to Patrol. During his 21
years of service he worked
in patrol, training and de
tectives. Golfwas Cliftons
passion.
James Hamilton,
Aug. 5, 1997 from
Sgt. Hamilton
careerwith the
on Dec. 1, 1966
assigned to the
served 31 years.
worked in the jail,
detectives. He was
hunter and also
own hunting club.
14
Erik Telen, on August 21,
2001 Deputy Sheriff Erik
Telen was fatally shot while
investigating a suspicious
person call. Erik started with
the Sheriff's Department on
May 15, 2000 and was
assigned to the patrol
division.
Gone Fishing
owing members of our Department retired this year. The combined years of service
from the retirees totals out to almost 800 years!!!!!
Captain David Gustafson
Deputy Rod Craig
C/O Lt. Larry Leach
C/O Goldie Marty
Captain Richard Souza
Deputy Steve Herzog
C/O Sgt. Henry Gonzales
C/O Leonard Nichols
Sergeant Ron Adolph
Deputy Sherman Lee
C/O Albert Belcher
C/O John E. Renfro
Sergeant Rick Cobbs
Deputy J. Scott Morrison
C/O Anthony Espinosa
C/O Ronald Rye
Sergeant Tom Klose
Deputy Lee Nilmeier
C/O Jon Cain
C/O JoAnne Smith
Deputy Ed Areyano
Deputy Frank Tosi
C/O John Cyran
C/O Nicki Smith
Deputy Ron Baruti
Deputy Herb Townsend
C/O Michele Goyne
C/O AI Storm
C/O Priscilla Morrison
C/O Judith Wright
15
•
Many thanks to the Sheriffs' Foundation for Public Safety
for all you do for our community!"
Sarah Reyes
Assemblymember
31 st District
KIWANIS CLUB OF
CLOVIS
We Proudly Support
FRESNO COUNTY
SHERIFF'S
985 EAST MANNING AVENUE
REEDLEY, CA 93654
209/638-6863
TCR, INC.
Proud Sponsors of the Sheriff's
Foundation for Public Safety.
985 East Manning Avenue
Reedley, CA 93654
209/638-6863
TCR, INC.
Doug Young
16
The Sheriff's Foundation for Public
Safety
Foundation for Public Safety was officially formed as a non-profit organization in March of2001. The
Foundation was established to help improve the quality of life for all those served by the Fresno County
Department. The primary objectives are to develop, improve and support other non-profit charitable,
, prevention programs and services that h~l-p to improve the quality of life for all that live within our
. The Foundation also provides supportto citizen volunteer groups involved in the Sheriffs public safety
The volunteer organizations include the Uniformed Reserves, the Explorers, the Sheriff's Posse, the
rs, the Snowmobile team, the Jeep Squadron and the Air Squadron.
's Board of Directors is comprised ofSheriff Pierce, the nine Bureau Commanders and two citizens
We are fortunate to have the accounting firm ofWilcox, Hokokian and Jackson volunteertheirservices as
advisors and Attorney Ron Sawl as our legal advisor.
Foundation has had a very successful first year. Through the donations of many local businesses and
citizens, we have been able to raise money to support our activities and those of other non-profit
IftIIn,,,ne>inthe community.
our contributions and activities overthe past year include:
CampD.A.R.E. GolfTournament
and Girls 2 Women Bowling Tournament
Santa Claus
Kids
Big Sisters Bowl for Kid's Sake
Officers Chaplaincy
the Animal Rescue Foundation
Career Day at DARE Camp
the Sheriffs Foundation was able to raise money for the families of our slain deputies Erik Telen and
~'~Ine> byseIHng memorial pins. All ofthe proceeds from the sale ofthe pins were donated to the families.
s Foundation for Public Safety staff want to thank all the members ofour Department, theirfamilies and
the citizens of Fresno County for their support and generous contributions in making our first year a
17
2002 D.A.R.E. Camp Golf Tournament held at Brighton
Crest Golf and Country Club. Supporting our cause
Anthony Gomez, Jim Morley, Connie Moore and Vince
Frascona.
Our Sheriffs Department team "The Shooting Stars" and
the "Harlem Ambassadors" entertaining the crowd at our
Basketball Fundraiser in April.
The Sheriffs Foundation Bowling Team helping us support
the Fresno Boys and Girls Club. Team members are
John Mackie, Doug Lainer, Ron Wallace, Neil Edmiston,
and Elaine Montoya.
18
Ambassador's "Lade Majic" discussing the
with Art Maldonado and "The Shooting Stars"
members Kevin "K.T." Thompson and
Chatman.
Sarah Reyes the "celebrity referee" and her nephews
at our Basketball Fundraiser.
Deputy John Golden and K-9 Astro at Animal Rescue
Foundation Fundraiser.
2002 Toys for Tots campaign with our partners from the
C.H.P. and Pleasant Valley Prison. J.D. Hill, Linda
Sherlock, Mike Reed, AI Bonilla, Lt. Nick Norton, Addie
Delgadillo, Vince Frascona, Randall Woodrum and
Milton Vann. 19
Lyman's boys donating canned goods for
Santa Claus during the annual "Pizza with
at the FDSA office.
Department of Community Health
Moms and Kids Hotline: ............ ... ............................... ............................ ...... 1-800-640-0333
Children's Dental Services: ........................................................................... 1-866-445-2795
Breast Cancer Education: ............. .................................................................1-888-790-8500
Immunizations for Children and Adults:.................................................................... .445-3550
Lead Testingfor Children: ...... ................................................................ ... ............445-3281
Services for Children with Special Needs: .................................................................. 445-3300
Information for Pregnant Women: .......................................................................... 445-4127
Birth & Death Certijicates: ...............-:.-:..........................~ ...................................... 445-3310
TB, HIV, STD Testing and Services: ........................................................................ 445-3434
Refugee Health Screening: .............................................. ............................. ..... .... 445-3309
Health & Safety Education: .................................................................................. 445-3276
Tobacco Prevention: ................ ..... ............................... .. ............................... .... .445-3276
Rabies/Animal Control: ..................... .................................................................. 445-3357
Consumer Food Protection: ................................................................................ . 445-3357
Substandard Housing Complaints: ............................ .. ....... ... ..... ............. ... .. .... ....... 445-3357
For general information, please call
445-0666 1221 Fulton Mall
Human Services System
Department ofCommunity Health www.fresnohumanservices.org Fresno;CA 9372 1
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20
Executive Staff
Jose Flores Tom Gattie
Captain Captain
Jeff Hollis Michael Leonardo
Captain Captain
Doug Papagni Ron Wiley
Captain Captain
21
Command Staff
David Kurtze
Correctional
Lieutenant
Gary Johnson Joseph Leon
Correctional Correctional
Lieutenant Lieutenant
Susan Leonardo
Correctional
Lieutenant
Elias Mendez Kevin Peters Marilyn Weldon
Correctional Correctional Correctional
Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant
,
Shirley Grace
Information Technology
Manager
Sandra Hackett Charlotte Tilkes
Business Manager Offender Programs
Manager
22
Command Staff
Lieutenant
Dale Caudle
Sheriffs
Lieutenant
David Huerta
Sheriff's
Lieutenant
Lieutenant
Allan Gaad
Sheriffs
Lieutenant
Jeffrey Johnson
Sheriff's
Lieutenant
Joe Bull
Sheriffs
Lieutenant
Gregory Burton
Sheriffs
Lieutenant
Robert Hagler
Sheriffs
Lieutenant
Scott Jones
Sheriff's
Lieutenant
23
R
JULlE'RUCOBO
Historical
Humphrey Station
23117 Tollhouse Road
Clovis, CA. 9361 1
(559) 299-6522
RON TOSTE
Res. (559) 846-6714Hillview Dairy
Farm
Office (559) 846-7461 11680 W. Lincoln
Fax (559) 846-4166 Fresno, CA 93706
Golf Instruction
Jim Morley
Certified Golf Teaching Professional -W -{. .: e1(559):::_-:~~E L:~~~"rut~!~
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MANUFACTURING AND SAlES Phone (559) 486H0410
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24
Command Staff
< -~
rt Kandarian Fernando Lopez Robert McDonald Colleen Mestas
Sheriff's Sheriff's Sheriff's Sheriff's
Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant Lieutenant
Margaret Mims Marty Rivera Santos Tafoya
Sheriff's Sheriff's Sheriff's
Lieutenant
Bull, Lt. Scott Jones, and Lt. Colleen Mestas Lt. Elias Mendez and Sgt. Lorenzo Lara
25
.Supervisory Staff
~~
-,0\0:-Michael Bagwell Jeffrey Barrie Robert Broome Cheryl Dinnell
Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant
--Bonnie Hancock
Correctional Sergeant
---"
.
Thomas Mendoza
Correctional Sergeant
Richard Egbuziem
Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant
----Merle Heggen
-~
MikeHenkle Brian Henley David Hildreth
Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant
William Lang
Correctional Sergeant
,
Lorenzo Lara
Correctional Sergeant
L.
Jeffrey Lockie
Correctional Sergeant
26
Ron Vega
. al Sergeant
Supervisory Staff
.,-
I
,I"'\.... /".
Ronald Moreno
Correctional Sergeant
Diego Quintana
Correctional Sergeant
Chirld Shagena-Phipps
Correctional Sergeant
Emmitt Watkins
Correctional Sergeant
Larry Morris
Correctional Sergeant
Donovan Morrison
Correctional Sergeant
Charron Ream
Correctional Sergeant
Carlos Salinas
Correctional Sergeant
Kevin Thompson
Correctional Sergeant
Harold Shumate
Correctional Sergeant
Susan Watkins Randall Williams
Correctional Sergeant Correctional Sergeant 27
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28
Supervisory Staff
Michael Bailey
Sheriff's Sergeant
Daniel Cervantes
Sher~ffs Sergeant
Kathryn Dooley
Sheriff's Sergeant
Dale Baumann
Sheriff's Sergeant
-od
Bradley Christian
Sheriffs Sergeant
~
William Dryden
Sheriff's Sergeant
Alan Bradshaw
Sheriffs Sergeant
Jennifer Connolly
Sheriffs Sergeant
John Gregory, Jr.
Sheriff's Sergeant
Mark Bray
Sheriff's Sergeant
v---.-
Neil Dadian
Sheriffs Sergeant
Patrick Hanson
Sheriff's Sergeant
James Kerns Michael Lancaster John Maier Edward Mee
Sheriffs Sergeant Sheriffs Sergeant Sheriffs Sergeant Sheriffs Sergeant
29
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--
--
Supervisory Staff
Bryan Morgan
Sheriff's Sergeant
Joe Rascon
Sheriff's Sergeant
)-
Jay Stuart
Sheriff's Sergeant
Ronald Vaughn, Jr.
Sheriff's Sergeant
James Morley
Sheriff's Sergeant
--I "'
Michael Mosier Wilfred "Bill" Prince
Sheriff's Sergeant Sheriff's Sergeant
John Retherford
Sheriff's Sergeant
....
Toby Rien
Sheriff's Sergeant
Lee Rosander
Sheriff's Sergeant
Glenn Tagliamonte
Sheriff's Sergeant
--Eric Thompson
Sheriff's Sergeant
John Tilley
Sheriff's Sergeant
Victor Wisemer
Sheriff's Sergeant
Foster Womble
Sheriff's Sergeant
31
Stephen Wilkins
Sheriff's Sergeant
Clovis Rotary Cfu
Service Above Self
Clovis RotaI}' members have been living Service
Above Self for over 40 years. We are passionate
about seIVing the needs of others, both in our
local area, and internationallY as well.
For more information on providing support for the Clovis Rotary Club's
many worthwhile projects, contact Clovis Rotarian/Fresno County
Sheriff's Detention Bureau Lt. Kevin Peters,
You may also visit our web site at www,ciovisrotary,org,
•
Some of the club's projects are:
I. Spearheading a communlry-wlde effort to establish a Boys and Girls Club in
Clovis.
2. Helping Unlverslry Hope, of CSUF, build homes for needy families and seniors
3. Helping a promising, but struggling, school that we have "adopted" in Ciudad
Victoria, Mexico.
4. A Christmas basket program that provides food and Christmas presents for om
400 families every year.
S. Adopt -a -Highway for Freeway 168.
6. Promoting literacy by providing books to school libraries, and by a Community
of Readers Program
7. Awarding scholarships to students at area high schools, and recognizing the Top
100 students In these schools.
8. The establishment of Clovis Rotary Park.
9. Providing numerous grants to worthy charitable organizations In our community.
10. Helping Rotary International meet the needs of people world-wide.
Rotary International
The Positive Place
For Kids
32
assisting with floods in the City of Mendota
Sheriff'S Inmate Labor Cre,w
By Sergeant Ron Vega
s Inmate Labor Crew (SILC) isa program that places sentenced inmatestowork performing community
forthe residents of Fresno County. This program uses inmate labor as a resource to improve the qualityof
residents in the various communities in the County. Inmates workinQ' on the labor crews haveanopportunity
cipate in restorative justice by giving back to the communities from which they have committed crimes. This
m focuses on instilling a positive work ethic and develops basic employment skills.
Unit is part ofthe Detention Programs and Services Bureau of the Sheriff's Department. This Bureau is
command of Captain Mike Leonardo and Lieutenant Joseph Leon. The Unit is currently supervised by
nt Ron Vega and consists of eight Correctional Officers. In addition to supervising the inmate work crews,
assigned to this Unit are responsible for meeting with the public and other Fresno County staff in order
sites where clean-up projects are needed. Over the past year, the work crews have performed 41 ,206
labor. This amounts to $278,140 worth of work completed in our communities.
Labor Crews are currently maintaining the Pine Flat and Winton Park campgrounds. These parks were
to close for the winter of200 1 /2002. However, by working in cooperation with Fresno County General
Parks & Grounds, the SILC Unit was able to provide the necessary labor to keep the parks open for the
use ofthe public.
• . &1·
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SHERIFF 'S DEPr
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Ron Vega, C/O Randy Woodrum, C/O Lonnie Engleman, C/O Dan Trimmer, C/O Margie Juarez,
C/O Cheryl Edwards, C/O Gurjeet Sandhu and C/O Patrice Mack
S.I.L.C. assisting with County Beautification Day in
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S.I.L.C. crew in Auberry
Unit has also been involved with the Fresno County Beautification and Clean-up Pilot Project. The purpose
grantprogram is to reduce the incidents ofillegal dumping oftrash on County roads and private propertywhile
the beautification of Fresno County. This program assists residents living in the unincorporated
ities by providing a central drop-off waste collection center. Inmate labor is used at the collection sites to
residents with the disposal oftheirdiscards. This project has been successful in removing 88.7 tons ofdebris.
, the Sheriff's Department's SILC Unit contracted with the California Department of Transportation,
)to provide the State with inmate labor to improve the appearance of State highways in Fresno County.
labor is used to assistStateworkers with weed control and debris removal. The SILC Unitalso participates
CaltransAdopt-A-Highw'ayprogram. The SILC Unitis responsiblefordebris removal on Highway99 between
and Clovis Avenue on both the north and southbound lanes.
past several years, the Sheriff's Inmate Labor Crew has demonstrated themselves to be a valuable
forthe County. The Unithas participated in several community clean-up projects where graffiti, discarded
general debris have become a serious problem. The SILC Unit continues to work in partnership with the
that we serve.
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Programs
By Charlotte Tilkes
Sheriff's Department has the legal and moral obligation to provide inmates with the tools,
to develop the skills and behaviors needed to lawfully, responsibly and productively live
Detention Programs and Services Bureau's Offender Programs Unit operates under the
competency and skill developmentwith the expectation that inmates who enterthe detention
capable to function as productive citizens when they leave the jail than when they enter. The
the abiHtyto successfully transition, effectively contribute, and not commit crimes in the
goal of successful community transition, the Bureau actively engages in multi-agency
ing the intervention and education services to a difficult-to-serve population. To provide
Bureau staff works closely with the service partners to identify barriers that would hindergood
pment. These collaborations assist in avoiding duplication ofservices and in maximizing
of offender programs provided in the detention facility. These programs include intervention,
oymentpreparation.lntervention programs included Substance Abuse Education; Alcoholics
Anonymous; Anger, Violence and Personal Accountability, Parenting, Stress Management,
and Self-Esteem Workshops; HIV/AIDS and STD education. Education programs "include
School Diploma, Literacy), and pre-employment and employment preparation. Also a variety
formation opportunities are available. All programs are based upon three core values:
ilityfor choices, decisions, actions, consequences and the belief that everyone is
responsibility for the harm caused by their actions and develop empathy for their
living skills, including academic, decision making, problem solving, anger/conflict
and employability skills.
WtVIlr!:ln,eoffered the inmates, one of the most successful has been the JOBS 2000 program. JOBS
week employment preparation and placement program funded by the County's Department of
Temporary Assistance. In the past two years, 82% of the inmates who have successfully
found employment have notretumedto theiaiL While there are no local statistics for offenders
crimes upon release from the jail, national statistics indicate that over 80% of offenders released
...".'nlClrln and return to prison within two years of release.
Fresno County offenders re-offending and returning to jail, Bureau staffbelievethatthesuccess
program is the focus on employment skills development and employment placement prior to
the jail. As a result, the Detention Programs and Services Bureau will continue to focus inmate
on basic living and employment skill development. This is in addition to ongoing collaboration with
Ift'V'Ir!:lrYle that promote employment and a continuum ofservices and support to assist offenders in being
members ofthe community upon their release from custody.
37
Snow Phone: (559) 233-3330 for the most current conditions.
I •
38
Business Office
Doris Bosch
Account Clerk III
Patti Gimbarti
Account Clerk III
Tracee Crozier Diana Gonzales
Account Clerk III Account Clerk III
Ann Hall
AccountClerk III
June Ikeda
Account Clerk II
Georgia Kawamoto
AccountClerk II
Doug King
Stock Clerk III
Bruce Roberts
Senior Accountant
SurinderSandhu
AccountClerk III
Helen Thomas
Accou nt Clerk III
Toune Thounsouk
AccountClerk II
Cynthia Tsukamoto
Supervising Account
Clerkll
SallyYemoto
Senior Accountant
Thomas Trester RonWaliace
Staff Analyst III Account Clerk III
39
Correctional Officers
Tadelle Abraha Jimmy Aguirre
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Blankson Akioyame
Correctional Officer
Peter Albert
Correctional Officer
Jimmy Antuna
Correctional Officer
RomuldoAlvarez Joe Anaya Bret Armstrong
Correctional Officer Correctional Off.icer Correctional Officer
,
I
Julian Arvizu
Correctional Officer
RobertAtchley
Correctional Officer
-./
Robert Arroyo Daniel Aveitia
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Steven Barajas
Correctional Officer
Lorrie Barber
Correctional Officer
Norma Banuelos Terry Bardwell
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
40
--
Correctional Officers
Barry Beaver Ken Becker Paul Beckley Primo Belmontez
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Meredith Black Cheryl Blair Nikia Blathers Larry Blow
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Mike Bolger Linda Bowman Christopher Boyd Eleanor Bracamonte
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Dennis Bridges
Correctional Officer
Billy Brunson
Correctional Officer
Richard Briano Darling Burch
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
41
~rnlLocal Jails: The Missing Piece of the
solving.
Community Policing Paradigm
By Lt. David Kurtze
According to a recent article in a law enforcement publication, the corrections end ofthe criminal justice ~lJv;\llI \II
is becoming increasingly involved in the community policing model. The article goes on to discuss how p
parole, and the courts are forming partnerships and collaborating to make communities safer. However, there
mention ofthe involvement that local jails have in the community policing effort, despite the fact that jails havea
deal to offer in the community policing arena. Fartoo often ,localjails are leftoutofthe picture, when they
identified as the missing piece of the community-policing paradigm.
Community policing is both a philosophy and a management style, and it affects the entire law enforcement
Community policing tries to bring communities and law enforcement agencies togetherto deal with crime and
community issues. The primary components of community policing are community partnerships and
Recent statistics indicate that crime rates are decreasing; many factors may be contributing to this
Toughersentencing laws, more police officers on the streets, and greater involvement by communities are all
an impact on crime. Many individuals in law enforcement believe that community policing is another factor
to reduce crime. If community policing can work in the communities that you and Ilive in, can it also work ·
communities of our local jails? I believe that it can.
42
ofthe problems ofapplying community policing to a correctional setting is defining what "community" means
'1 setting. Jails actually have two communities they need to be concerned about-the external and the internal
unity. The external community encompasses everything outside the jail walls, including the general public and
agencies that may come into contact with the jail. The internal community includes the correctional staff and
mates who live and work inside the jail.
nity Policing can work not only outside the walls of our jails, but also inside. A properly implemented
ity policing philosophy will allow ourjails to playa greater role in the communities in which we all live. But
can we apply the community policing principles to our correctional facilities? Following are a few suggestions:
Supervision: If jails are to have a positive impact on their internal communities, jail staff need to be aware
problems their "citizens" are facing on a day-to-day basis. Just as the officer on the street needs to know what
_nr,on'ng in the neighborhood that he patrols, the correctional officer needs to know what is taking place on his
. There is no better way to do this than for officers to walk, talk, and interact with the inmates who are under
supervision facilities have a definite advantage in this area, and the benefits ofthese environments have been
mented. However, agencies thatdo not have directsupervisionjails can still benefitfromthis philosophy
ding a management approach that encourages staff to interact with the inmate community as much as
. The more opportunities staff has to interact with inmates in this way, the greater their impact on the day
problems we face in our jails.
Labor Crews: Many jails have inmate labor crews on which sentenced inmates perform various work
intheircommunities. Inmates provide labor for humanitarian projects, trash collection, cleaning ofschools,
removal, and a variety of other tasks. These inmate labor crews provide positive benefits for everyone
. Communities benefit from the work and projects the inmates complete; jails benefit from the public
sand opportunities to form partnerships with the community; and the inmates are given an opportunity to .. communities with the labor they provide. This work also gives the inmates an opportunity to feel good about
and helps to implement a philosophy of restorative justice.
43
Inmate Intervention and Education: Inmate intervention and education programs provide our communities
an opportunity to have a real impact on crime and the causes ofcrime. The vast majority ofinmates who come
our jails will return to our communities. Intervention programs help inmates to deal with many issues such
substance abuse, lowself-esteem, stress, angermanagement, and domestic violence. Educational programs
inmates develop some of the basic skills they will need to make a successful transition to life outside the
Religious programs help to provide moral and ethical values that can have long-term impacts on behaviors and
choices. All of these programs help to reintegrate inmates back into their communities.
Mental Health Services: It has been estimated that mentally ill inmates account for 10 to 15 percent of
populations nationwide. Mentally ill inmates pose ?pecial problems for jail staffin terms o"fhousing issues, di
and the provision o"f necessa ry treatment. I ndividuals with menta I illnesses may have been receivi ng treatment
to their arrest and placement in our facilities, but their treatment often ends once they are incarcerated.
Jail mental health services that operate under a community policing philosophy work to form contacts
partnerships with their counterparts in the community. While these individuals are in custody, jail staff can
attemptto continue services that have already been started. When inmates are released, jail staff can make
with the appropriate agencies and help plan post-custody services.
Problem Solving: Corrections, like law enforcement, is incident driven. Correctional staff typically spend
oftheirtime responding to incidents that happen on a day-to-day basis. Officers respond tofights, inmate in
and other jail problems on a routine basis. Once the incidents are resolved, there may be little or no fol
address the underlying factors that may have caused the incidents.
44
long, jails have operated on a reactive basis by primarily dealing with problems after they have happened.
operating under a community policing philosophy take a more proactive stance and attempt to deal with
ms before they happen, or at least look for some long-term solutions to the issues.
em solving is hard work. Jail staff are trained well to respond to incidents, but they often receive little or no
in how to analyze and solve problems. Few jails make the effort to look at similar incidents that are taking
in the facility and try to address the underlying problems. Jail staffs are often too busy dealing with day-to-day
Ilric,ntc that take place. Our jails need staff who can not only respond to incidents, but can identify problems,
nd why they are occurring, develop and implement solutions, and determine if their solutions are working.
er Service Orientation: For too long the put5Tfc sector has laggedObehind the private sector in the area
mer service. Because profit and customer retention are generally not seen as goals of the jail, customer
has not been seen as an area that needs to be addressed.
that operate under a community policing model understand and emphasize the need for a customer service
·on. Treating individuals who come into contact with our jailsas customers will provide a number ofbenefits
facilities. A customer service orientation will help to reduce complaints about correctional staff from both the
public and the inmates in our care. It may also help reduce the number of inmate grievances that are filed
staff.
treating each other as customers also can help to lessen the number ofinternal complaints. Finally, jails may
moresupportfromthecommunity, because citizens who are treated in a professional and respectful manner
staff are more likely to be supportive ofjail issues when they arise.
unity Involvement: community policing provides jails with a greater opportuni,tyfor community involvement.
. nal staff become more involved in our communities, and our communities become more involved with
. For a long time, law eflforcement has been involved with our communities, but correctional staff have not
the same opportunities. A
. policing philosophy has helped to open some ofthese doors, and correctional staff now have more
. They are being asked to speak atschools, to participate with various civic groups, and to be members
nted organizations. Partnerships have been formed between correctional staff and community
to provide services to inmates and their families. Some facilities join with the community and pass out toys
children of inmates when they come to visit during the Christmas season. Other facilities use community
to help provide inmate education, recreation, and religious services.
jails are to be an integral piece ofthe community policing paradigm, we need not only to be involved with
unities, but also to allow our communities to be involved with our jails. We must open the doors of our
and letourcommunitiesseeand be involved with what is taking place. We need to letourcommunities know
the positive things that are taking place, rather than allowing them to hear only the negative things reported
media.
have many resources to offer our communities. The principles ofcommunity policing can have an important
on what happens inside our facilities if we will allow them to work.
also have the opportunity to take what is working inside ourwalls to the outside to help respond to the needs
munities. As we do this, our jails will no longer be the missing piece ofthe community pOlicing paradigm.
we will be seen as a vital partner in the community policing effort to make our communities better places
45
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Correctional Officer
Jeffrey Campbell
Correctional Officer
Myesha Cartier
Correctional Officer
Fernando Cano
Correctional Officer
Kelli Capps
Correctional Officer
DonnaCarrell
Correctional Officer
Anna Casey
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~
Margaret Castellano
Correctional Officer
Alex Chagoya
Correctional Officer
Kevin Clay Harold Clendenen
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47
Correctional Officers
~ ..........
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48
Correctional Officers
William Ellis
Correctional Officer
Daniel Encinas
Correctional Officer
Lonnie Engleman
Correctional Officer
Nieves Escobedo
Correctional Officer
.r
Mike Esquivel
Correctional Officer
_
Henry Facio
Correctional Officer
Jose Ferrer
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49
Area 1
By Deputy Ann Bennett
Area One is headquartered at21925 W. Manning inthecommunityofSan Joaquin. Spreadover2,400
and encompassing the communities of Coalinga, Huron, Five Points, Biola, Kerman, Tranquility,
Me~dota and San Joaquin, Area One is one of the largest ofall the areas. Overseeing this area is L..I'O'UU;;I
Caudle.
The Deputies that work in Area One enjoy the wide open spaces of rural Fresno County, but, as one ofthe
areas geographically, Area One presents many challenges to the Deputies assigned to patrol it. Hn\AI'l\/~
men and women are up to the challenge. To patrol an area that covers approximately 2,400 square
Deputies work closely with the California Highway Patrol along with the Police Departments in Kerman,
Coalinga and Huron. They also work closely with the citizens in the communities they serve. One ofthe
connect with the communities is through a program started by an innovative Area One Deputy: T.AG.
T.AG. stands for Teaming Against Graffiti. It was implemented by Deputy Steve Vlasis as a service to
graffiti and keep it from spreading. The program involves developing partnerships between law
citizens, civic organizations and the business community to help eliminate graffiti from their neigh
connecting to the communities, Area One Deputies are able to build a relationship oftrust and mutual
making it easier to solve problems as soon as they surface. .
The Sheriffs Department prides itself on its approach to community-oriented policing. T.AG. is just
of the many ways that Deputies reach out to the citizens ofthe areas they patrol.
50
Sergeant Eric Thompson
Deputy Kelly Mayfield and Deputy Bernardo Ortiz
51
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Area 3
ded by Lieutenant Margaret Mims, Area Three stretches across the southeastern part of Fresno County.
Jameson Avenue tothe Friant/Kern Canal and from AmericanAvenue and the outskirts of Fresno and Clovis
Kings River, the personnel of Area Three provide service to approximately 120,000 people and cover over
square miles!
in its boundaries lie the cities ofFowler, Selma, Sanger, Kingsburg, Parlier and Reedley all with theirown police
ts. The city of Orange Cove has a contract ~ith the Sheriff's Department to provide for law enforcement
-"""<:><': . Additionally, Area Three Deputies service the communities of Laton, Riverdale, Caruthers, Easton and
rville.
are a number of very special events held within these communities, including the Orange Cove Halloween
House, Laton Rodeo, Riverdale Rodeo and the Caruthers Fair. The Caruthers Fair is the largestfree-gate
in California and brings up to 100,000 visitors to the Caruthers area during its run. Virtually crime-free, the
rs Fair is a great place for families to relax, enjoy themselves and perhaps enjoy a big piece of homemade
Area Three Deputies are proud to be part of these events.
Three is staffed by forty Deputy Sheriffs and seven Sergeants who are responsible for providing patrol services
area. These Deputies answer calls-for-service, respond to emergencies and patrol the streets to ensure the
ofthe community. In addition, Area Three has its own Detective Unit that consists offour Detectives and one
The Area Detectives do in-depth investigations ofvarious crimes, including, robbery, burglary and theft.
nine Community Service Officers assigned to the area assist the Deputies and Detectives in their crime
efforts. The CSO' s duties include neighborhood watch, citizen's patrol, operation I. D. and owner applied
, home and businesssecurity inspections and working with the community on other crime prevention related
~
are twelve Deputy Sheriffs and one Sergeant assigned to Youth Services in Area Three. The main focus of
ties is to work with the students, their parents and school personnel in the twenty-one elementary schools,
middle schools and four high schools that lie within the boundaries of Area Three.
el ofArea Three works hard to ensure the safety and security of the citizens living in its many diverse
53
Correctional Officers
Marty Gonzales
Correctional Officer
Robert Goodrich
Correctional Officer
Nellie Gutierrez
Correctional Officer
Alfred Garnica
Correctional Officer
Jesse Gloria
Correctional Officer
Sherrell Grayson
Correctional Officer
Ivan Garza
Correctional Officer
Roger Goist
Correctional Officer
Jorge Gonzalez
Correctional Officer
/----
Michael Grieco
Correctional Officer
Brian Gibbs
Correctional Officer
Eulalio Gomez
Correctional Officer
Rueben Gonzalez
Correctional Officer
David Gutierrez
Correctional Officer
Amparo Gonzalez
Correctional Officer
54
Correctional Officers
Terry Hall Michael Hanlin Shain Hansen Nancy Harness
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
4
Lynn Hedrick Daniel Her Lue Her ThengHer
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Mario Herrera
Correctional Officer
James Hodges
Correctional Officer
Timothy Hoffman
Correctional Officer
Robert Holmes
Correctional Officer
Herbert Holt Chad Horneck Debbie Hunt Noe Ibarra, Jr.
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55
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56
Area 4
Deputy Joel Cobb, Northeast Field Services Bureau
me to Area Four!
in October of 2000 under the direction of Northeast Field Services Bureau Captain Roger Greening,
Four is not necessarily a new patrol area in the strictest of definitions, but is nonetheless the newest
...,,/c,r,ned patrol area within Fresno County. Area Fourserves the residents and tourists eastofthe Friant-Kern
I onthe eastside of Fresno County. With a comph~mentofnearlytwent)l-five Deputies and Supervisors, Area
is one of the largest patrol areas in Fresno County. To provide access to the public, the Auberry SUbstation
modernized and reopened in 2000. Additionally, the new Squaw Valley Substation was built and opened in
rthe direction ofArea Commander Lt. Nelson Beazley, Area Four covers nearly 2000 square miles offoothills
mountains that attract a wide variety of residents and tourists. Many recreational areas are located within Area
Huntington Lake, which is rated amongst the top five sailing lakes in America, Sierra Summit Ski Resort,
r Lake, Millerton Lake State Park, Sierra National Forest, Hume Lake, Sequoia Lake, Sequoia National
and Kings Canyon National Park, to name a few. There are several communities in Area Four, which include
Lake, Shaver Lake, Big Creek, Tollhouse, Auberry, Prather, Big Sandy Indian Rancheria, Table Mountain
Cold Springs Rancheria, Piedra, TrimmerSprings, WonderValley, TivyValley, SquawValley, Dunlap,
ehurst.
getting Area Four on its feet, there have been good times, and some bad times. The worst ofthe bad times
the untimely and tragic on-duty death of Deputy Erik Telen on August 21,2001. Erik's death brought the
nity and the Sheriffs Department together in a way no one thought possible. Out of a tragic experience came
ring from the community that cannot be expressed in words. All we can say from all of us in Area Four is
you! ~
57
I n the ever-continuing endeavor to provide the best service to the citizens ofFresno County and those who
enjoy the area, the Fresno County Sheriff's Department has several specialty units that are assigned to Area
They include the Mounted Unit, Dive Team, Boating Enforcement Unit, and Search and Rescue. The Mounted
is a full-time unit that provides a high visibility, mobile platform, which is easily accessed and well received by
public. The Mounted Unit not only serves as a great public relations tool, butthey also work special events and
control where there are large numbers of people to control. The Mounted Unit currently consists of three
Deputies that are assigned full-time.
The Boating Enforcement Unit directed by Sergeant Jennifer Connolly includes Deputy IV Jeff Lynn and Dep.
Papaleo during three seasons of the year. Durir:19 the summer, the ~EU grows to include several more De
and Reserves to provide public safety on the waterways in Fresno County. Currently, the BEU provides patrol
water rescue services on Huntington Lake, ShaverLake, Redinger Lake, Pine Flat Lake, the Kings River, and
waterways. Theyalso provide mutual aid assistance toallied agencies such as Millerton State Park, and Pine
Corp of Engineers.
The largestofthe specialty units is the Search and Rescue Team. The SAR team includes Lt. Beazley, Sgt.
Maier, Sgt. Bill Dryden, and Sgt. Phil Caporale, along with 14 regular Deputies, and 150 volunteers. These
as a team provide a very effective tool in searching for and rescuing people. The volunteer teams include
disciplines. The teams include the Horse Posse, Snowmobile Unit, Jeep Unit, Mountaineer Unit, and the
Squadron. Working together, all of the volunteers and Deputies have offered a high success rate with
people, not only in Fresno County, but also in other counties and areas in California (OES Mutual Aid).
One unique aspect ofArea Fouristhe allied agencies thatwe work with. To coverthe large areas ofFederal,
and locally controlled areas, there are several agencies which all work togetherto provide public safety and
the various legal codes. The agencies we work with include: Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest,
Canyon National Park, California State Fish and Game, California Highway Patrol, California Dep
Forestry, several Volunteer Fire Departments, Millerton State Park, and EMS.
We welcome all to our Area to enjoy the wonderful recreational areas and magnificent Sierra Nevada range.
Captain Greening said, "Why go out ofthe area to enjoy the mountains, when you-have the most beautiful
and trails in the world in your own backyard."
Aerial view of Millerton Lake 58
Ag Task Force
By Sgt. John Tilley and Lt. Joe Bull
During 1997, while seeking election to his first term as the Sheriff of Fresno County, then-Captain Richard
saw the need for an Agriculture (Rural Crime) Task Force. This task force would focus on, and investigate,
Iture-related crime in the County of Fresno.
After being elected, Sheriff Pierce worked with local legislators, including Chuck Poochigian, Dean Flores,
Reyes, and Jim Costa, securing a state grant thFOugh the Office ofthe Governor, Office of Criminal Justice
ing, which provided state funding for a Rural Crime Task Force forthe County of Fresno.
The Fresno County Ag (Rural Crime) Task Force was formed in 1999, officially opening its doors for
on June 14, 1999. By September of 1999, it was fully staffed with one Sheriff's Sergeant, six Sheriffs
•.,,,TI\I,;;,,,,, one District Attorney Investigator, and two Deputy District Attorneys who provide vertical prosecution
offenders. A memberofthe California Highway Patrol's Auto Theft Unitwasadded tothe unitlaterin theyear.
Ag Task Force investigates all agriculture-related crimes and metal thefts.
The Fresno County Ag Task Force currently works with seven otherSan Joaquin Valley Rural Crime Task
. Kern County, Kings County, Madera County, Merced County, San Joaquin County, Stanislaus County,
County, and the TulareA.C.T.I.O.N. Project. Itis alsoa member of, and participates actively in, the California
Crime Prevention Task Force, which meets quarterly and addresses statewide rural/ag crime problems.
The Fresno County Ag Task Force attends monthly meetings with the other seven county task forces and
with them on a continual basis allowing investigations to cross jurisdictional boundaries. Italso continues to
with the State Department of Agriculture, the Fresno County Department ofAgriculture, the Fres~o County
Bureau, and local farmers and ranchers to investigate all agriculture-related crimes.
The Ag Task Force also maintains memberships in, and works with, the California Rural Crime Prevention
Force, the Western States Livestock Investigator's Association, the Southern States Rural Enforcement
,the Internationa~1 Livestock Identification Association, the California Metal Investigators Association,
era Investigator's Association, and the Construction Industry Crime Prevention Program.
Deputy Erich Garringer and Deputy Shaun Holahan 59
Correctional Officers
Jim Iqbal
Correctional Officer
Jeff Jacoby
Correctional Officer
./, / "-..
Ernie Jaime
Correctional Officer
Jerry Jarocki
Correctional Officer
Mark Johnson
Correctional Officer
Jessica Kampen
Correctional Officer
Devin Kubota
Correctional Officer
Eric Johansen
Correctional Officer
Kenneth Johns
Correctional Officer
Katherine Johnson
Correctional Officer
Margie Juarez
Correctional Officer
Miguel Juarez
Correctional Officer
Brian Kamlade
Correctional Officer
Sue Kerns
Correctional Officer
Steve Kleinknight
Correctional Officer
George Kostuchek
Correctional Officer
60
Correctional Officers
Pete Lascano
Correctional Officer
Pamela Lockie
Correctional Officer
..
MesfinMamo
Correctional Officer
Kathleen Martinez
Correctional Officer
Joe Lepe
Correctional Officer
Gilbert Lopez
Correctional Officer
Daniel Manriques
Correctional Officer
Howard Lewis
Correctional Officer
....
Susan MacDonald
Correctional Officer
Fernando Macias
Correctional Officer
.--....
Rudy Marquez
Correctional Officer
Rhonda Martin
Correctional Officer
Greg Little
Correctional Officer
Mark Martinez Mary Ellen Martinez Rachel Martinez
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
61
Correctional Officers
Rossano Martinez
Correctional Officer
KeferMcCoy
Correctional Officer
Catrina McKinney
Correctional Officer
Jerry Medrano
Correctional Officer
Albert Mendoza
Correctional Officer
Mike Mendoza
Correctional Officer
~"/~
~,
Don Mercer
Correctional Officer
Carlos Meza
Correctional Officer
Mike Mills
Correctional Officer
Phillip Moore
Correctional Officer
Angie Morales
Correctional Officer
Sylvia Morley
Correctional Officer
--..~. ../_
Darlene Murillo Mark Murillo Christine Murphy Carlos Navarette
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
62
Correctional Officers
Mary Nichols
Correctional Officer
Timothy Nickel
Correctional Officer
Phillip Niedhammer
Correctional Officer
Benjamin Nunley
Correctional Officer
Dana Ohlberg
Correctional Officer
..
Michael Olague
Correctional Officer
-Oludolapo Olubeko
Correctional Officer
Robert Osborn
Correctional Officer
Clinton Page
Correctional Officer
John Palacios
Correctional Officer
Hector Palma
Correctional Officer
Joseph Papagni
Correctional Officer
Jeff Penry
Correctional Officer
Daniel Perez
Correctional Officer
,.-------y ............. ,
Carol Phillips
Correctional Officer
.--"'/~
-.".
Henry Parker
Correctional Officer
63
OVERCROWDING RELEASE
CRITERIA
By Lt. Joseph Leon
In June of1993, the United States Federal CourtJssued an order requiring that every inmate in custody at the
County Jail have a bed ora bunk to sleep in. Priortothatdate, due to chronic overcrowding, inmates routinely
on mattresses on the floors ofthejail cells. On June 17,1993, the Fresno County Sheriffs Department's
Bureau began releasing inmates from custody due to "overcrowding". This dramatically changed the way
Sheriffs Department operated its jails. A new facet of inmate detention emerged in which custody staff
constantly screening for release those inmates who posed the leastamountofdangertothe public. Foreveryin
kept, one had to be released and the jail quickly turned into a revolving door for local criminals. Policies
procedures had to reflectthe new guidelines that were put into place to adhere to the population caps that
the ongoing release ofinmates from custody.
Currently, the Main Jail hasabedcapacityof 1064, the NorthAnnexJail has432, the South Annex Jail has 686
the Satellite Jail has 300, for a total capacity of 2482 beds. In order for the Sheriff to keep inmates from
on the floor, the Sheriffis authorized to release inmates from the jail, or even refuse to accept new arrestees
anyofthefacilities oranyspecific housing unit reaches ninety percent (90%) ofca pacity. Population
personnel try to maintain all housing units close to a ninety-seven percent (97%) capacity by evaluating the
population twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. When inmate population caps are exceeded,
determines the areas in the facility where inmate population reduction is necessary in order to provide bed
to each inmate. If overcrowding still exists, those inmates who a re housed in overcrowded areas must be
following the Federal Court OrderRelease criteria. Inmates charged with violent felonies, crimes involving
bodily injury, and "third strike" offenses are some that are notto be considered for overcrowding releases. H
car thieves and those charged with drug sales must be released.
The North Annex Jail is currently under construction with the addition of three additional floors planned. Th'
an additional 864 beds. Thecompletiondateforthis phase ofconstruction is December7, 2002. With the
ofthese beds, overcrowding releases will cease until population caps areagain reached. Fortheyear2001,
inmates were released due to overcrowding. As ofJanuary 28,2002 the total number of inmates released
the implementation of the Federal Court Order was 42,143. Ninety-four percent (94%) of the
releases have been pre-trial, with six percent (6%) being sentenced inmates. By March of2003, more than
than not, overcrowding releases will quite possibly resume. Innovative solutions will be back on the
addressing the issues, including alternative forms ofsentencing versus incarceration. What about the public
for Restorative Justice? Whatwill be the visionary strategies in finding the optimal solution? These are
Sheriff's Department Detention Bureau will continue to be challenged with in developing effective ",T"'::IToO'1111
continue with its mission to protectthe community.
64
Pig Bowl
The Pig Bowl was held on January 26,2002 at Fresno State's Bulldog Stadium. Proceeds ofthe Pig Bowl went
the Make-A-Wish Foundation. After winning the trophy in both 1999 and 2000, the Fresno County S
Department gave up their title with a score of 21 to 7.
66
Ice Bowl
Ice Bowl was held on December 8,2001 at Selland Arena. "Competing forthe Golden Puck" were two Fresno
rivals, Team Sheriff and Team Police. Thiswas afundraiserto helpsendthe Fresno HeatTeamto~nnsbruck,
to defend their gold medal during the 2002 International Police Winter Games.
67
We at San JoaQuin Valley College, along with our students enrolled in the
Corrections Program, salute the Fresno Coun~ Sheriff's Department.
Through your service and commitment to the communi~, you inspire our
students, future correctional and law enforcement officers.
TheSJ\lCCorrectional Officer Program .ieatures:
• criminal law • arrest & control techniQues
• firearms control • evidence preservation
• institutional corrections management
~-a-s.I£C
A PR'VAn J~"'OR COLLEGE
diseouer the power in YOll
Visalia I Bakrsfield I Fresno I Fresno Aviation I Rancho Cucamonga
•
Thank you to the -
Sheriff's Foundation for Public Safety
for your outstanding commitment to serving our youth
and protecting the citizens of Fresno County.
Senator Chuck Poochigian
68
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PROTECTING PEOPLE, PROPERTY AND PEACE OF MIND
69
Crime Stoppers
By Sherman Lee
What is Crime Stoppers?
Crime stoppers is a partnership between law enforcement, the news media, and the public. The news
media consists of KSEE 24 Television, Infinity Radio, the Fresno Bee, the Thrifty Nickel, the Vida En el Valle.
the Clovis Independent, the Reedley Exponent, the Kerman News, the Selma Enterprise, the Twin City Times,
the Auberry Mountain Press, the Madera Tribune, the EI Grafico, and the Hanford Sentinel. This partnership
works very well in maximizing the efforts to maJ.<e our community a safer place to live. The news media
broadcasts photographs of wanted suspects for the public to see. When the pubic sees the suspect's
photograph, they call law enforcement with a known location for that suspect. Law enforcement then goes into
action, and an attempt arrest is made.
Does Crime Stoppers really work?
Yes it does, and it works very well. Our program started in 1993, and has been in operation ever
2001 was a banner year for Crime Stoppers. We were responsible for taking 26 guns off the streets, and for
693 felony arrests. That is an increase of 128 from the previous year. 693 arrests calculates to more than 13
each week ofthe year. That is 693 felons offthe streets of Fresno County, not preying on our citizens. Along
the arrests, Crime Stoppers was responsible for confiscating over $17.5 million in illegal narcotics in the
years.
Why does Crime Stoppers Work?
Most of Fresno County's citizens want to do the right thing, and are committed to helping'reduce
Citizens and witnesses coming forward and giving all the information they have is very important. We have
opinion that the right pieces of information in the hands of a law enforcement officer can result in felony
Unfortunately, not everYone is willing to help law enforcement. Some ofour citizens need to be prompted to ~ That is where Crime Stoppers comes in. We offer cash money rewards for information that leads to the
a wanted felon. Sometimes the lure of cash money is all it takes to cause a person to make a phone call to
someone in, especially since all calls are anonymous.
Table Mountain Dancers at Crime Stoppers fundraiser 2002. 70
Board of Directors
Crime Stoppers is governed by a Board of Directors made up of 21 business professionals from our
unity, consisting ofbankers, lawyers, C.P.A.'s, controllers ofcompanies, advertising executives, and ex
puty sheriffs. Some ofyou may remember Harry Massucco, Gary Quisenberry, and Bill Kidd. They are ex
es who left the Fresno Sheriff's Department in the late 1970's, and have gone on to distinction in the
world. When these three ex-deputies, Lt. Robert Hagler (the Sheriff's Department advisorto Crime
. oeIDel"s) and I are in attendance at the board meetings, the Sheriff's Department is well represented.
71
s Department's Personnel
The Fresno Sheriff's Department became a partner in Crime Stoppers when reserve Deputy Sheriff Mike
-,."rncjoined our team. Mike held that position as a volunteer until his value to Fresno County was recognized,
he was sworn in as a Fresno County Deputy Sheriff.
In January 1999, Sheriff Pierce assigned a permanent Deputy Sheriff position to Crime Stoppers, and
Rick Lyons came on board.
In January 2000, Rick Lyons was re-assigned to the H.I.D.T.A. task force, and I became the Crime
Deputy Sheriff. I would never have dreamed that in the last 2 years of my career, I would have a part in
9 more than 1200 suspects.
Bye
I want to take this opportunity to say "so long" to my friends at the Sheriff's Department. You are like
to me, and I'm going to miss you.
Fresno Police Department Chief Ed Winchester, General Manager of University Acura of
Fresno Theanna Stevens, and Sheriff Richard Pierce
Court Services Unit
By Sergeant Neil Dadian
Well over a century ago, the nearest court of general jurisdiction to what is now Fresno County, was about
hundred miles away in San Rosario, Mexico. When California entered the Union in 1850, current day Fresno
residents had access to a district court in Mariposa, only a two-day ride by horseback. On June 9, 1856, the resi
of newly formed Fresno County elected its first County Judge, Charles A. Hart. The newly elected sheriff, Will
C. Bradly, among his other duties, served as b~iliff.
The population of Fresno County in 1856 was under 10,000 people. Today, the population is well over 800,
people and is one ofthe most cu Iturally diverse cou nties in the nation. A sig nificant n um ber ofthat d iverse IJU~JUla
has business with the courts in some fashion. In an effort to better provide access to the courts by the comm
the judiciary in Fresno County has been consolidated into the Fresno County Superior Court.
The Fresno County Superior Court has 46 judicial positions, including judges and commissioners, as well asa
ofPro-Temjudges and Juvenile Traffic Referees. The court serves the County with branches in Clovis, Coali
Firebaugh, Fowler, Kerman, Kingsburg, Reedley, Sanger, and Selma. The main courthouse is located in tine
seatin Fresno. Becauseofthe need for more space, various components ofthe courts are housed in otherfa
in orneardowntown Fresno. There isa separatefacilityfor Juvenile DependencyCourt, Juvenile Delinquency
and Family Support Court. Fresno County has one ofthe busiest court systems in the state.
As·the enforcement arm forthe court, the Sheriff has responsibilityto staff all ofthese courts and has assigned a
ofover 80 employees. A Sheriff's Lieutenant commands the Court Services Unit and has three Sheriff's Se
70 Deputy Sheriffs and 10 Community Service Officers. Several Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and a steady
field deputies hired ba9k on overtime also augment the force. The Court Services Unit is the single largest u
the Department. •
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department Court Services Unit 2002
72
Court Services Unit Management and Supervisory staff. Pictured left to right: Sgt. Neil Oadian, Lt. Allen
Gaad, Captain Ron Wiley, Sgt. Phil Caporale and Sgt. Gregg Andreotti
.""m..nrr S responsibilities include providing deputies in courts to act as bailiff, transportation and delivery of in
defendants from the jail and other state and local facilities, perimeter and interior security, entry point
screening, and the full range of law enforcement services. Deputies and Community Services Officers,
rshipwith County Security, screen approximately 3500 entries a day, just at the main courthouse alone.
point weapons screening occurs at all court facilities.
investigate numerous crimes committed in court facilities and make dozens ofarrests each year. Court
deputies also transport and maintain custody of an ever-increasing number of in-custody prisoners,
about 300 daily, for all court facilities. In addition, between two hundred to three hundred persons are
by the court each month, and taken into custody for booking and incarceration.
to keep an ever-blossoming system from grinding to a halt, the Court Services Unit's complement of
Services Officers provides support staff to keepthewheelsofjusticeturning. In a dynamic and creative
for career development, 10 CSO's were recently assigned to cover duties previously tasked to deputy
The Unit's CSO's serve as radio dispatchers, scheduling duty officers, classification/calendar analysts, site
ratorsin security stations, entry point weapons screeners, and administrative aides to the supervisors
commander. These dedicated men and women provide the support for the deputies to work in a safer
and focus more resources to criminal investigation and apprehension, as well as other lawenforcement
ities.
and CSO's provide a safe and friendly environment forthe court staff, judiciary and the publicwe
administration ofjustice. 73
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Area 2
By Deputy Todd Cotta
Fresno Metro, Area Two, is as strong as ever. Home to the Field Training Officer
Property Crimes, Metro Operation Safe Streets (O.S.S.) and COPPS in Schools makes
day a busy day at our headquarters located at 5717 E. Shields. The Deputies and staff at
Two pride themselves on hard work and professionalism while adhering to the Mission, Va
and Vision statement of the Fresno CO/Lmty Sheriff's Department.
Area Two was commanded by Lt. Jeff Hollis until he was promoted in April. Lt. C
Mestas is now the Area Two Commander. Watch One supervisors include Sgt. Mike La 'VU'''''IIW
and Sgt. Foster Womble. Sgt. Mike Bailey and Sgt. Mike Mosier head up Watch Two.
Three and Field Training Sergeants are Sgt. Stephen Wilkins and Sgt. Kathy Dooley. Sgt.
Wisemer leads Watch Four. Our COPPS in Schools Sergeant is Sgt. Mark Bray. Office Assi
Brenda Worstein keeps the area organized and has answers for most any dilemma the d
find themselves in.
Each sergeant and deputy is assigned to one of the five beats in the Metro Area.
beat team is responsible for addressing quality of life issues of each area, as well as vvU..... 1
on the importance of building bridges with the community making use ofthe CommunityOri
Policing and Problem Solving (C.O.P.PS.) philosophy. Examples of these projects are
Erich Garringer's Vehicle Abatement Project in Sunnyside and Dep. Daniel Buie's
Nuisance problems that targeted street racing in the Malaga Area. Also, several deputies
involved in crime reduction and community outreach projects at apartment complexes in the
of South Argyle Avenue, Clinton and Bond Avenues in Mayfair and scores of other areas
alternative policing measures greatly benefit those who live in tho_se communities.
76
Two also has very active specialty units. Det. Sgt. Brad Christian, Det. Shawn Erwin, Det.
uez, Det. Greg De La Cerda, Det. Tom Alberda and Det. Mark Eaton make up the
Crimes Unit. Det. Dale Baumann works in Auto Theft and the H.E.A.T. Team utilizes
rtise of Det. Louis Hernandez.
Operation Safe Streets is also an active participant in improving the quality of life of the
of Fresno County in and about the Fresno Metro Area. The members of that team include
IV Michael Brand, Dep. James Bewley, Dep. Greg Gularte and Dep. Jim Robnett. By
with the Beat Teams as well as community leaders, the O.S.S. Team is well on the way
Fresno a better place to live.
In 2002, Area Two is focused on improving the community by bringing all of our deputies
staff together to make a difference in the lives of the people who live in the
areas of Fresno. By the use of community meetings, regular Beat Team
and combining our resources, we will make a difference this year.
77
FORENSIC LABORATORY
er
By Michael W. Giberson b~
pr
As in most units ofthe Fresno County Sheriffs Department, the key feature ofthe Forensic Laboratory Unit is g
and change.
The Forensic Laboratory started with one Criminalist in 1973. The laboratory is now staffed with one S Inolr"\/I<:illlli
Criminalist, three Criminalist Specialists (the journeyman level of criminalist), one Criminalist I, one I
Laboratory Technician, and one office assistant. An additional Criminalist I has recently been hired under a
grant.
The Forensic Laboratory outgrew its quarters in the basement ofthe Sheriffs Headquarters building in 1998
has since occupied two-thirds of the building housing the Sheriffs Training Unit at 1256 Divisadero in Fresno.
With Sheriff Pierce's election came the reorganization of the Sheriffs Department. The Forensic Laboratory
removed from the Administration Division, where it resided since its inception, and placed in the S
Investigations Division under the Centralized Field Services Bureau. This has not affected the close
relationship the Forensic Laboratory has always maintained with the Technical Services Unit (I Bureau), the
evidence collection entity, which is now in the Persons Crimes Division ofthe Centralized Field Services
MLSSION and OBJECTJY.E.S
The stated mission of the Forensic Laboratory is to provide for its clients the timely, accurate, and
scientific examination ofphysical evidence, followed by the clear, unbiased and objective interpretation of a
findings.
The objectives of the Laboratory are 1) to provide forensic analysis, interpretation, and testimony to
enforcement agencies and courts within Fresno County; 2) establish a system ofcase prioritization, which
account the needs oftheSheriffs Department and the Criminal Justice System; 3) provide an unbiased, C'"i,ontil~
objective work product that is responsive to the Sheriff's Department and the Criminal Justice System;
maintain an integrated approach to the evaluation of case material.
A program of ongoing training, proficiency testing and quality assurance serves to further the goals
objectives of the Laboratory. In addition, the Laboratory is actively striving toward certification by the
Society ofCrime Lab Directors (ASCLD), which opens the doors forvarious types offederal and state grant
Supervising Criminalist Michael
Laboratory Director
78
The Forensic Laboratory provides continuous and routine controlled substance analysis service for every law
rcement agency in Fresno County, with the exception of Fresno Police Department. But even Fresno PO
efits from Laboratory services, because the Laboratory provides space for Fresno PO technicians to perform
mptive screening tests on controlled substance evidence.
The controlled substance analysis program is unique within the State of California, in that virtually every drug
submitted to the Laboratory for analysis is analyzed, and a report issued to the requesting agency, on the
day it is submitted. A conclusive reportof analysis accompanies virtually every controlled substance complaint
to the District Attorney's office forfili ng, freeing the investigator and the prosecutor (as well as the defense
to concentrate on other substantive issues.
The controlled substance analysis program is so rapid and streamlined that in 1998, the Director ofthe Forensic
Section of Scotland Yard visited the Forensic Laboratory to see how it was accomplished!
Funds for staffing the controlled substance analysis program are currently provided by the Drug Suppression and
-METT grants.
Criminalist Valerie Bernardi working with the
Drug Analyzer
/
Yamaguchi, Fresno Police Department's
~m,n,r'o Technician, tests drugs at the Sheriffs
Department Forensic Laboratory
analysis of firearms-related evidence is one of the mainstays of the Forensic Laboratory, with two
lists specializing in this unique area of expertise. In addition to conventional firearms comparison
the Laboratory administers one ofthe four National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NISIN)
in the Central Valley, and provides research and testing services of duty ammunition for the Sheriffs
,on'·,nnal firearms evidence comparison and examination consists ofthe familiar identification ofbullets and
casings collected at crime scenes. Th is type ofidentification is as powerful in identifying a firearm as latent
are in identifying a person.
79
Forensic Technician Robert Benavides comparing
cartridge castings on the IBIS
Firearms comparison is actually a specialized area ofthe science oftoolmark identification. The identificatiaD.tU!
of a screwdriver used to pry open a door may seem mundane when compared to the identification of a homici 1
bullet, but it can be just as important in the prosecution of criminal cases such as burglaries. anal
Other common forensic examinations concerning firearms are: bloQi
Distance determination of a firearm from the target, Deo:
Terminal ballistics (gelatin testing), :stain
Function testing (useful in accidental shooting determinations), and L
General Rifling Characteristics (GRC) determination, which provides probable firearms model identity ba
on the measurement of characteristics found on fired bullets and cartridge cases.
Criminalist Specialist Michael Giberson Compari
bullets on the Bullet Comparison Microscope
NIBIN (lBIS)~enlic..es
The National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) is a joint FBI-ATF-Iocal resource program
enables participating law enforcement agencies to store shooting-related ,data and test-fire exemplars
recovered 'Firearms in one common system capable of performing comparisons and producing probable
Using the automated ballistics imaging technology ofthe Integrated Ballistics Identification System (IBIS), a
of repositories for all crime guns has been developed that parallels the Automated Fingerprint Analysis
(AFAS) maintained by the FBI and used by Cal-ID.
Images of bullets and cartridge casingsfrom crime scenes, as well as test-fired bullets and cartridge cases
firearms seized by law enforcement, are entered into IBIS, which then compares them to similar images
database maintained by the Bureau ofAlcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Probable matches, or "cold hits", from
IBIS sites in California are automatically reported back by ATF. Several thousand "cold hits" have been
nationwide by the system since its inception in the early nineties.
The Forensic Laboratory possesses one ofthe four IBIS terminals in the Valley. The other three are
the California Department of Justice Laboratory in Fresno, Stockton Police Department, and the Sa
County District Attorney's Crime Lab in Sacramento. These IBIS sites, as well asothers inthe Bay Area and
share a common network administered by the ATF Laboratory in Walnut Creek.
The Forensic Laboratory currently test-fires and enters into IBIS every firearm seized by Fresno
Department and the Fresno County Sheriffs Department. Other Fresno County law enforcement agencies
their firearms and related evidence to the DOJ Fresno Laboratory for entry.
Ammunition Testing
A little-known service performed by the Forensic Laboratory is the ballistics gelatin testing ofduty am
for the Sheriff's Department. This testing was a crucial element in the selection of the current duty am
department-issued handguns, the SWAT speciall weapons, and the recent selection of ammunition forthe
Department's new carbines.
80
The fastest growing and potentially most useful forensic tool in the Forensic Laboratory is the science of DNA
·s. Conventional typing of genetic markers such as the ABO blood group system, and of the polymorphic
enzyme sUb-systems such as PGM, have given way completely to the typing of
. ucleicAcid (DNA). The only exceptions are identification of the semen-specific protein P30 in semen
s, and species identification of bloodstains.
Unlike the conventional systems, which were generally limited to the typing of blood, saliva, and semen, DNA
lysis can be performed on virtually any tissue containing nuclear DNA material: blood, saliva, muscle tissue,
,vaginal secretions, bone, skin tissue, feces, urine, and hair. In addition, the DNA methods currently in use
Forensic Laboratory utilize a DNA amplification technique, making them extremely sensitive. DNA analysis,
the old enzyme systems, requires only small amounts of evidence material.
Because DNA analysis is so sensitive and complex, it requires extraordinary skill and training on the partofthe
. The two criminalists in the Forensic Laboratory specializing in this technique hold Masters of Science
s, in addition to the Bachelor of Science degree normally required of a criminalist.
DNA analysis has been performed routinely in the Forensic Laboratory since 1994, using the DQA, and later
1 Polymarker systems. The system in current use has an average discriminating powerofabout 1 person
0,000. A new system, called Identifiler, is currently undergoing validation and is scheduled to go on-line in 2002.
average discrimination power of Identifiler is about 1 person in two hundred quadrillion. That's 2 followed by
. That is the equivalent of overthree million earth populations. This, for a" practical purposes, amounts to
on.
ability to conclusively identify a person by their DNA is comparable to the quantum leap made in the science
~Ant'ltlt"':ltll"ln in the early 1900s, when the science offingerprints supplanted the Bertillon measuring system. In
DNA typing is potentia"y even more useful than fingerprints; the estimated probability ofany two persons having
me fingerprint pattern is 1 in 67 billion, or the equivalent of only ten earth populations.
services provided by the Forensic Laboratory include
training of law enfolcement officers in the areas of
analysis and crime scene investigation, and seminar
job-shadow training for high school students from the
Advanced Research and Technology (CART).
. reconstruction of crime scene events, including
trajectory reconstruction and blood spatter pattern
plays an occasional but significant role in Laboratory
it is necessary to provide triage and liaison
for cases involving specific types of evidence for
the Forensic Laboratory is not currently equipped to
Examples of this include: trace evidence such as
fibers, soil, minerals, entomology evidence (bugs),
pesticide, poison, and high-order explosives analysis.
laboratory sends these types of evidence to
ISD~9clalty laboratories after evaluation and screening.
re ofthe Forensic Laboratory is growth and change. With the advance oftechnology and computers
necessity for greater specialization in the Forensic Sciences. Today's world requires education and
beyond what was required of the generalist criminalist twenty years ago. Simple ABO blood grouping
has given way to enormously complex DNA typing requiring advanced degrees of its practitioners. The
examiner must be as capable with a computer as he is with a microscope. The drug analyst must be as
a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer as he once was with chemical screening and microcrystal
promises more growth and greater change.
81
Criminalist Specialist Brenda Markham working
with the DNA Analyzer
Correctional Officers
Victor Prado
CorrectionalOffi
Chantha Phrachanhsay
Correctional Officer
Mario Pizano
Correctional Officer
/\
Mike Porter
Correctional Officer
82
Paul Reyes
Correctional Officer
-
s
Co
Brian Pree Maria Quintanilla Sharlene Ramey-Cross Cecilio Ramirez
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
John Randolph Klaus Rathjens Thomas Ream Mitchell Redondo
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Michelle Reyes Daniel Richardson Carlos Rios
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Luis Plascencia
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers
~/~ \ 0
-l,--,,---,
Ruben Ruiz
Correctional Officer
Jorge Salas
Correctional Officer
Edward Saldivar
Correctional Officer
Virginia Salter
Correctional Officer
Isidro Santoyo
Correctional Officer
Jared Sayles
Correctional Officer
Rick Sayles
Correctional Officer
Patricio Santiago
Correctional Officer
Gary Schmidt
Correctional Officer
Kathy Schwartz
Correctional Officer
Brett Scroggins
Correctional Officer
/~/~.
Roscoe Sharpe
Correctional Officer
Richard Smith
Correctional Officer
Ed Snyder
Correctional Officer
83
Brenda Sherman
Correctional Officer
Jeffrey Siagan
Correctional Officer
ThBAKER TO VIEGAS CHALLENGE
1.
3.CUP RELAY 2.
4.
The Bakerto Vegas Challenge Cup Relay is the largest lawenforcement race in the world. Bakerto Vegas is a 1 5.
mile, 20-stagefoot race beginning at Baker, California and finishing at Las Vegas, Nevada. Each runner averag 6.
six miles per stage, with some stages being longer and some shorter. The start line is at an altitude of about 7 7. feet. The course covers several large climbs and tops out at Mountain Springs Summit at about 5,600 feet. T 8. purpose ofthis hig hly competitive event is to promote camaraderie, ph~sical fitness, pride, and teamwork through 9.a broad spectrum oflaw enforcement personnel. 10.
11.Bakerto Vegas is not only about running ability, butalso aboutteamwork. Agreatdeal ofplanning and prepa 12.have to take place in orderto have a successful relay. There are numerous rules that have to be followed and
13.are not, then teams incur time penalties that are added to their finishing times.
14.
The Challenge Cup Relay began in 1985 with 19 teams as a race for Law Enforcement Officers to improve 15.
physical fitness. In 2001, the Seventeenth Annual Challenge Cup Relay accommodated 203 teams. Today, 16.
Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Race has become the largest Law Enforcement athletic event of its ki 17.
the world with participation ofover 10,000 Law Enforcement Officers, Chiefs ofPolice, Agents-in-Charge, She 18.
Department Heads, Special VIP guests, dignitaries, family members, race sponsors, press and media. 19.
Vegas attracts over 200 teams, representing law enforcement and the entire judicial system from throughout 20.
United States and around the World, including teams from Great Britain, Australia, NewZealand, Japan, China
Korea.
In 2000, we competed in the invitational mixed category and placed 7th with a time of 17 hours and 55 minutes.
2001, the team dropped ourtime to 17 hours and 9 minutes and placed 5th in our division. In 2002, the race
for us onApril20th at 1'530 hours and the team finished on April 21 st in the morning. There were 26 teams in
category and 206 teams overall. We ran the race at 17:09 and placed 8th in our division.
The team is comprised of 15 males and 5 females. Juan Espinoza is the captain ofthe team and co-captains
Kurtze and David Elhert assisted with the race organization. The race truly was a team effort with members
throughoutthe Department hel'ping out. Officers and civilian personnel from Patrol, Detectives, Jail, Records,
Services, Computer Services, OSS, Narcotics, Forensic Laboratory, MAGEC, I Bureau, Crime Lab, and
members all helped in making the race a success. .
The 2002 race was dedicated to fallen Deputy Erik Telen and his family. Erik's badge number, #434 was
the team number.
84
2002 team consisted of the following individuals:
Laura Hall
Debra Villegas
Matt Alexander
Chris Gularte
Mike Robinson
Dave Kurtze
Mike Estrada
Brenda Markham
Greg Burton
Tracey Lopez
Diane Christian
Mike Montanez
Joel Wahlenmaier
Greg Siemens
James Minenna
Joe Smith
Jasvir Mattu
Matt Millson
Dan Manriques
Juan Espinoza
Tim VanHouwelingen
Robin Gross
Mark Padilla
Hipolito Fernandez
DaveElhert
Mike Robinson
Greg Humann
Mike Kennedy
Louis Hernandez
Robert Holmes
Anna Casey
Phil Bellefeuille
Kimberly Alanis
Casey Davis
Vincent Frascona
Lori Muir
Tammy Burke
Debbie Rusconi
Susan Watkins
Michelle Novella
Angie Morales
Lieutenant Greg Burton
Baker to Vegas Team 2002
Brenda Markham
8S
T~
pu
to. Beth Justin ha
Th
oft
o Own e r
Lic# 1798499
1326 N Street
Fresno, CA 93721
Fax (S59) 266-1359
•
A proud supporter of
The Sheriff's Foundation for
Public Safety
86
AIR SUPPORT UNIT
Fresno County Sheriff's Departmentdeveloped the Air Support Unit in 1997. Two MD 500E helicopters were
Irrh~c/:.fi and the U nit was built around the ai rcraft. To date, the U nit has flown over7,800 accident-free hou rs and
responded to more than 13,000 calls for service. In 2001 the Unit flew 1,536 total flight hours and responded
2,824 calls for service.
Unit is designed to provide an aerial platform thatwill assist and support patrol operations. The helicopters are
the first Sheriff's Units on scene and they also participate in specialized missions such as Search and Rescue.
Unit is based at the Fresno AirTerminal and recently moved to facilities at MercuryAir. The hangar and office
totally renovated by hardworking Unit personnel underthe supervision ofSergeant Rascon. The facility is now
for Law Enforcement Air Operations.
ASU has also expanded by adding a new Cessna 206 fixed wing aircraft to its fleet. This was totally financed
rug grant known as Cal-METT. This aircraft will perform anti-drug surveillance missions in the local area.
Unit is comprised of an Administrative Lieutenant, a Sergeant, Pilots, Flight Officers, and a Mechanic. The
County Sheriff's Department Air Support Unit prides itself on the professional delivery of airborne law
IInr,.'QFrlcnt services to the community we serve.
First row: Lieutenant Dale Caudle, Deputy Michael Sill, Deputy Fred Baak, Deputy Jim Lail
Second row: Sergent Joe Rascon, Deputy Ernie Burk, Deputy Chris Osborn
Not pictured: Mechanic Rob Mero
87
Wec
10~A Follow-up on Open Homicide
han
InthCases
By Scott Morrison
It is a sad reality of homicide investigation that some unsolved cases eventually are shelved and gather dust
Detectives working a slow-moving homicide in~~stigation have to b~ pulled off to handle a new case. With the
constant flow of new cases to investigate, getting the time to restart the earlier investigation can P UVl;II'.DO
problematic. The movement ofdetectives out ofthe unit by transfer, promotion or retirement can inadverte
exacerbate the situation by removing an officer who is committed to a case and replacing him with one who has
no knowledge ofthe investigation.
In the fall of 1998, in an attempt to address the problem, Captain Tom Gattie initiated the creation of
computerized homicide spreadsheet to document and track all homicides investigated by the Department.
purpose ofthe project was to create an accurate documentfor use by homicide detectives and other Depa
members, showing the details ofthe cases we've investigated overthe years; which cases have been solved
which are open.
All the homicide reports maintained in the records division (dating to 1931) were reviewed, and information
each case was entered into the spreadsheet, a different sheet for each year. The categories on the
include: report number, date ofoccurrence, victim's name, victim's sex, location ofoccurrence , a briefC'\Ir,nnc"..
weapon used, detectives assigned, case status, suspect's name, and in the case of open homicides,
detective currently assigned. A total of 1180 homicides were entered into the spreadsheet forthe period 1
1999. Effective JanuC;lry 1, 2000, the responsibility of keeping the spreadsheet updated fell on the homi '
sergeant. .~
Upon the completion ofthe project, itwas decided that all unsolved homicides.dating to 1966, would be
assigned to a current homicide detective for follow-up. That detective has the responsibility to review each
and take steps to exploit any opportunities to move the case forward. The review ofinformation led to the
of a couple of cases when it was determined the suspects were deceased. It was also discovered that
arrest warrants for outstanding homicide suspects had been inadvertently cancelled by the courts.
warrants were reissued. Additionally, information from an out-of-state agency regarding an unknown h
victim was matched to an unsolved case in the spreadsheet, and led to an arrest and guilty plea on a 13
homicide. A number of other cases are being actively worked.
A statistical review of the 1931-1999 cases revealed a number of interesting facts. The closure rate of
Department on homicides over the period was 76%. lVIale homicide victims outnumbered females by
24%. The only time female victims outnumbered males was during the WWII years of 1944-4S. Malesco
90% ofthe homicide suspects, females 7%, males and females working in concert 3%.
Racially, the distribution ofvictims was: Hispanics-48%, Whites-36%, Blacks-1 0%, Asians-2%,
Indians-2%, East Indians-1 % and Arabs-1 %. The distribution ofknown suspects by race was: Hi
SO%, Whites~32%, Blacks-13%, American Indians-3%, Asians-2%.
The locations of occurrence by type were: BarlTavern-11 %, Residential Property-3S%, Public
(SidewalklRoadside/Alleyway/etc.)-18%, MarkeUStore/Business-6%, Farm Labor Camp-1 0%, .
Property-1S%, ParklLake/Mountain Area-S%.
88
_c",nr.r,e used were distributed as follows: firearms-57%, knives-16%, fists/feet/hands-1 0%, blunt instruments
, vehicles-3%, ligature-2%, other-2%. Of those killed with firearms, the distribution was as follows:
uns-58%,rifles-17%, shotguns-14%, unknown firearms-11 %.
cases where the motive was determined, domestic violence was the single greatest factor leading to homicide.
hundred and ninety homicides fall underthe umbrella of"Domestic Violence": Husband kills Wife-71 , Wife kills
d-32, Boyfriend kills Girlfriend-26, Girlfriend kills Boyfriend-11 , Boyfriend kills Boyfriend-2, Third Party killed
If"lrneef,,, Violence-48.
motives/relationships/factors involved in homicid/~_s: "Love Triangles"-40, Robbery-123, Narcotics Trafficking
Gang Activity-37, Murders During Sex Offenses-57, Prostitutes Killed While Working-28, Homosexuality/
10, Murders By Mentally Unstable-32, "Mercy Killings"-5, Child/AdultAbuse-41, Sibling Killing Sibling
Child Killing Parent-18, Parent/Grandparent/Stepparent Killing Child-47 (including adult children).
use is a dynamic involved in an extremely high percentage ofhomicides; but, it proved impossible to capture
rate accounting ofthe level of alcohol involvement in homicides covered in the project.
bonus to the project was the "discovery" ofa history ofdedicated service to the people ofthe County
r predecessors. It is a source of great pride to read the outstanding efforts put forth by deputies long ago to
safety and justice to the citizens of their era; an effort deputies oftoday can relate to.
r and the Departmental historian, Deputy Kevin FitzGerald, are currently doing research throug h early day
I/SD~IOp.lrs and court records to document the pre-1931 homicides and other Department history. The homicides
the years 1900-1919 have already been entered into the spreadsheet, and it is hoped the project will be
by the time of the Department's sesquicentennial in 2006 .
ho We
..
Are, 150 Years of Service
By Deputy Kevin FitzGerald
uicentennial will be here before you know it. One hundred and fifty years of service to the people who
our County. We, the Department members oftoday, havea lotin common with those whowent before us.
Iwill paraphrase Sheriff Bat Masterson of Ford County, Kansas who probably said it best:
are ordinary people who can shoot straight, have unflinching nerves, and a well-developed sense of
andwrong.'
presented with a singular opportunity in our history to celebrate all thatwe have done right and well. We
time to look to our collective past and marvel at how our law enforcement ancestors took care oftheir
. Their business was the same as our business today, with some significant technological differences.
"'""IJ;:,;:,ive generation brings with it change, but the one constant is people. They do not appear to have
in the least.
wherewearetoday. In 2006, we will celebrate our 150 years ofserving, just as our forebears celebrated
ofservice in 1956. Every member ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Department will be able to contribute
!D'Or\r!lf'on. You will be hearing more about the planned celebrations as we get closer to 2006.
89
Automated Field Reporting System
By Kip Haroldsen
The Sheriff's Department is in the process ofreplacing
the current Fujitsu AFR vehicle computers with I
Panasonic laptops. These new computers offer faster '
speed, better visibility, GPS positioning and stronger
Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) wireless signal.
This vehicle computer solution incorporates two loca
tions for data access. The laptop is located in the tru nk,
while an additional screen and keyboard are mounted
in the cabin. This allows access from either location
without any configuration changes.
The Panasonic laptops are ruggedized to
needs of law enforcement and the extremes
Valley's temperatures. We hope to have every
vehicle equipped with this new computer :"'IUIUlIUI
increase officer safety by making data more
available.
90
Correctional Officers
-Margaret Storey Vincent Sullivan Nutapol Sutakol LaSchelle Tarver
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Winnie Torrence Gary Torres Jess Townsend
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
Nancy Taylor
Correctional Officer
Daniel Trimmer
Correctional Officer
RaulUrzua
Correctional Officer
/" -b"
Paula Valdez
Correctional Officer
JohnnyValiez
Correctional Officer
YuVang
Correctional Officer
Leticia Vasquez
Correctional Officer
llJ-~
TonyVeloz
Correctional Officer
91
Orlando Vasquez
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers
Bernardo Verbera
Correctional Officer
David Vermason
Correctional Officer
RoyVinton
Correctional Officer
.,,-........
KimberlyWashington
Correctional Officer
David White
~orrectional Officer
Ryan Whittle
Correctional Officer
Michael Wibbels
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officer
Larry Westlund
Correctional Officer
~
--, .~ ,.'..,
/"'
Debra Williams Wendell Wilson
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
/' ,-......
Deedra Williams
Correctional Officer
Randall Woodrum
Correctional Officer
~/~.
VueYang
Correctional Officer
~ ~, ,,,",,
Johnny Xiong PaoYang
Correctional Officer Correctional Officer
92
Correctional Officers
LupeYbarra
Correctional Officer
Calvin Young
Correctional Officer
Carol You ng-Thompson
Correctional Officer
Richard Zolnay
Correctional Officer
Correctional Officers Rodric
Orolshagen and Greg Little super
vising construction ofthe North
AnnexJail
Correctional Officers Eleanor Bracamonte and Steve
Rodriguez in Main Jail Central Control
93
OUR SINCERE THANKS AND BEST WISHES TO
SHERIFF PIERCE AND THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE
FRESNO COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT
-'~ ~<-
THE BARISIC AND PALMATIER FAMILIES
KIMMERLE BROTHERS, INC.
**SINCE 1918**
HYDRAULIC, PNEUMATIC AND ELECTRIC SERVICE, SALES &
ENGINEERING
FRESNO -SAN FRANCISCO -SANTA FE SPRINGS
Special thanks to our contributers for
their continued support of the Sheriff's
Foundation for Public Safety.
Terry Carter Enterprises Inc. A-1-Recovery
Canteen of Fresno
Los Amigos Market
Jorgenson Batteries
Pegasus Risk Management
Bass Lake Recreational Resort
Mauldin Dorfmeier Construction
94 ~-----------------
HONOR GUARD
By Lt. Dale Caudle
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department's HonorGuard has been in existence for over twenty years.
Itis currently commanded bya Captain and Lieutenantand supervised byfourSergeants. The detail
is comprised of both Deputy Sheriffs and Correctional Officers.
Sheriff Pierce recently authorized the increase in personnel to accommodate the many requests for
the Unitand to facilitate the continued professionalism and prestige ofthis very special Unit. The Honor
Guard participates in many details. These include, but are not limited to, Officer funerals, Retired
rfunerals, Dignitary funerals, and flag details for ceremonies and special events.
95
'BarrieBarrio To Badge
The Broken Path
By Richard X. Verdugo
Copyright 1998
r~c .[¢
As I cruised through the streets on my bike, I noticed it was a life very different from the neighborhoods a
mi1esaway. Someofthestreetsareclean,someshowsignsofinadequatecareorpovertyofthepeople.
the corner I see murals on the walls detailing the long struggle of a race. The population is made up of
Americans, Hispanics, and Chicanos. Whateverthey call themselves, they are people with the same hQr't~"~
subcultures, but with different ideas for life. The place is known as the "Barrio". Theirpieceofcountry, thei
and security; that is why some never leave.
No one knows how the frustration of life is in such a neighborhood unless they have actually lived
experienced it themselves. Minority intolerance outside the community, unempJoyment, and violence, fora
have been accepted asawayoflife. If you area productofthe Barrio, a "Homeboy"ora "Homegirl," everyone
you byyour"Placaso" (nickname), "Moy", "Depo", "Huesos" (bones), or"Huero" (light complexion).
you~ characteristic, that is how you are known and it is acceptable. Down the street I would see the
desperately working , before they gotlaid offfrom theirfactory jobs, repairing their "Chevys", with what little
theyhad.
Sometimes they treated you to a hamburger at the "Luckybun", ortheytried to impress theirgi
tookheroutto whatwe considered an elegant restaurant, "HappySteak". Thesesamehomeboys
to stay in school, soyou didn'thavetosuffera lifetime ofperiodic layoffs; however, trying to stay in school is
Looking back, I remember how classmates and some teachers would make fun of the way we
wrote. Sometimes we were kept behind grades, and they considered us plain stupid. Theyhad no idea
probably suffering from Dyslexia, ortheyjustdid notcare. Thisjust reinforced the excuse to drop outof
it was fun watching the students fight overwho was going to trade their lunch for ours. They knewwe had
burritos, because they always leaked through the paper bag.
Outofschool and no job. This made us vulnerable to trouble. We would listen to the guythat had
released from prison and was looked upon as a role model. Some days were spent kicking back with our
orgetting the "Placa" (police or sheriff) to chase us for curfew violations, orforwhatever reason. They
agitated trying to catch us that they would throw golf balls at us hoping that one would hit us. There
communication between the two adversaries, which caused a major cultural barrier. Law enforcement
thetimeto understand ouroppression; however, the communitywasjustas ignorantto the difficult job the
had.
96
to Badge: The Broken Path cont'd
What was more frightening than law enforcement were your parents. There was a stabler cohesive family
within the community, and the utmost res pectfor the senior adult no matter what names they called us
ucos" or"Cholos". If we were ca ug ht being d isrespectfu lin any way, we would probably receive a beating from
ne. If our father found out we got into trouble, we received something that was not considered abuse, but
old fashion discipline. He made sure we submitted to the rules, and if we were lucky, we spent the entire
vacation working in the produce fields. In the eye ofour parents, law enforcement was one-hundred percent
That made some hate authority that much more.
Manyyears had passed and I'd pretty much outgrown my bike. An old Chevy provided me with transportation
at a factory nearby. I still hung out with the same homeboys, at least what was left ofthem. What began in
, soon filtered out into the streets. There was a territorial war going on in the neighborhood causing law
mentto focus much attention in the community. Depending on how much peer pressure we were subjected
there was always that dangerous cycle present-drugs, violence, incarceration, subsequently death; which was
I way of life in the Barrio. It was even discovered that one of our homeboys had been executed.
By this time, communication between the law and us had improved byone percent. Instead ofgolfballs and
alley foot pursuits, they now wrote us tickets. We still managed to dodge the gang war bullets. My brother,
, was persistent in giving me advice on how to improve my life, even though our philosophical views toward
II:Inrtr\lnngenerallywas different. I knew he wanted to help. I was well acquainted with a friend ofmy brother named
who was a Deputy Sheriff. Since I could remember, Gary Hill had received unconditional respect from various
groups throughout the communities. With my brother's advice, I spoke to Gary. I had a strong animosity toward
enforcement; however, Garywas an exception and he proved to me that not all officers are alike.
After years ofcasual conversation, Gary had a strong impact on me to pursue a career in law enforcement.
itwas first broughtto my attention, naturally I gave a typical response-what do you expect from a homeboy
an attitude? At this point in my life, I had nothing to lose. With what little confidence and self-esteem I had, I
for Deputy Sheriff and took the examination. It took some time for the results to arrive. As I was opening
pe, I hoped that I had failed. To my surprise, I passed the examination and was scheduled for an interview.
two weeks to prepare myself, so I had to borrow a suitfrom Gary. Yeah, itwas three sizes too big, but baggy
were nothing new to me.
97
Barrio to Badge: The Broken Path,cont'd
The day finally came for the interview. I met the receptionist at the window who instructed me to have a seat
someone from upstairscameforme. As Iwas waiting, Iwasthinking aboutmychildhood days, when I usedto
what an excellentfield worker Iwas going to be when Igrew up. Not in a hundred years did Ieverthink about pi
on a badge. I felt way out of my element in that office. On top ofthat, I was extremely nervous. A man in a dark
and polished shoes introduced himselfand escorted me up to the second Aoor. We walked into a room where
were six men sitting behind a long table. The first thing that entered my mind was, "How many ofthese men at
time threw golf balls at me when I was younger?" Then my thought was interrupted with the first question
interview.
I answered them the best that I could and told them what I had to offer the Department. The most d
question camewhen they asked me aboutthe neighborhood Iwas from. Theywere interested in individuals that
well acquainted with my neighborhood. I felt sweat making a desperate attempttojump out ofmy shirt. 1"'''1-"0,,,.
tothemthateven though Igrewupwith some ofthose guys, Iwas determined to resisttheever-presenttem
that would shorten or ruin their lives. Ifitwere nottrue, I would not be here now. The interview lasted thirty mi
which to me seemed like an eternity. Iwas excused from the room and was told I would be contacted in a few
with the results. The daywas young, so I decided to set out with what I had to do -tell my homeboys about
interview.
Myparents and my girlfriend once told me that Iwas a Cholo with potential. Ijust had to get rid of my
cap. Icaughtupwith my homeboys atthe usual hangoutand explained to them aboutthe whole th ing from the
to the interview. Man, you should have heard the explosion. Their reaction varied from disbelief to
encouragement. Theworst reaction, was when one ofthem called me a traitor. I'll neverforget that. The
comments were made by those few homeboys was that they did not want us to progress in life. They
abandonment. The homeboys were like a surrogate family providing self-esteem and security. Amongstou
we were somebody. I knew if I was selected for this job, Iwas never going to be accepted by my homeboys
I did havethe supportofGaryand myfamily. Ikeptin touch with oneofmyhomeboysthatleftfortheservicetwo
earlier. He made it perfectly clear to me that he was never going to return to the "Barrio".
Moses, or as we all called him, "Moy", was the most charismatic ofall the guys, the shot caller, and the
some looked up to. Even before I applied for this job, he helped me make the decision to go for the job. Like I
previously, unless you lived this lifestyle, don't even try to figure this one out.
A few days later, Ireceived a message from the Sheriff's Departmentto contactthe office for the
heartwas pounding like crazy. I couldn'tevendialthe number. Mygirlfriend, D~bra, had todial itforme. Ihada
conversation with the secretary, while my motherand Debra anticipated an answer. I nervously started to
the information on a piece ofpaper, at which point they knew I got hired. Everyone was excited, but I was in
The next day I was sworn in with six other applicants. Idid not have to give myoid job any notice since
had justIlaid me off. I now had the opportunity to go shopping at the store I've always wanted to check out,
Smith". There I had to purchase my uniforms. I had to take my motherwith me since she was the only one
credit there. Itried on my first set of clothes and walked out ofthe dressing room. I could see my mother
her head and with a puzzled look, shesaid in Spanish, "Ofall mysons, you were my worst child. Nowlookat
Growing up intheBarrio, Idid havean attitude ofquestionable character. Iguessallthecandles mymotherlitin
paid off.
IIattended a few weeks of pre-law enforcement courses before I started as a bailiff. The one thing I
do was to change my vocabulary and stop speaking the street slang called Spanglish, (combination of
English). Ihad to start saying "friends" instead of"homeboys". My first day ofwork was pretty tough. Maybe I
to mainstream myselfinto a big chunk ofsociety too fast, a society that would not accept me. Iwent looking
so he could see me in my uniform, and ask what the hell 1he and my brother had gotten me into. My duties
into the County Jail and sure enough, I ran into some old friends and enemies. Words were never
however an occasional remark was made.
I spent some time as a Bailiff until Istarted the Police Academy, which was one hell of an experie
Academy was extremely difficult for me because in the fifth grade, I was diagnosed as having a form of
Every day and into the night was spent doing special drills to assist my educational skills.
98
to Badge: The Broken Path cont'p
Twelve weeks later and by the manifestations ofa divine power and hard work, I graduated. I returned to the
s Division and I married my girlfriend, Debra. Debra was not too excited about living in myoid neighborhood.
living all my life in two Barrios, I moved. Months later, I was transferred to the Patrol Division. Back into the
I went. Now I was going to view an element that I grew up with from a different angle.
During my training, many ofthe Deputies were asking me a lot of questions regarding the "Barrio" lifestyle,
clothing, tattoos, to inner warfare. These officers were pretty sharp on picking up on myoid profile. At times
ashamed to talk about myoid neighborhood. I explained to them how this subculture came to be and why it
existed longer than what people think. Some ofthe officers did not understand, orwere confused. I guess we
much to learn from each other. I started to run into myoid friends in the streets. Their conversations with me were
short. Sometimes there was bad news of death. Then there were rumors of how much I was hated for the
I had chosen. After four weeks of training: things began to happen for the worse.
I was experiencing cultural conllict and confusion within myself, trying to blend the two worlds together. I felt
dencedrifting away, causing mytrainingtosuffertremendously. I needed moretimeand patience, but Iwas
. I knew I was capable ofhandling the occupation, however, I had a difficulttime trying to getthe tra ining officers
mn,::>rclr"'·nd this sensitive predicament I was in. After numerous meetings and questionable evaluations, I was
nnl"<>1"<:'I'1. As I left the office, I felt confused and extremely angry. Nowthe next d ifficu Ittask was to tell my wife and
. They knew I was having some problems, butwhen I told them, they never thought itwould end like this.
After a few weeks , my marriage began to suffer. I had to salvage what little I had left since I found outthat Debra
two months pregnant. I stayed in touch with Gary, but I wentintoa period ofisolation until I figured outwhat I had
next. Debra was employed full-time but I had to find work. I was in a desperate situation since her due date
closing in on us.
When I set out to look for employment, I knew I would see some ofthe old homeboys. The news spread into
unr'<:,cTcthat Iwas no longer a Deputy Sheriff. I never knewwhattheir reaction would be until I ran into an old rival.
conversation from him started with the "I told you so" story. The tension was bui'lding up between us when he
up the issue of me not being accepted into "society", the Fresno Sheriff's Department. Then it turned into
I attack on each other. I expected a physical confrontation, when instead he spit in myface and told me that
no longer accepted in the Barrio either. He anticipated a reaction from me, but I was too astounded bywhat
did, especially by what he said.
Ihad no hea rt to 'fight, but juststood there tryi ng to figure out whatthe hell was I defending. I never told anyone
I had done nothing. There was a code we lived by in the Barrio, if you allowed a disrespect to go
nC!\A,'''''''''I'1, you were considered nothing. On that day I felt every bit of nothing.
Eventually I was contacted by a Sergeant who had supported me through the training process. He suggested
the initiative ofgoing through the proper channels to get rehired. I had to do some serious thinking about
few months worth. I still had the anger burning a hole inside of me, when I thought of my treatment by the
ent and my street encounter. As the days progressed and Debra started to show more of her pregnancy,
at ease. I followed the Sergeant's advice and took my chances.
I wentthrough the same process; however, this time I had to attend more interviews than before, and each
the same-me requesting myjob back. Ittook much longerthis timefortheirdecision, but when I received
Iwentin person for the results. Ifeltconfidentthat Iwould return, butthatwas notthecase. They had made
181e<;t1orlS and I was not one ofthem. I had to control myfrustrations and concentrate more on Debra. Six months
was admitted to the hospital, her contractions were minutes apart, this was the delivery day. After nine
labor, she gave birth to a six-pound girl. I was happy for once in a long time, and nothing else mattered.
twas excited and wanted to hold my child. Two minutes had passed and I still did not hear our baby cry. A
assisted and atthatpoint I gotscared. The doctor said thatourbabywas not breathing. As he continued
he kept glancing over at us. I knew something was wrong, when he 'finally gave us the news-our baby
"Mongoloid" .
first response was to get the child breathing. As for myself, everything went in slow motion as
99
Barrio to Badge: The Broken Path cont'd Ba
they took our child away. I felt my body go numb when I tried to sit down. I held Debra's hand not knowing what
say to her. I repeated over and over, "Why is this happening?" The doctorreturned a few minutes later and said 0
child was in critical condition and would have to be transferred to Valley Children's Hospital.
I went to see her before she left. Shewas attached to a life support system, and was diagnosed with
Syndrome. Both lungs had collapsed, and she had a hole in her heart with thirty-percent chance ofliving. The
person I called was Gary, because one year before, his wife gave birth to a boy with Down's Syndrome. I emoti
broke down while talking to Gary. He clearly understood my pain. Debra was doing well asfamily and friends
lending their support. The next day, old friends from the courthouse took me out to lunch and tried to cheer me
It was my birthday.
During the daysthatourdaughter, Andrea, was in the hospital, Ifell apart into a thousand pieces as I \A''''Trn_
herfightforher life, and there was absolutely nothing I could do. Myfamily refused to let me surrenderwhat
I had left. For seven days, Andrea was in the Intensive Care Unit. Then we gota call from Valley Children'sto
to the hospital as soon as possible. Fear ran through Debra and me as we prepared for the worst. I started to s
when the doctorgreeted us. He gave usgood news that Andrea had pulled through; however, she remained in
hospital for another seven days for observation. Atthe end ofthe hospital stay, a social worker asked us if we
to give Andrea upforadoption. Well, I gave an answerwith an attitude aswe bundled upourchild and took her
The following day, I receive a phone call from the Sheriff's Department. They told me that I had just
rehired. I paused fora momentthinkingthatthiswas a weird dream, but it was true. I asked no questions. I
the instructions and went downtown to take care ofthe paperwork. As Iwas walking down the halls, people
see how mentally exhausted I was overthe birth ofAndrea. But I could see the confused look on theirfaces,
not knowwhetherto saytheywere sorryorcongratulations. Instead nothing was said. I was sworn-in again,
time alone. Almost a year had passed since I was on patrol. I re-entered the training process and was assigned
training officers. A few months later, I had successfully completed the program. We had to make some
changes in our lives, for Andrea. That was okay, since her health was much better.
The "Great Spirit" has his reasons why He presents you with these difficult times, you don't question
just learn to live with it. In spite ofthe misunderstanding I had with the Department, I'll never forget the few
that emotionally supported me. Whatwas even more surprising, some ofthem admitted to having played the
Golf Game". It's funny how things work out. One day I talked with my father. He listened to me make the
I made about my termination from the Department. How I believed that maybe my homeboys were right, that
one of those kids from the Barrio they did not care for. He could tell that I was in one of my radical moods.
100
to Badge: The Broken Path cont'd
I had that planted pretty deep in my head until my father scolded and corrected me saying that was not the
"The reason," he said, "you were treated that way is not because you came from the Barrio, but because you
the barrio to them." Five years later, my father died. Almost one year after that, my brother, David, also
passed away. Manyyea rs have gone by si nce my crazy days in the Barrio. I've watched how values have
from my generation to the newyoung adults oftoday. Howthey have no respect, no regard, and no regret
rthoughtless actions. They were never exposed to the disciplinary action and punishment I received when
up, which I believe explains their present behavior.
Yeah, we were homeboys, Cholos, Vatos Locos (crazy dudes), orwhatevernameswe tagged ourselves with,
had respect. For people who did not know us, ou rway ofI ife never mattered to anyone. No one ever cared
suffered, lived and died. Nowourphilosophy is taught across the country injust about every university and
nt classroom. However, it's unfortunate that a style of clothing we created out ofeconomic need is
ofstreet terrorism. Something I refuse to comprehend is how some have the audacityto claim to be
inmysubculture. Eventually I told Gary how much I wished to be like him. As we were comparing photos of
ren with Down's Syndrome, he looked at me and said, "Rich, that wish came pretty close."
I requested a transfer to patrol further out into the country, but before I left, I wanted to patrol myoid
, Calwa, just once more time. From a bicycle, to a "low rider", and now a patrol car, I went cruising
"hood" and sure enough I sawfive guys from myoid clique, hanging out at the liquor store. I've faced some
times and so I decided to go head-on with this. As I drove up, I could see them take on that defensive
look. They had no idea who I was, but it had been a while since they had seen me. As I stepped out of my
,I slowly removed my sunglasses, and in myoid streetslang, I greeted them. To mysurprise, they greeted
and we exchanged our typical handshake.
One guy even removed his ba ndana to wipe my badge clean. This was a sign ofrespect. Two were somewhat
'-"'''1'', but I understood. We shared stories about the hardships we had experienced, and laughed at the
days when we were young. As I prepared to leave, I told them how nervous I had been that they were
to speak with me. One ofthe guys pretty much closed the last page ofthat book when he said, "No matter
you wear, you're still our homeboy." Two months later, hewas murdered. Theviciouscyclecontinues.
No part of this article may be printed or reproduced without the written permission of the author.
101
Community Service Officers
Jon Alvarado csa
Tammy Chumley csa
Neomi Garcia
csa
102
Bruce Anderson csa
JoAnne Cox csa
Amy Gipson
csa
Neng Her csa
Carl Arthur csa
Addie Delgadillo csa
Laura Graves csa
Khamphou Insyarath csa
Minnie Chavarria
csa
Theresa Espinoza csa
Linda Guthrie
csa
Diana Lopez
csa
Community Service Officers
Lori Muir
GSa
Sharon Nichols
GSa
Dianaaliva
Gsa
Elaine Montoya
GSa
Maria Pena
GSa
Shirley Perry
GSa
Tracy Perry
Gsa
Michael Reed
GSa
Deborah Rusconi
GSa
Patricia Scarbrough
GSa
Robert Sloan
GSa
Anthony Robles
GSa
Laurie Tafoya
GSa
I
Malinda Smith Tong Thao MiltonVann
GSa Gsa Gsa
103
Training
The Training Unit for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department is part of the Administrative Services Bureau
operates under the direction ofLt. Joseph Blohm. The staff members ofthe Training Unit consist ofone
Sergeant, one Deputy Sergeant, five Deputy Sheriffs, three Correctional Officers, one civilian Range Masterand
Office Assistants. The Training Unit is responsible for equipping and training the 1100+ members of the
County Sheriffs Department. The Training Unit is located at 1256 Divisadero Street in the Steve Magarian
Facility.
The mission of the Sheriff's Training Unit is to
provide current, realistic, quality training and
resources for members of the Fresno County
Sheriffs Department, and to enhance theirwork r
performance and professional skills.
E Training for Sheriffs Department personnel
generally falls undertwo major areas: Standards
and Training for Corrections (STC) and Peace
Officer Standards and Training (POST). STC
covers training for Correctional Officers and
POST covers training for Deputies.
The STC Training Programs are under the direction of Sgt. Mike Henkle. Correctional Officer~ working
Fresno County Sheriffs Department must have completed the 240-hour STC-approved Basic Correctional
Academy. Annually, all Correctional Officers must receive a minimum of24-hours ofSTC certified training.
training consists ofa variety ofsubjects in the field ofcorrections, and additional courses related to self-imnrl"ll.JOml
Such courses have included: Stress Management, Inmate Supervision, Use of Mechanical Restraints,
Recognition, Effective Discipline, Report Writing, Street and Prison Gangs, Expandable Baton, Drugs in
First Aid & CPR, Weaponless Defense and Emergency Preparedness. The Training Unit teaches an i
program through California State University Fresno's Criminology Department.-This program allows cri
students from the universityto receive on-the-job training and experience in corrections. This internship,
by the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, is the only one of its type in California.
The POST Training Programs are under the
Sgt. Fred Johnson. Deputies working for the
County Sheriff's Department must have r'l"In,nlall
1010-hour P.O.S.T.-approved Basic Police
Annually, all Deputies also undergo a minimum
hours oftraining to keep them at a high point of
The training courses include topics such as
training, arrest and control techniques, FirstAid
pursuit driving, self defense, domestic violence,
recognition, to name a few. In addition to
full-time Deputies, the Training Unit is also
the training of reserve officers. The Training Unit
an internship program through California State
Fresno's Criminology Department.·This program
criminology students from the universityto recelVE~o
job training and experience in law enforcement.
104
Human Resource Unit
By Debbie Bustamante
The Human Resource Unit employs one Personnel Technician and three Office Assistants supervised by
the Personnel Lieutenant.
This Unit is responsible for coordinating all the recruitments, new hires, promotions, resignations, worker's
compensation and other related personnel matters for a Department of 1047 permanent employees and
approximately 1 00 extra-help employees.
During the past year, the Human Resources Unit coordinated the hiring ofover 1 00 employees and processed
more than 168 promotions.
In addition, the H u ma n Resou rce U nit was awarded a Certificate ofAppreciation for outstand i ng service in the
employment ofVeterans.
105Krystal Wilson
Background Investigations Unit
By Sgt. Robert Miller
Our
Capt. Carlos Mestas, C/O Yvonne Foster,
Dep. Richard Verdugo, C/O Yu Vang, and Sgt. Robert Miller
Our Mission is to ensure that all future members ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Department, in partnership
community, are dedicated to the excellence ofthe delivery of public safety services.
The key to our success in the delivery of public service has been, and will continue to be, the Deputy S
Correctional Officers, and professional civilian staffworking together as a team. The Background I
plays a very important role in the selection process and identification offuture Fresno County Sheriffs De
members who can meet our commitment to community service.
Our other duties include, but are not limited to, Critical Incident review related to law and Department policy
procedure, concealed weapon permit renewals, explosive permits, job fairs and school career days. It also
that t;very question that can be asked about guns orthe ever-changing gun laws come to us. It is safe to say
field a lot of calls.
Detective Anthony Montiel has been a Deputy She riff for almostfourteen years. He has been assigned tothe I
Affairs Unit for a year-and-a-half. His prior assignments include Patrol, Robbery/Homicide (VICAT) a
detective with the Sexual Assault/Child Abuse Unit.
Detective Melanie Hathaway has been a Deputy Sheriff for almost fourteen years. She has been assigned
Internal Affairs Unit for over two-and-a-half years. Her prior assignments include Court Services, Patrol,
Tactical Team, Operation Safe Streets, and Area Two Property Detectives.
Ned Barton has been a Correctional Officer for eleven years. He has been assigned to the Internal Affairs
overtwo-and-a-halfyears. His prior assignments include records, jail booking and walking those ceme
the night shift. Ned also became a Jail Training Officer in July of 1995. Ned is also assigned
investigations for new employees from time-to-time.
Alex G. Ybarra has been a Correctional Officer for sixteen years. He has been assigned tothe Internal
forovertwo-and-a-halfyears. His prior assignments include custody, jail classification, gathering gang
and he also taught interviewing and interrogation techniques to jail staff.
106
Internal Affairs Unit
By Sgt. Robert Miller
Mission is to ensure that the members of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, in partnership with the
munity, are dedicated to excellence in the delivery of public safety services.
purpose of the Internal Affairs Unit is to ensure that the integrity ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Department is
through a system ofinternal discipline where objectivity, fairness, and justice are assured by an intensive,
al investigation and review. (We are seeking fhe truth ofthe matter!)
rnia law requires every law enforcement agency to have a procedure for investigating citizen complaints and
a written description ofthe procedure available for review.
Internal Affairs Unit of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department consists of four investigators. Two of the
are Correctional Officers. They are responsible for the investigation of all complaints involving
al staff. They may also be assigned to investigate complaints involving civilian Sheriff's Department
el. The other two investigators are Deputy Sheriffs and they are assigned all types of investigations. A
sSergeantsupervises the Internal Affairs Unit.
purpose ofthe Background Investigations Unit is to evaluate relevant information concerning the applicant's
,past behavior related to lawful versus unlawful activities, performance in previous employment, any conduct
bears a demonstrable relationship to the applicant's fitness for employment and many other topics to assess
s qualifications.
round Investigations Unit ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Departmentconsists offourinvestigators, two
I Officer investigators and two Deputy Sheriff investigators. The Correctional Officer investigators
background investigations on all Correctional Officers and assist with our professional civilian staff
. The Deputy Sheriff investigators complete background investigations on all Deputy Sheriffs and assist
ional civilian staff applicants. The Background Investigations Unit conducts between 300-500
investigations each year.
round Investigations Unit is
responsible for Fresno County
Department recruitment. This
attendance at jobfairs and local
career days.
Richard X. Verdugo has been
nv....norITTfortwentyyears. He has
igned to the Background
Unit for over two-and-a-
His prior assignments include
,Search & Rescue, and the
Capt. Carlos Mestas, Cathy Davis, Dep. Anthony Monteil, Taskforce with F.PD. Dep. Melanie Hathaway, C/O Ned Barton, C/O Alex Ybarra, and
Sgt. Robert Miller
Yu Vang has been a Correctional Officer for 10 years. He has been assigned to the Background
Unit for over two-and-a-half years. His prior assignments included jail records arid all jobs in the
ne Foster has been a Correctional Officerfor nine years. She has been assigned to the Background
Unitforovertwo-and-a-halfyears. Herpriorassignments included alljobs in the custody setting and
107
S.W.A.T.
Special Weapons and Tactics
By Sgt. Jennifer Connolly
The Fresno County Sheriffs Department SWAT Team was formed in 1975, under the direction ofLieutenants ,'...,""
and Hansen. The Team was comprised of two Sergeants and eight Deputies. The original equipment corlsisl. )rO'
ofweapons confiscated from property and evidence .
.,.
The current SWAT Team consists of one Lieutenant (Team Commander), four Sergeants (Team leaders),
Deputies, and a Crisis Negotiations Team. The SWAT Team is a part-time unit and team members are
to various 'Bureaus throughout the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. The SWAT Team trains twice month
1 Q-hours a day in many different disciplines, and is on-call 24-hours a day.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team is a support resource within the Sheriff's Department.
responsiveto the needs ofthe entire Sheriff's Department, and is also available to any local, regional, state or
law enforcement agency upon request and approval ofthe Sheriff, or his designated representative.
The services ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team are specifically directed towards
ofdemonstrated violence and force, or potential violence and force recognized as necessitating a disciplined
effort utilizing specialized training, tactics and equipment.
The primary objective ofthe Fresno County Sheriff's Department SWATTeam is to solve the problem as q
possible, using whatever means are available, whatever force is reasonable and necessary, with minimal
involved . The Fresno County Sheriff's Department SWAT Team is committed to community and officer
Front row: Isaias Rivera, Greg Siemens, Sgt. Mark Padilla, Greg Gularte, Mike Severson, Jim
James Minenna. Back row: Lt. Marty Rivera, Sgt. Jennifer Connolly, Juan Espinoza, MattAlexander,
DelaCerda, Steve McComas, Jeff Simpson, Mark Chapman, Sgt. Bryan Morgan, Rod lucas,
Patrick Hanson and Mervin Wong
108
S.E.R.T.
Security Emergency Response Team
Captain Michael Leonardo
Security Emergency Response Team is a unit of the Detention Bureau that is specially trained to assist in
ing coordination, security, and/or resolution in the eventofan emergency, unusual event, or natural disaster.
team was first conceived in 1983 and began with nine members, little formal training, and a common goal.
, S.E.R.T. is a formidable tool of the Sheriffs Department and haas grown to its current capacity of 15
orrcr'Tlrlr,,,, Officers, three Correctional Sergeants and one Correctional Lieutenant, who attend frequent formal
T. is capable of utilizing a variety of weapons and techniques to attain their goals. This includes, but is not
to, less-lethal projectile weapons, 42" riot batons and chemical agents.
row: JavierVital, Alex Menchaca, Wendell Wilson, Nancy Taylor, Betty Moreno, Susan Watkins
Middle row: Orlando Vasquez, Raul Urzua, Josephine Ruiz, Rusty Hildreth, Lorenzo Lara
row: Harold Shumate, John Copher, Mitchell Redondo, Gary Johnson, Troy Burks, Barry Beaver
Sgt. Harold Shumate and C/O IV John Copher at
S.E.R.T. Training 109
T. Weapons and Tactical Training for
Disturbance Control
The Sheriff's Foundation for
Public Safety upcoming events:
April 26, 2003 -Basketball with the Harlem The
Ambassadors and
May 3, 2003 -Steak-Out Gala Dinner
June 3,2003 -8th Annual DARE Golf Tournament
-NewsletterslNewspapers -Resumes
-Brochures -Business Cards
-Letterhead -CD Co"el~
Criminal & Employment
Steven L. Hathaway
Polygraph Examiner Kris~y ShuIer-Russe11
Specializin,g in all ofyour pl'intin,g need~
mERLE nORmRn
cos MET I CST l: D lOS
GO -LD ""EDALLION STUDIO
Katbleen Behlen
Pat Rodgers
Owners
Pavilion West
2011 W. BuUard
Fresno, CA 93711
(559) 431-5000
Independently owned fwd OpCiilll'd
Sandra Torry
Independent Distributor
(559) 298-3847
E-Mail: sdtorry@prodigy.net
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JIM CURTIS
MANAGER
110
Field Training Officer Program
By Deputy Todd Cotta
year2002100ksto be a busy and excitingyearforthe FieldTraining Program. Led byU. Hollis, Sgt. Kathy Dooley
59t. Stephen Wilkins, the Field Training Program is estimating almost fifty trainees coming through its doors
year. With the new grants and the imminent opening of the new North Annex Jail, we are expecting record
of new trainees this year.
Field Training Officers assigned to this Unit are: Daniel Buie, Michael Severson, Erich Garringer, Kevin
n, Don Hendrickson, Doug Sullivan, Shaun Holahan, Allan McGurk, Christopher Guerra, Todd Cotta,
Sellai, Melissa Voisenat, Brian Klassen, Jeff Kertson, Robert Carey, Frank Martinez, Geoffery Shanen,
uaMcCahill, Christopher Torres, Robert Dutrow, Frank Harper, Michael Jones, TimJuarezand Kelly Mayfield.
are given three weeks of orientation, Automated Field Reporting (AFR) and Computer Aided Dispatch
). The nextfourteen weeks are spent in the field withthreedifferenttraining officers. Throughouttheseweeks,
also receive training in building searching, Technical Service and have a tour in Dispatch. After the seventeen
offormal training has been completed, each trainee will be evaluated and then either passed on to sixteen
of phase three training or receive additional training in phase two.
7-week training program focuses on each individual trainee and his or her particular needs. It also focuses
importance ofbuilding bridges with the community while embracing the COPPS phi'losophy as well as always
to the Mission, Values and Vision statement of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
Training Unit is always looking for highly motivated deputies who would love the opportunityto shape the
Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
Deputies in Field Training Program
Front row: John Gamez and Mark Fam
111Back row: Manuel Flores and Gregory Villanueva
Ap~
arefJIl'RE. divE TO BE
YOUTH SUMMER CAMP
Camp held June 2002 -
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department is very proud to be sponsoring our eighth year of D.A.R.E. Camp.
project started in 1994 and continues to grow and develop each year.
The program begins in the elementary schools where Deputy Sheriffs assigned to those schools teach 0
(Drug Awareness and Resistance) and G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training) classes.
in those classes are selected, with parent approval, to attend a one-week camp session. Students are sel
county elementary schools throughout Fresno County. The camp is held atthe YIVICA facility at Camp
beautiful Lake Sequoia.
Funding for the program begins with community generosity and our annual D.A.R.E. GolfTournament.
from the tournament assist in paying for one ofthe three camp sessions. Community Developmentfunds
payingforthesecond session. In 2001, the administrators ofourG.R.E.A.T. grantagreedtofund a third
the original D.A.R.E. Camp has been renamed to honor both wonderful proactive programs to which the
Department is deeply committed.
Sheriffs personnel provide round-the-clock supervision during the week ofcamp. Deputy Sh~riffs and
Service Officers actas instructors, counselors, and role models. Volunteers act as Junior Counselors and
sleep in the cabins with their assigned campers. Junior Counselors are comprised of educators and
students that unselfishly donate theirtime to this program.
112
tely 115 student campers attend each session. Eightcampers are assigned to a cabin. Two counselors
assigned to each cabin. Cabins are segregated by sex, but purposely integrated by cultural and geographical
ity. Students from the same school are not allowed to reside in the same cabin. This is intended to introduce
nts to others who may be quite different from themselves. While this may be awkward on the first day, many
nts develop close friendships with their peers from across our large and diverse County.
campers do enjoy some free time, most ofthe time is quite structured. Campers and Sheriff's personnel eat
meals together in the cafeteria each day. Campers then rotate through scheduled "activities" that are
ucted by Deputies and Community Service Officers. These activities include: a rappelling course; a ropes
ence course; D.A.R.E. education class; effective communications; crafts; choir; and tobacco prevention . _.-.
rappelling course, Deputies assist
in learning howto rappel down
rock face. Thisendeavorwould
adults, butthe Deputies work
with the children and form a
ng bond between student and
r. Campers learn self-conf
and that they can do anything
for. They are rewarded with a
rock pendant and recognized
re occurs each evening after
A Deputy Sheriff is the campfire
and ensures that each cabin
at least one skit during the
As with all of the activities, this
ment inspires confidence,
and communication. The
get very lively and the campers
lC!inr.inl'1 dancing, and comedy acts.
Deputy Richard Verdugo at DARE Camp
mornings, all ofthe campers and mostofthe Sheriffs personnel (the brave or silly ones) hike from Camp
to Grant Grove in Sequoia National Park. This trek is 3 miles (seems like 10) upthe hill with very few flat
The hike is tough, but the reward at the end ofthis uphill hike is wonderful for most ofthe campers that have
this beautiful spot.
afternoon, we involve the children in Career Day. Many public service organizations come up and
in demonstrations and lectures. The campers enjoy demonstrations and displays provided by the
Kg Unit, Boating Enforcement Unit, Mounted Unit, Air Support Unit, and Search and Rescue. The U.S.
California Air National Guard always participate, as well as the California Highway Patrol. National and
services also volunteer to participate in our Career Days.
campers, counselors, and Sheriff's personnel are obviously tired, but happy. There is great reward in
bond develop between all ofthose involved in this very positive program. The Sheriffs Departmentwould
n rg,rCI\/ thank all of those that make this program possible. Without the assistance of educators, school
,volunteers, and sponsors, the D.A.R.E. to be G.R.E.A.T. Youth Summer Camp could not continue.
113
'
Taking the trail to the Meadow on Career
114
Campers at the Meadow for Career Day
DARE Campers attending guest speaker presentation
G.R.E.A.T.
Gang Resistance Education and
Training
Resistance Education and Training program (GREAT) is used to enhance community policing efforts by
classroom instruction with the talents and experience of local law enforcement personnel who address
toviolent crime and street gangs. Certified/sworn personnel teach the curriculum to elementary, junior
middle school children. The design and intent of the GREAT program is to decrease gang and youth
af!ll,..r·"~~the nation.
within the GREAT curriculum are many optional and extended activities, which reinforce classroom
The GREAT Deputy Sheriff and teacher work together to reduce gang and youth violence in the school
unity.
part of the GREAT program is the follow-up summer project. The summer component is filled with
curriculum and extra-curricular activities, which serve to reinforce the school program with cognitive,
self-esteem building opportunities.
I;>UUVClU·on and recreation program continues to build on the GREAT school-based program. Children
nal games, outings, and participation in community service projects. The goals of the GREAT
nt are to provide opportunities for children to enhance life and social skills, to help make children
ves to gang involvement, and to provide structure during the summer break.
115
BY APPOINTMENT
DR. TIMOTHY A. WILKINS
o.PTOMETRIST
jjjl E. KINGS CANYON RD.
SUITE 102 ~TELEPHONE:
FRESNO, CALIFORNIA 93727 jj9-2j2-232j
U'\ TAX AVOI! /WREAV
620 E. BELMo.NT AVE.
FRESNO., CALIF. 93701
LARRY S. CROSSLEY, EA TELEPHo.NE: 485-1441
FAX: 485-3641
Bo.o.KKEEPING • INCOME TAX • PHOTOCOPY
Kennedy Kids Daycare
Wendi Kennedy
4832 E. San Gabriel
Fresno, CA 93726
559-348-1830
559-225-3250Mark Geis
general manager fax. 559-225-2662
mar1<@cenlerpoinlac.com
EDW~SE
incorporoled
2615 N. Argyle
Fresno, CA 93727
Head Chef
CO\fCEPTS
--I.TI)-
Robert Wise
(559) 294-7212
FAX (559) 294-7215
E-MAIl: vidwise@psnw.com
Hector de Santiago
Sales Representative
California State Automobile
5040 North Forkner Avenue
Fresno, CA 9317 7-2899
Tel 559-435-8450, Ext. 262
Fax 559-438-5916
Hector _DeSantiago@CSAAcom
California License No. 0775868
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575 E. Alluvial, Suite 110 • Fresno, CA 93720
116
---
Donald Abell
Deputy Sheriff
Thomas Alberda
Deputy Sheriff
Kirby Alstrom
Deputy Sheriff
Fred Baak
Deputy Sheriff-Pilot
----
David Barile
Deputy Sheriff
Randy Alvarez
Deputy Sheriff
Damon Bagley
Deputy Sheriff
L...----'
Stanley Bayer
Deputy Sheriff
Deputies
Charles Almaraz Tracy Alonzo
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Paul Andrews
Deputy Sheriff
Joseph Amador
Deputy Sheriff
Linda Baker
Deputy Sheriff
Paul Baker
Deputy Sheriff
Philip Bellefeuille
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Belloli
Deputy Sheriff
117
Deputies
Ann Bennett
Deputy Sheriff
Dawn Bewley
Deputy Sheriff
James Bewley
Deputy Sheriff
Jill Bissett
Deputy Sheriff
Douglas Bolton
Deputy Sheriff
Kenneth Bowden
Deputy Sheriff
Eric Bowers
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Brand
Deputy Sheriff
Timothy Bruno
Deputy Sheriff
Louis Brookman III
Deputy Sheriff
Eric Broughton
Deputy Sheriff
Scott Brown
Deputy Sheriff
Shawn Buffer
Deputy Sheriff
Daniel Buie
Deputy Sheriff
Ernest Burk
Deputy Sheriff
,
Ryan Burk
Deputy Sheriff
118
Deputies
Eddie Cantu, Jr.
Deputy Sheriff
John Capriola
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Carey
Deputy Sheriff
Oscar Carter II
Deputy Sheriff
Eric Cervantes
Deputy Sheriff
David Chacon
Deputy Sheriff
Latana Chandavong
Deputy Sheriff
-~ ) . ' ~ '\
John Ciaccio
Deputy Sheriff
Mark Chapman
Deputy Sheriff
~
Joel Cobb
Deputy Sheriff
Dewayne Chatman
Deputy Sheriff
Diane Christian
Deputy Sheriff
Daniel Conway
Deputy Sheriff
Todd Cotta
Deputy Sheriff
Ryan Cox
Deputy Sheriff
Dana Crittenden
Deputy Sheriff
119
Deputies
Christian Curtice
Deputy Sheriff
lIidio DaSilva
Deputy Sheriff
Brian Dau
Deputy Sheriff
Gary Davenport
Deputy Sheriff
Donna Davis
Deputy Sheriff
Larry Davis
Deputy Sheriff
Jason Deimerly
Deputy Sheriff
Jose Diaz
Deputy Sheriff
Anthony Dixon
Deputy Sheriff
James Dockweiler
Deputy Sheriff
Jeffrey Dodd
Deputy Sheriff
Kevin Draughon
Deputy Sheriff
Manuel Duenes
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Dutrow
Deputy Sheriff
120
The Fresno County Sheriff's Air
Squadron -1938 to 2002
Article compiled by Richard White, Sheriff Lieutenant, Retired
rch 1, 1938, a group ofFresno County pilots andotheraviation-minded men metwith SheriffGeorge Overholt
a sea rch pa rty to look for a lost TWA aircraft assumed to have crashed somewhere northeast ofFresno. Jack
" nOI,110r, an aircraft business operator based at Chandler Field, flew his plane, the only aircraft then available.
o radio repairman, Bob Schuler, installed a radio communications transmitter and receiver on the top ofthe
Southwest Building in downtown Fresno. A portable radio in a car was stationed at Pine Ridge to provide
erand other information between these two points. A telephone link between Chandler Field and the Sheriffs
ntcompleted the system. After nine days ofsearching in deteriorating weather, itwas determined thatthe
wasnotin our County. Laterthatyear, the plane was located in the High Sierras, several hundred miles north
is original search, those involved in the operation held occasional meetings in Schneider's hangarto discuss
aunittocontinuethistypeofprogram. Intheearlymonthsof1939, the Aero Squadron, asitwasthen known,
Iyorganized. The Sheriffdeputized the group as an auxiliary unitofthe Sheriffs Department. Undersheriff
Tarrwas the first Commander ofthe newly formed volunteer unit. U ntil1953, the Aero Squadron was headed
members of the Sheriff's Department. Since 1953, the Commander of the Aero Squadron has been
fromthevolunteermembership ofthe Squadron, with a Deputy Liaison Officer appointed by the Sheriff, and
Sheriff always as the Chief Officer of the Squadron.
-
Air Squadron
121
The Fresno County Aero Squadron was renamed the Fresno County Air Squadron in the 1950's and became
first uniformed group of all county law enforcement agencies. The tradition of being uniformed continues to
present day with the uniform approved by the Sheriff and regulated by the Department Uniform Policy to
Squadron members in uniforms comparable to members of the Sheriff's Department. While the uniform
changed overthe years, the mission ofthe Air Squadron has always been availability and performance.
the founding members ofthe Air Squadron still attend meetings on occasion and participate in the social
of the Squadron. The excellent foresight ofthc Sheriff's Department in establishing the Air Squadron has
confirmed thousands oftimes during the 63 years since it was formed. Unfortunately, no comprehensive record
kept ofthe missions flown, the I ives saved and the monetary sa vi ngs to the citizens ofFresno Cou nty. From the
beginning, the Air Squadron has been very flexible, adapting to the ne~ds ofthe Sheriffs Department. During
War II, Squadron members filled in for the Deputies on active dutywiththe military, performing radio dispatch d
driving patrol cars, manning the jail and performing most duties of a full-time officer, while maintaining their
careers, until the Depubes returned. The role of the Squadron quickly returned to aviation after the war and
volunteers continued to participate in more and demanding missions. Airborne reconnaissance, photo flig
crime scenes, assisting in the apprehension offugitives while airborne, surveillance of narcotics transactions,
a myriad of other duties evolved as needed. During the 1960's, Air Squadron personnel flew as co-pilots
Sheriffs Department Pilots in County-owned airplanes, transporting inmates all overthe Western United "t~I~~
With the greatly increased recreational utilization ofour surrounding mountains in the late 1960's and 1970's,
by local citizens and the many visitors unfamiliar with this rugged country, the Air Squadron became very r1ClIVIlll~1
airborne assistance to Sheriffs Deputies and other auxiliary ground units searching for missing persons, lost hi
lost hunters and lostfisherman. The Squadron flew thousands ofhours overterrain as remote and rough as a
in our Country, and did it with a perfect safety record.
Air Squadron
122
Air Squadron remains a volunteer organization, supplementing the full-time Air Support Unit in the Sheriff's
rtment. On April 1 , 2002, there were more than 60 full-time Squadron members who could be called on to fly
needed. Approximately 30 members have their own aircraft, or have access to aircraft to use on Squadron
. ess. The other members who do not have aircraft at their disposal are available to fly as observers or handle
ios orothernon-flying duties at headquarters. The Fresno County Sheriff's Air Squadron is a charter member
ron of the Western States Association of Sheriff's Air Squadrons (WSASAS), an organization Fresno was
I in creating at a meeting in 1947 in Fresno. Those attending were the Sheriffs ofmany western counties
were impressed with the efficiency ofthe Fresno County Air Squadron. Fresno is still a member and supporter
V"''''''''-J and provides leadership as needed by the association.
,-0
Fresno Air Squadron personnel train hard, having several local training exercises annually and participate in the
rn States Association of Sheriff's Air Squadrons training and competition seminars 3 to 4 times a year. The
of individual trophies and team trophies won is a tribute to the skill and dedication of the Fresno Sheriff's
ron personnel. Air Squadron members are selected by the membership on the basis of their ability to
skills, time, airplanes and equipment. Attendance, participation and training have always been a
uisite to becoming a member and retaining membership. In the early 1960's, Air Squadron members rented
hed a hangarattheirown expense. This building located on Chandler Field became their headquarters.
Iding is equipped with radio communications, supplies and search and rescue equipment to assist its pilot
. The Squadron Headquarters serves as a meeting and training base. It is often utilized for training
by the Sheriff's Department for its full-time personnel and has also been made available to other law
"f'omQlnt agencies that need a place to locate temporarily while in Fresno.
riffs Departmentwas quick to utilize the Air Squadron immediately following the DisasterofSeptember 11,
,and provided terrorism training to fifty-four members of the Squadron over a period of four weeks. The Air
n was airborne, while other private aircraft were grounded, doing S.A.A.T. flights, (Sheriffs Airborne Anti
eam), identifiable by 18-inch SH ERI FF markings on the bottom oftheir airplane wings, making them clearly
from the ground. Squadron Airplanes also have Sheriff's stars on the fuselage ortail. S.A.A. T. pilots continue
alarge number of surveillance missions to this day. The S.A.A.T. pilots logged many hundreds of hours
ng more than 200 County locations that would be appealing to terrorists.
September 11,2001, the Sheriff's AirSquadron had embarked on another adventure which had been tried
iN'OC!C!TI Iyseveral times in the past. The E.A.G.L.E (Enhanced Airto Ground Law Enforcement) program was
and implemented byAir Squadron members. The enthusiasm for this program was readily apparent by
bers who had Sheriff's radios installed in their airplanes to make communication with Sheriff ground units
and more professional. One member had his airplane painted in the official Sheriff's Department colors. In
to participating in patrol of high crime rate areas, public parks, recreational lakes and rivers, as well as
fleeing suspects in speeding vehicles, the E.A.G.L.E. pilots have actually landed atairports nearto Deputies
jgi)1.:lILvU in the making of arrests. E.A.G.L.E. pilots have earned the respect of Deputy Patrolmen and Sheriff
rs alike, as evidenced by the number of times they are requested to assist or to over-fly a problem and
back to headquarters.
63 year history, the members ofthe Fresno County Sheriffs Air Squadron have participated in hundreds
searches, vehicle surveillances, narcotics transactions, locating of marijuana gardens, transporting
transporting Deputies to crime scenes or court appearances in and out of State, and hundreds of non
relations events. Forthis invaluable service, theAirSquadron members have received the greatest of
,,"""'T,r....,.,: that is the satisfying knowledge that they render a needed service to the Sheriff of Fresno County
people of Fresno County.
123
Deputies
Mark Eaton
Deputy Sheriff
Neil Edmiston
Deputy Sileriff
Sheri Edmonds
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Edwards
Deputy Sheriff
William Elliott
Deputy Sheriff
Aaron Epperly
Deputy Sheriff
Daniel Epperly
Deputy Sheriff
Edward Essegian
Deputy Sheriff
Jennifer Evans
Deputy Sheriff
Mark Fam
Deputy Sheriff
Julie Farries
Deputy Sheriff
~ )
Glenn Falls
Deputy Sheriff
Ronald Fierro
Deputy Sheriff
Kevin Fitzgerald
Deputy Sheriff
Manuel Flores
Deputy Sheriff
Miguel Flores
Deputy Sheriff
124
,r--,.
Deputies
Henry Franco Vincent Frascona John Friend Jason Fullenkamp
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Eric Garcia Raymond Garcia Rex Garcia Tony Garcia
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Bradley Gattie Sharla Gauthier James George Ryan Gilbert
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Raymond Giudici John Golden Anthony Gomez Daniel Gomez
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
125
Search and Rescue
Search and Rescue is defined by law as: "Acts of searching for, rescuing or recovering, by means of ground
marine activity, any person who is lost, injured or killed while out-of-doors."
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department has a proud history ofsearch and rescue service to the citizens of
County. Both Sheriff's Department personnel, as well as community volunteers, staff our search and
program. These groups respond to calls to locate or rescue citizens who have become stranded, lost, or inju
urban and wilderness areas of Fresno County. During thesummerof2002, there have been 13 call-outs to date
search and rescue personnel.
All SAR Unit membership is open to both
and females. No applicant meeting the Unit
will be denied membership on the basis of
creed, color, religion or sex.
The Search and Rescue Units all fall under
umbrella of the Sheriff's Foundation for
Safety, which helps support each Unit with
activities and fundraising. The monies raised
utilized forequipment, some training andva
needs that arise.
The units that compose the Search and
Unit are: Search and Rescue Group-Winter Training
Fresno County Sheriff's Posse -This group is comprised of horse/rider teams. Because a horse will
movements, sounds and smells not initially apparent to human senses, it enhances the search capability ofthe
Fresno County Mountain Rescue -These members possess expertise in conquering the cracks and
where adventurous travelersgettrapped. Mountain rescue also includes winter and summer ground CC!lrf'rlai
well as white water rescue.
Fresno County K-9 Search and Rescue -Their primary
tool for locating missing persons is a team consisting of
handler/dog and helper. The dogs assist in wilderness
air-scenting" disaster, trailing and cadaver disciplines.
Fresno County Snowmobile Team -This group of
volunteers search for lost children, hikelis, sportsmen,
skiers and stranded vehicles during the winter months.
FresnoCountyJeepSquadron-Thesquadronperforms
searches in off-road areas and assists the Forest Service
in removing fallen trees.
Search and Rescue
126
Fresno County Air Squadron-The Air Squadron
assists in aerial searches of rugged and inaccessible
terrain and provides airborne support to the Sheriffs
Department. Volunteers must provide their own
airplane.
Safe Recreation is Our Concern
YourChoice
Days End at Search and Rescue Winter Training 127
Deputies
Patricia Gonzales Allan Graham Glen Green
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Christopher Guerra Gregory Gularte Anthony Hadley
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Robert Harley Paul Haros Frank Harper
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
.,,/
Robin Gross
Deputy Sheriff
Joshua Hamilton
Deputy Sheriff
\ \ --Christopher Harris
Deputy Sheriff
Randall Haw
Deputy Sheriff
-~
.n
Mark Harris Gary Haslam Melanie Hathaway
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
128
Deputies
Karen Haynes
Deputy Sheriff
Kyle Heady
Deputy Sheriff
Don Hendrickson
Deputy Sheriff
Luis Hernandez
Deputy Sheriff
Brian Hillis
Deputy Sheriff
Jeffrey Hogue
Deputy Sheriff
Shaun Holahan
Deputy Sheriff
Jonathan Holguin
Deputy Sheriff
Jeffrey Hooper
Deputy Sheriff
David Horne
Deputy Sheriff
Jason Hubbard
Deputy Sheriff
Gregory Humann
Deputy Sheriff
-
Ryan Hushaw
Deputy Sheriff
Gregory Isaac
Deputy Sheriff
Ronald Jackson
Deputy Sheriff
Ronald Hunt
Deputy Sheriff
129
Fresno County Sheriff's Department
Communications Unit
By Lt. Greg Burton
The Communications Unit is part ofthe Centralized Field Services Bureau, which is located in the basement
Sheriffs Administration building. The Communications Manager is Lt. Greg Burton, underthe direction ofa ,",,,,,",_
The Sheriff's Department Communications Unit employs 34 full-time employees, six of them are Su
Dispatchers. There are eight radio positions and fourteen 911 telephone positions.
The Sheriff's Department dispatches for three other law enforcement agencies: Fowler, Kerman and Parlier
Departments.
Th
Annually, the Communications Unit processes approximately 260,000 calls-for-service. Ofthe 1400 calls
received daily, they are either handled as calls for service or transferred to other agencies or departments.
The Communications Unit is in the process of replacing the ten-year-old Computer Aided Dispatch System,
will give all of Fresno County quicker and more reliable access. In addition, the radio system will be
replaced to meet the needs and mission of the Department.
The Communications Unit works a combination of five/eight and four/ten schedules and the
Dispatchers are members of the Fresno Deputy Sheriff's Association.
Linda Kahn and Jack Bailey
130
Fugitive Warrants, Extradition &
Transportation Detail
By Sgt. Jack W. Sparke
Fugitive Warrants, Extradition and Transportation Detail is responsible for the transportation of sentenced
rs, fugitive warrant service, interstate extraditions and the transportation of high-risk or special needs
as directed by court orders. ,. "
Jack Sparke supervises the Detail. The Unit is comprised of Deputy Earl Richardson, Deputy Paul Baker,
Dwight Perry, Fresno Police Department Officer Daryl Dellone and Office Assistant Peggy Waters.
Unittransports approximately 6000 inmates each year. Out-of-state extraditions occur at least once each week.
team can be ready to transport within two hours, depending on the situation. The costs associated with each
state extradition are covered by the State. Each member of the Unit is also a Special Deputy U.S. Marshal.
most of the out-of-state travel is done via commercial airlines, general aviation may be used depending
destination, time frame and circumstances.
inmates are transported each week to Wasco State Prison. The number of inmates to be transported
ines whether the 45-passenger bus, van, or a patrol vehicle is used. The female offenders are also
II!nn,"fol1 weekly to the Chowchilla Women's intake facility. The Unitworks hand-in-hand with the correctional staff
to records, booking and the housing floors .
a tremendous amount ofwork to move the inmate population safely, not to mention the paperwork flow and
. We do it every day. Our motto is simple, "You calL ...........we haul!"
New45-PassengerTransportation Bus 131
Deputies
Douglas Jackson, Jr. Ivan Janssens Thomas Johnson
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
John Johnson
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Jones
Deputy Sheriff
Timothy Juarez
Deputy Sheriff
-~ Michael Kennedy
Deputy Sheriff
Jeffrey Kertson
Deputy Sheriff
Cynthia Knight
Deputy Sheriff
Jim Lail
Deputy Sheriff
Roberta Lambert
Deputy Sheriff
Joshua Lancaster
Deputy Sheriff
Bryan Lehman
Deputy Sheriff
Linda Lenton
Deputy Sheriff
Tony Logan
Deputy Sheriff
Kevin Lolkus
Deputy Sheriff
132
Deputies
Leevarde Lopez
Deputy Sheriff
Jaime Loredo
Deputy Sheriff
/ "
James Lyman Jeffrey Lynn
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Arthur Maldonado
Deputy Sheriff
Paul Marquez
Deputy Sheriff
Daniel Martin
Deputy Sheriff
Frank Martinez
Deputy Sheriff
John Martinez
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Martinez
Deputy Sheriff
Edgar Mateo
Deputy Sheriff
Stephen Mathias
Deputy Sheriff
Kent Matsuzaki
Deputy Sheriff
Jasvir Mattu
Deputy Sheriff
Kelly Mayfield
Deputy Sheriff
Edward Mayo
Deputy Sheriff
133
Technical Services Section
By Deputy James Tarver
Three units comprise the Sheriff's Department Technical Services Section. They are the Crime Scene Unit
known as the "I. Bureau"), Property and Evidence, and the Jail Identification Unit. Th
Nine Identification Technicians and an Office Assistant staff the Crime Scene U nit. The Identification T echni .
receive hundreds of hours of specialized trainiDg concerning the id~ntification, collection, and p
physical evidence. I n addition to crime scene investigations, this U nit specializes in latent fingerprint recovery
comparison, footwear and tire impression comparison, video and electronic services, serial number resto
questioned document examination, in-house training for Sheriff's personnel, and photography services.
Technicians present evidence and expert testimony in Court.
The Property and Evidence Unit is responsible forthe
preservation, storage, and dispositions surrounding
the many thousands ofevidence items collected each
yearby Sheriff's personnel. These items fill extensive
storage facilities, and the integrity of the evidence
requires exacting chain-of-custody records and careful
handling by the two Identification Technicians who
staff this Unit.
The Jail Identification Unit generates and maintains
fingerprint records for persons booked on criminal
charges, for applicants, registrants, gun permit
holders, Sheriff's employees, and for members of
specialtyvolunteerunitswithin the Department. The
fingerprint records are transmitted electronically to
State and Federal agencies for inclusion in databases.
The Jail Identification U nit also maintains and classifies
fingerprint cards for subsequent comparisons that
dete~mine identities of persons arrested and latents collected at crime scenes. Eight Identification
and two Office Assistants comprise the staff of the Jail Unit. The Technicians are experts in
classification, and theyfrequentlycomparefingerprints and present expert testimony regarding the id
of persons who are suspected of having prior criminal convictions.
Two Senior Identification Technicians and a
Criminologist supervise the units of T
Services. In 2001 , the Crime Scene Unit
over 1400 scenes and handled over 1200
orders for evidence processing.
Identification Unit processed over
transactions, ranging "from mug photog
fingerprints, to gun permits, registrants,
fingerprinting.
134
Fresno County Sheriff's Dive Team
by Sgt. Jack Sparke
Area 4 Commander supervises the Fresno County Dive Team. The Dive Team is a small group of highly
and dedicated individuals who must work well together under adverse conditions. The Team is responsible
demanding task ofrecovering drowned victims from Fresno County waterways. The Team may also assist
recovery ofevidence for criminal investigations.
nt Jack Sparke and Sergeant Phillip Caporale
the Team comprised of twelve divers. All
members are active divers, including the
nts. The Team is called outwheneverthe use of
ntained Underwater Breathing Apparatus
.U.S.A.) or snorkeling is needed to complete a
The Boating Enforcement Unit is used to insert
extract the divers in the various waterways. The
Unit also provides security for the divers while
are underwater by closing off the area to other
site is in a remote area, theAirSupportUnit
be utilized to transport the divers to theirdestination.
diving, the Team is concerned with currents and
The average underwater visibility is zero-to
Trying to locate a drowned victim in this type
on is very demanding, especially when the ~~!II••
is at night. If someone is the least bit Dive Team during training
IIItrn,nhr,hic, theywon't last long. It's dark, cold, and
sometimes scary.
s mission has remained the same overthe last27 years; this is attributed to ourformer supervisor and
late, Sergeant Jim Hamilton. Team members contribute their opinions and perspective for each dive.
reason the mission cannot be accomplished safely, then we try to find an alternate solution.
An underwater video camera was purchased
that can be used to depths up to 250 feet. The
use ofthe camera has reduced the dangers the
divers are exposed to dramatically. The Team
has traveled to other counties with the camera
assisting them as needed.
The Team's calls-for-service have reduced over
the past few years with the development ofthe
Reedley Fire Department and the American
Ambulance STAR Teams. Also, thenumberof
drownings County-wide have reduced, this can
be attributed to more community awareness
from the media, school resource officers, and
Community Service Officers.
135
T~LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN
Tor
FOR soo
In 2
Vall
whcSPECIAL OLYMPICS
pie,
The Law Enforcement Torch Run is a partnership with law enforcement, ourcommunitiesand the Special
in an effort to raise publicawareness and funds for Special Olympics Programs. The Law Enforcement Torch
began in 1981 when Wichita, Kansas Police Chief Richard LaMunyon saw a need to raise awareness and
for the Special Olympics. He conceived the idea ofthe Torch Run as a way to involve local law enforcementwith
communities and Special Olympics, by running the torch in intra-state relays that converge at their local
Games.
The Torch Run is nowaglobaleventwith all 50 states and over30foreign countries participating. Since its incelou.
in 1981, the Law Enforcement Torch Run has raised over $100,000,000 worldwide. It is the largest
fundraising program and public awareness vehicle for Special Olympics.
Most people think ofthe Law Enforcement Torch Run asa one-timeeventthattakes place every year. Although
actual running ofthe torch is a once-a-yearevent, there are a numberofdifferent activities thattake placethroug
the year. These events include: Tip-A-Cops, Billboard Sits, Mighty Muscle Challenge, Golf Tournaments and T
sales.
Tip-A-Cops
Law Enforcement personnel volunteertheirtime as "Celebrity Waiters" in local restaurants and receive "tips" to
funds for the Special Olympics. Officers work closely with regular restaurant staff, serving water and coffee,
acting as hosts.
Billboard Sits -'
In 2001, Sergeant Dan Cervantes was hoisted high above Michael's Volkswagen in a "Cops vs. Jocks" l"'r.n,nOIll
against ALICE 1 02.7's discjockey Stacey Blood. For every 100 dollars donated, the lift was lowered one
2002, Lt. David Kurtze will be "Camping at the Club", as he spends three days and two nights atop Sam's
Blackstone Avenue. Celebrity Campers will also be camping and will be equipped with cell phones in an
to raise funds for Special Olympics.
Mighty Muscle Challenge
Ten-person teams competed against each other by pulling a massive 75,000-pound fully-loaded car carrier
with VW Beetles. Our "Stars and Bars" team finished a close 2nd in the competition and our "Lady Bugs"
only all-female team, also winning an award for the lightest team able to pull the truck.
Polar Bear Plunge
Volunteers collected pledges for the privilege of plunging into a frigid Millerton Lake in the dead of winter.
crazy? Well, that's because it is! These Polar Bears were "freezin' for a reason".
Golf Tournament
I nd ividuals showed off thei r golfskills as they com peted on a five-person tea m, wh ich included one Special
athlete.
136
Run T-shirts can be purchased for a $15 donation, and this year's shirts are awesome. Be sure to get yours
1, the Fresno County Sheriff's Department was the #1 law enforcement fundraising agency in the Central
,raising over$13,000. Asyou can see, the Law Enforcement Torch Run is notjustforrunners. Itisforanyone
has a big heart and wants to help make a difference in the life of a Special Olympics athlete. To get involved,
contact Lt. David Kurtze at 488-2590 or Tracy Smithson at 497 :-3790.
runners Cruz Herrera, Elena Herrera, Susan Breanne Cervantes, Terry Bardwell, Dan Cervantes,
,RandyWiliiams, and David Kurtze Mary Nichols, David Kurtze and Lorenzo Lara
at the start ofthe Torch Run at the Polar Bear Plunge 137
Deputies
Sabrina McArthur
Deputy Sheriff
Joshua McCahill
Deputy Sheriff
Stephen McComas
Deputy Sheriff
Allan McGurk
Deputy Sheriff
Matthew McNab
Deputy Sheriff
Carl McSwain
Deputy Sheriff
Brien Melkonian
Deputy Sheriff
Steven Meunier
Deputy Sheriff
James Minenna
Deputy Sheriff
Homero Montalvo
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Montanez
Deputy Sheriff
Anthony Montiel
Deputy Sheriff
Scott Moore
Deputy Sheriff
SherMoua
Deputy Sheriff
Tony Navarro
Deputy Sheriff
Patrick O'Brien
Deputy Sheriff
138
1"'"'\
Bernard Ortiz
Deputy Sheriff
Ralph Paolinelli
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Perez
Deputy Sheriff
ScottPlann
Deputy Sheriff
Deputies
Chris Osborn George Ozburn William Palmer
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
James Papaleo Richard Papazian Allen Passmore
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Dwight Perry Mark Pinkston Jon Pino
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Andrea Pope Francisco Puente Javier Puente
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
139
Reflecting God's Love By Comforting Those We Serve
By Chaplain Doug Lanier ThE
are The mission ofthe Chaplaincy is to provide counseling, referral, and comfort to those we serve, reflecting the love
in all we do. The Peace Officer's Chaplaincy is a contracted service underthe covering ofthe Peace Officers
ofFresnoCounty,lnc. Wederive ourfunding from many different entities, suchas the City of Fresno, the County of
churches, law enforcement personnel and other individual support. We minister to the civilian populations of
communities we serveand membersofthe law enforcement community in the City of Fresno, as well as the Fresno
Sheriffs Department. We are always available tothose desiring ourservrces, both sworn and civilian personnel, a
families.
We accomplish this by being on-call 24/7 . We interact with our Sheriffs Department personnel at their places
whenever and wherever we can. Whether it is in the hallways of the Sheriffs Administration building, or at one
substations, we will be there. At their work station in the Business Office, in Dispatch or Records, we will be there.
will talk to them in jail corridors, asking them how their families are. The parking garage is a good place to i
well as in the Courthouse, on ride-alongs, atcrimescenes, at special celebrations, restaurants, intheirhomeand
golfcourse. Whereveryou will find Department personnel, a Chaplain is usually nearby. We also make ourselves
to ministertothe victims of crime, tragic accidents, etc., and theirfamilies. Ifthese people do not have a faith
thatthey can tum to, we will extend our services to them .
Human Interest Story
When it comes to describing just what it isthatthe Chaplaincy does in the community, the best place to startwQuld
share one of our more dramatic cases. One such incidenthasto do with the time I was dispatched to an apartment
overon Shields and Maple to deliver a death notification. Originally, ou r Sheriff s Deputies were sent to the
accidental drowning near the Fresno/Madera County line; it turned out to be a triple drowning. Television
already there atthe scene documenting this tragedyforthe eleven o'clock news, reporting how a Cambodian
lost their mother, as well as a teenage brother and sister in this terrible tragedy. Because of language difficulties,
firstthoughtthatall ofthefamilywas present, but latertheyoungersurviving brother said he had a ninetee l_\It:'~r.tUIJI
still at home with hertwo babies. That is when I received the 10:20 P.M. call from Dispatch to try and notifythe
before she heard about the deaths of herfamily on the news.
When I got to the apartment complex at 1 0:50 P.M. to notify Sopa ofthe tragedy that had claimed part of
ofthe Cambodian residents in the complex were already aware, because they had just seen it on the ten a
Sopa had already gone to bed with her babies before I got to her door. The manager of the apartment rortrY'lnl,,,v
call herand announce that I was at the door and that I was with the Sheriffs Department. When she opened the
female manager and I entered her apartment. I had hersit down with her children in an overstuffed chair, and
the tragic news to her. Terror and grief overtook her and she screamed and cried uncontrollably; the man
children in the other room while I worked to calm her down. When she was calmed down, she told me that
something was wrong, because herfamilywas way overdue from theirfishing trip. I informed her that our UIJLIUUII:II
be bringing her father and little brother home in the next hour and that I would stay with her until they arrived.
Even though this family lived in a Cambodian apartment complex, they had no otherfamily here in America
their entire family had been killed in Cambodia by the Pol Pot regime in the "Killing Fields." I worked with this
months, helping them with the funeral arrangements, setting up a trustfund (which raised close to twelve
and helping them relocate into another apartment complex. I also helped Sopa get her driver's license
participated in the marriage of her father to a Cambodian widow. Their life has not been easy, but the
community has been there forthem and they know they are loved.
140
When it Hits Close to Home?
mostdifficulttime for any law enforcement Chaplaincy is when one of ourown dies while on duty. The hardest deaths
"In the Line of Duty Deaths." Whether they are accidental, oratthe hands of a criminal, they are always hard to deal
These deaths notonly impact the immediate family, they also impact the law enforcementfamily in a long and lasting
Some of our Department personnel have died of natural causes while still employed, and they are all so terribly
. Ifthose who have died while employed, or even after retirement, have a faith community thatthey belong to, we
alongside theirfamily and that faith community when possible, and give our support. If they do not have a faith
then the Chaplaincy becomes that family's minister-at-Iarge, officiating atthe memorial service. This also
t".. tnnc'..... times when our personnel have lost a famifjmember and have nowhere to turn.
visit our personnel and theirfamilies when they are in the hospital, transport them to doctor appointments when
pick up prescriptions, perform weddings, and provide marriage and family counseling when requested. We are
and certified in Critical Incident Stress Management, and we offer our services in times of crisis to both law
nt agencies and other institutions in the community, when needed. We have offered our services to two high
n they have suffered tragic losses, to a manufacturing business when an employee was killed on the job and
needed help, fire fighters, emergency service workers and hospital staff. And these examples do not begin
the surface of how integrated the Chaplaincy is in this community.
coming months, we will be taking a more active role in working with our schools, neighborhoods and faith
offeri ng greatersu pport services and improving the quality of life in the City of Fresno and throughout Fresno
Peace Officer'S Chaplaincy
141
Deputies
Brandon Pursell
Deputy Sheriff
Shirley Pursell
Deputy Sheriff
/~\ A
~
SeanQuinn
Deputy Sheriff
,-
Earl Richardson
Deputy Sheriff
David Raquenio
Deputy Sheriff
Timothy Rivera
Deputy Sheriff
Juan Reyes
Deputy Sheriff
Danielle Richardson
Deputy Sheriff
--r..
Jimmy Robnett
Deputy Sheriff
Ramiro Rodriguez
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Robison Ronald Rossi
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Jorge Ruiz
Deputy Sheriff
Erik Russell
Deputy Sheriff
-Reynaldo Saldana
Deputy Sheriff
142
MAGEe
Multi Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium
In 1996, former Sheriff Steve Magarian chaired a meeting, inviting District Attorney Ed Hunt, all Fresno
police chiefs, supervising law enforcement agents from the California Highway Patrol, Bureau ofNarcotics
ment, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Drug EnforcementAdministration, Internal Revenue Service, State
Fresno County Probation supervisors, the California Department of Corrections and the Immigration &
ization Service. Sheriff Magarian proposed this meeting with a reco_mmendation and plan to establish one
law enforcement body to expand our war agarnst criminal gang activity. Endorsements were received and
commenced for the task force.
Committees were developed to work out resources, communications, staffing and various related logistics.
Deputy District Attorney initially was selected as a neutral body to command MAGEC. Agoverning board,
ofdepartment heads, established policy and direction. It was determined that all CRASH personnel would
IIh~"rh'::H1 into MAGEC.
In November of 1997, the newly formed cooperative, MAGEC, was formally endorsed and honored by
ia State Governor Pete Wilson. On December 1, 1997 MAGEC went into operation with thirty law
ment agencies coming together, the largest long-term consolidation in law enforcement history.
was structured with a vertical prosecution team led by a Senior Deputy District Attorney, a metropolitan
commanded by a Fresno Police Lieutenant, and a rural team commanded by a Fresno Sheriff's Lieutenant.
team would have a mix ofparticipating agency personnel. The Fresno County Sheriffs department and the
Police department contributed the largest number of personnel. An office site for MAGEC personnel was
in metropolitan Fresno.
The creation of MAGEC immediately created greater cooperation and networking among the participating
The Forensic Laboratory of the Fresno County Sheriff's Department agreed to receive, analyze, and
custody ofall controlled substances seized and submitted by members ofMAGEC. This afforded members
the ability to receive an official analysis of their evidence within one working day, or less. MAGEC
also received orientation training forthe integrated ballistics identification system (IBIS). The database
an evidentiary analysis of casings and bullets collected during investigations and comparison options
to existing and unidentified evidence data.
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department manages all four County detention facilities. Prior policy of the
Department was to charge agencies booking fees for each arrest booked into the jail. Because of the
fees, many agencies in Fresno County adopted an arrest policy dictating the issuance of citations for
norsuspects in the field, in lieu ofphysical detention, when appropriate. Seeing howthis may impede the
enforcement tactics instituted by MAGEC, the Sheriffs Department agreed to waive booking fees on all
MAGEC team members.
ntrl......._\o.Iapplied for, and received, a 3-yearfederal granttitled EPPIC (Enforcement Prevention, Prosecution,
& Counseling) Two Deputy Sheriffs and two Juvenile Probation Officers are assigned to gang
&enforcement. One Deputy Sheriff is in charge of gang resistance and education within designated
Deputy District Attorney for prosecution and one Deputy District Attorney I nvestigator complement this
body. The California School of Professional Psychology supports the EPPIC body by providing
and guidance for at-risk, gang involved youth. A Fresno County Sheriff's Community Services Officer is
a mentoring program established to provide mentors, for support services. The CSO is also in charge
program for designated cities.
ne of 1999, California Highway Patrol Captain Cal Minor assumed the command position of MAGEC.
agency delivered a vast level of experience and provided a new channel of reputable training
complemented and increased the successful momentum ofMAGEC throughout California. The men
of MAGEC believe that the multi-agency and multi-level approach to combat gang crime is the most
and effective method in existence. The reduction of gang crime is evidentthroughout Fresno County.
143
Deputies
Jose Salinas
Deputy Sheriff
.,/\ ,I"",
Gurjeet Sandhu
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Santos
Deputy Sheriff
Eric Schmidt
Deputy Sheriff
Matthew Sellai
Deputy Sheriff
Geoffery Shanen
Deputy Sheriff
Greg Siemens
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Sill
Deputy Sheriff
Andrew Simonson
Deputy Sheriff
Jeffery Simpson
Deputy Sheriff
Jon Sims
Deputy Sheriff
Joseph Smith
Deputy Sheriff
John Souza
Deputy Sheriff
Brent Stalker
Deputy Sheriff
Christopher Stearns
Deputy Sheriff
Floyd Stewart
Deputy Sheriff
144
Geographical Information Systems
By Bob Engellenner
information age, presenting data in a way that allows it to be rapidly analyzed is of critical importance.
hicallnformation Systems (GIS) software makes location-based data easy to understand. GIS links
phic information (where things are)with descriptive information (what is happening there).
~ ~
an ordinary flat paper map, GIS is composed of layers of information which are like sheets of clear plastic,
sheetcontaining information ofa similartype. Forexample, ofthe400+ layers in the Fresno County GIS, one
contains lakes, another contains roads, yet another layer shows schools. When law-enforcement data
: calls-for-service, sex offender residences) is shown on top of geography layers, the relationship
events and places can be viewed and analyzed .
maptothe right, sex-offender residences,
nTTQnc::~'c:: suspicious persons, and suspicious
shown as small color-coded shapes on
following layers -city limits, roads, and
(the 1000 feet rings around schools give
reference ).
3-D maps below, the density of events by
make incident hot-spots very easy to see. Me
allowthe Sheriff's Department to improve
by using visual data to spot crime patterns,
problem-oriented policing, and present
the public in a format that is easy to
Calls-Far-Service Felony Arrests
145
meNARCOTICS ofl
The Majors Narcotics Team is comprised ofa lieutenant, one sergeant, ten narcotic officers, one Probation
a filing Community Service Officer, two office assistants and a narcotic detection dog. The Majors Team
created when the existing Eastside and Westside narcotic teams were combined with the Metro Team.
At the end of 2001, an investigation led the team to the largest cocaine bust in FSO history. A trucking outfit,
known to the Sheriffs Department and operating out ofMendota, was packing kilos ofthe drug in with table
ready for shipping to the eastern United States. The narcotics team uncovered twenty-five kilos of cocaine.
California produces 80 to 90% of the methamphetamine consumed in the United States. The Central Valley
been described at the "source" area for the drug. Two years ago, a team was created to address the
methamphetamine problem. This team, known as the Fresno Meth Task Force (F.M.T.F.) combines the
ntif'itl
Shari".
Department detectives with detectives from State, local and Federal agencies. It covers a territory extending
County borders. Since its formation, 145 meth labs have been seized. Ofthese , 99were "Super Labs" ca
producing more than ten pounds of meth per cook.
The new CAL-METT Grant awarded to FSO in 2002 will provide a second street team which will work al
and concentrate on street level dealers in the Metro and mountain areas. Five detectives and a sergeant
will be paid for by the grant. The grant also provides five detectives and one sergeant for F.M.T.F.
The Valley's climate and isolated landscape continues to make marijuana a main crop. Narcotic d
only finding cannabis (marijuana) flourishing in the foothills, butthey have discovered Asian vegetable gardens
to disguise marijuana growing on the Valley floor. Marijuana is trained to grow sideways, concealed under
melon, squash and other vegetables. This makes the crop hard to detect from air or land .
In 1999, the Fresno Sheriffs Department Narcotics Unit received a grant thatfunds two detectives. The rtatl,l"fIWI
primary responsibilities are marijuana-related crimes. The detectives actively work marijuana cases
During the peak marijuana growing and harvest season, which is only a few months, the detectives
extremely busy. The detectives are using more efficient methods oferadicating-the large marijuana gardens
mountainous areas. The detectives are using STABO (Short-Term Air Borne Operations) to get from ga
garden. During STABO, detectives are suspended from a 1 OO-foot steel cable under a helicopter and flown
marijuana garden.
During the 2000 growing season, the Unit completed a three-year investigation regarding a large
cultivator/trafficking organization known as the "Maganas". This investigation yielded over 40 arrests,
marijuana pl1ants eradicated, 400 pounds ofprocessed marijuana, 29 pounds ofmethamphetamine and annr'nvirNi
$300,000 in assets seized.
The Unit's Probation Officer is a valuable asset in the waron drugs. Manyofthe suspects are on probation
to search and seizure. In addition to search warrants, probation searches are often conducted on nrn,n",'lftI
which often results in the seizure ofnarcotics and arrests. Forthe Probation Officer, working with the n<:>rl".
enables him to participate in not only the supervision of probationers in the community, but also in the In\"~.,...,
process which involve narcotics.
One ofthe narcotics detection canines, Cowboy, is a Yellow Labrador Retriever. He has been with the
July, 1999. He has been utilized to search houses and vehicles during the service ofsearch w;;lrrants.
performed narcotics interdiction at United Parcel Service, Fed Ex and the Amtrak rail station. Narcotics
has detected within parcels has led to narcotic investigations in several states. His nose has detected
fOlJ
ah
' )TTI(
146
cocaine concealed in a jar of peanut butter within a package at UPS. The K-9 has found multiple pounds of
a concealed in metal paint cans sealed with epoxy. He alerted to a vent in a trailer house where detectives
$35,000 in cash. His skills were recently requested at a vehicle stop near Selma. Upon arrival, he detected
hidden compartment in the backseat ofthe Nissan Maxima, which contained four kilograms of cocaine. And he
all oftl"lis because he thinks he's just playing with his handler, Brett McAndrews.
newest unitto join S.ID. is Street NET. Street NET was formed in 2001 with the goal offocusing on the street
dealers ofnarcotics in the South West Field Services Bureau, Areas 1 and 3. The Unit was designed to operate
n a task force concept involving the Fresno County Sheriff's Department and any allied police agencies (within
rget geograph ic locale) opting to ded icate manpower to the unit. Wi!h monetary input ($1 00,000 grants from
State of California) from Orange Cove, Mendofa and San Joaquin, four Deputy Sheriff slots and one Sheriff
IImt:l<>ntposition were allocated. When the Unit came on-line in March 2001, the Coalinga Police Department and
Police Department each contributed an officer to the Unit. The Selma Police Department inserted their
rinJune,2001.
NET initiated 123 cases during 2001. These cases were opened as a result of allegations received from
ofthe public, from members oflaw enforcement, orfrom information received from confidential informants.
NET, during 2001, received approximately 261 allegations. These came from a variety of sources: phone
s received from members of the public, information received from fellow law enforcement officers, or
ion provided by Confidential Informants. Each officerwithin the unit is assigned an area ofresponsibility to
IIC!tlrl<>tc allegations.
,Street NET made 79 felony arrests and served 44 search warrants. Seized was approximately six pounds
mphetamine, approximately three pounds of marijuana, 82 marijuana plants and over half-an-ounce of
Rita, Narcotics K-9 working with Street NET
Taskforce
147
Deputies
Douglas Sullivan
Deputy Sheriff
David Tafoya
Deputy Sheriff
Todd Talent
Deputy Sheriff
Chad Taylor
Deputy Sheriff
Sam T eragouchi
Deputy Sheriff
Kenneth Thiessen
Deputy Sheriff
Michael Thobe
Deputy Sheriff
ChristopherTorres
Deputy Sheriff
~
Sergio Toscano
Deputy Sheriff
Myron Toste
Deputy Sheriff
David Trevino
Deputy Sheriff
Wayne Tucker
Deputy Sheriff
TimothyVanHouwelingen
Deputy Sheriff
Les VanMeter
Deputy Sheriff
Nick Vang
Deputy Sheriff
148
Deputies
Francisco Vargas
Deputy Sheriff
MarkVaughan
Deputy Sheriff
~
Richard Verdugo
Deputy Sheriff
Gregory Villanueva
Deputy Sheriff
Steven Vlasis
Deputy Sheriff
Melissa Voisenat
Deputy Sheriff
John Wages
Deputy Sheriff
Joel Wahlen maier
Deputy Sheriff
Dennis Wei bert
Deputy Sheriff
James White
Deputy Sheriff
Richard Wilhoite
Deputy Sheriff
Robert Woodrum
Deputy Sheriff
Neng Xiong
Deputy Sheriff
Phia Xiong
Deputy Sheriff
HughYang
Deputy Sheriff
RobertWorstein
Deputy Sheriff
]49
Deputies
-'-. Ao-
ArthurYbarra Manuel Ybarra
Deputy Sheriff Deputy Sheriff
Deputy Jason Hubbard playing "Amazing Grace" Sheriff Pierce, Leon Isaac, Spencer Isaac
at the 2002 Pig Bowl Chantelie Knox at dedication ceremony for
the late Deputy Jeff Isaac 150
S.W.A.T. Team at practice
Lt. Beasley and Drake Bell practicing for
tpe Foundation Basketball Game
T elen family at the Pig Bowl
151
Thanks to all the fine men and women of
the
Fresno County Sheriff's
Department
for keeping our community safe.
John and Rita Papagni
Supporting the Sheriff's
Foundation for Public
Safety
11599 N. Friant Road
Fresno, CA
RALPH WHITE
Certified Massage Therapist
Specializing in Swedish,
Sports and Shiatsu Massages
Gift Certificates available
accCenterpoint Athletic Club
3003 N. Maroa Fresno, CA 93704 chil (559) 225-3250 gar
the
(
thei Special Thanks to the Following
Donors for Supporting the 7th Annual
Camp D.A.R.E. Golf Tournament:
Arrow Chiropractic
Bakers Square Restaurant & Pies
Best Uniforms
Blue Ribbon Car Wash and Detail
Captain John's Seafood and Steak
DiCicco's Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria
Elbow Room
Elephant Bar
Esthetiques by GK
Hank's Swank Golf
International House of Pancakes
Jeffery's in the Tower Full-Service Salon
John's Incredible Pizza Co.
Los Amigos Mexican Restaurant
Marie Callender's Restaurants & Bakeries
Marriott Residence Inn
Mimi's Cafe
Old Spaghetti Factory
Piccadilly Hand Car Wash
Piccadilly Inn Hotels
Pizza Hut -Selma
Red Carpet Car Wash
Red Lobster Restaurant
Richard's Restaurant
Romano's Macaroni Grill
Sal's Mexican Restaurant-Selma
Selma Cinemas
Smuggler's Restaurant
Spike & Rail Steak House -Selma
State Farm Insurance
Tahoe Joe's Restaurant
UW GTF Golf Instruction
Wal-Mart -Selma
Wild Water Adventures
Yoshino Japanese Restaurant
152
THE KILLING OF
"ALLIGATOR JACK"
By Scott Morrison
In November, 1914, Jack W. "Alligator Jack" Henderson moved his young family to a cabin on his recently
uired property in Hume, near Hume Lake. Jack, aged 52, supported his 22 year-old wife Dorothy and his two
n (Walter, aged 2, and Maud, aged 7 monthsjon the money he made from trapping and skinning mountain
for their pelts. Their cabin was located in a basin, sheltered from the worst ofthe Sierra's weather, enabling
to ride out the winter.
On Wednesday evening, February 24,1915, at about 7:00 PM, Jackand Dorothy heard a voice calling outside
cabin. Jack went out and discovered a stranger, an Indian man on horseback. The Indian told Jack that hewas
and asked if he could spend the night. Jack directed the man to a vacant cabin where he could stay a couple
les down the trail. Jack also gave the man a couple of loaves of Dorothy's homemade bread.
Aftertheirvisitorhad departed, Jackand Dorothy sat down to theirdinner. When dinnerwasover, Jack advised
that he was going out to the shed to skin a fox that he had trapped that day. Jack had no sooner opened
and stepped out on the porch, when Dorothy heard the report ofa rifle and sawJack fall outside the doorway,
from a bullet wound to the head. Moments later the suspect, their Indian visitor, rushed into the cabin.
've killed my husband! Why?" a stunned Dorothy asked.
don't make no difference, I have done you a favor, and you can marry another man soon," replied the killer.
suspect then made an "insulting proposal," which Dorothy rejected. The killer grabbed Dorothy and pulled
the cabin, dragging her towards the barn. Dorothy struggled with the attacker, trying unsuccessfully to
the rifle from his grasp. As hedragged herinto the barn, the suspect warned Dorothy that he'd killed three
and a woman in the past for resisting his will. The Indian momentarily released one hand from the rifle as he
pting to spread an old quilton the ground to complete his nefarious plan. Dorothy was then able to twist
so the barrel was pointed towards the suspect and pull the trigger. A round fired, flying close to the suspect's
,but misSing him. During the commotion, the Ind ian lost his grip on Dorothy and she bolted from the barn. The
followed after Dorothy, but he fell, allowing the young woman to lengthen her lead. Dorothy ran behind the
to a creek and plunged in, swimming to the far side. She then scrambled out of the freezing water and ran
heavy brush.
Dorothy Henderson and her children 153
After running a distance, Dorothy sheltered behind a tree and looked back towards her home. In the moonl
she could see the suspect searching around the buildings for her. Dorothy then struck out for the logging comm
of Millwood (located north of the current intersection of Miliwood/Hwy 180) eight miles away across the
mountains.
Dorothy struggled through snow drifts up to six feet deep for a distance she judged to be three miles ... in
dark ... between five and six thousand feet ... in February. Her clothes had frozen to her body and she came to
realization that she would freeze to death before reaching Millwood. She then turned back towards the lonely
deciding that if she was going to die, it would be at the side of her husband and children. Dorothy made her
back to Hume, swam the creek, and slowly crept t<?wards the darkened ~abin. She huddled in the darkness,
and listening. Eventually, hearing and seeing nothing, she made herway over the body of her murdered hus
and intothecabin. She found thatthe suspect had departed. Dorothy pulled the bodyofherhusband into the
from the porch, retrieved a pistol from its hiding place and sat awaiting the return of the suspect.
When Thursday morning arrived and the suspect had still not returned, Dorothy began weighing her
Initially she decided she should wait atthe cabin until someone passed on the trail. But upon reflection she realiz,. T
that it could be two weeks or more before anyone passed, and she determined to start for Millwood once
Knowing that she would be unable to carry the two children that distance across such rugged terrain, DorothY~v\..uI"_
the cabin, leaving the children inside with their father's body.
Dorothy started for Millwood at approximately 8:00 AM, making herwayupthe ridge and down the western
At 1 :00 PM she met the local postmaster on his rounds on horseback. After listening to Dorothy's story,
postmaster took her to the cabin of Jim Bell in Millwood, another trapper and one of Alligator Jack's best
Bell saw to it that Dorothy was taken care of, and then started out for Jack's cabin on snowshoes.' He reached
cabin afterdark, finding the children unharmed, and spentthe night. In the morning, Bell started the hike out
two children on his back. The grueling trek out to Millwood lasted eight hours. Dorothy waited at Bell's in Mi
until the trapper returned with her children. She was then taken to a friend's house in Dunlap.
The Sheriff's Office had been notified ofthe murder by telephone from Dunlap, and Deputies Dave Weiss,
Johnson and Oscar Bottorff responded. The deputies organized a posse with several mountain men and
for Jack's cabin. They arrived and discovered the scene to be as Dorothy had described. Due to the rornnt,Clnail
ofthe scene, a magistrate had authorized the holding of an inquest atthe cabin. The members ofthe posse
upthecoroner'sjury, and they returned a verdictthatJackhad been murdered byan unknown Indian. The
remains were then laid to rest in a grave beside his cabin.
The posse then commenced a search and soon picked up the
tracks ofthe suspect's horse in the snow. They followed the tracks
west from the scene, up the ridge to the summit and down the
western slope to a large meadow in Dunlap, where many locals
grazed their horses. Sheriff Walter McSwain, who had beenoutof
the county atthe time ofthe murder, arrived and began questioning
the locals aboutany Indian who might match the description given
by Dorothy(lndian male, 30 years). The name of Jeff Lewis was
mentioned.
Lewis was known in Fresno by his reputation as the pitcher for
the Dunlap baseball team. McSwain contacted Lewis and
questioned him at his home in Dunlap. The Indian denied any
knowledge ofthe crime, but McSwain had Lewis accompany him,
at 1 :00 AM Sunday morning, to the home where Dorothy Henderson
154
staying with herchildren. As Sheriff McSwain and Lewis approached the house, Dorothy came out to greet them.
began speaking to McSwain, and then observing Lewis, she declared, "My God, that's him!"
Lewis was immediately arrested and transported to the Sheriff's Office in Fresno where he was "sweated".
continued to deny knowledge ofthe crime until Sunday evening. He then confessed, telling the following story.
advised that he was employed in road construction in the Dunlap area, and that one of his co-workers was
g man named Brayton Douglas. Lewis related that Douglas had offered him $100 to kill Alligator Jack
..""au""',,, Douglas wanted to marry Jack's young wife. He also stated that Douglas had supplied him with the rifle
used to kill Jack, and that Douglas spoke about receiving money from his wealthy father in San Francisco.
ies located and arrested Brayton Douglas, aged 22, transporting him to the Sheriff's Office in Fresno, where
Isowentthrough "the sweating process". Douglas admitted that he knew Lewis and that he had recently traded
to Lewis for a pistol. He also admitted that his father had recently sent him money, but he denied any connection
the crime. Douglas stated that to the best of his knowledge he had only seen Dorothy Henderson once.
investigators believed that JeffLewis was telling them the truth about the homicide. The words that Dorothy
quoted Lewis as using when he first entered the cabin ("you can marry another man soon") rang true with
explanation of the motive. However, no evidence was turned up to corroborate Lewis's account.
March 9th, Sheriff McSwain and Deputy Horace Thorwaldson transported Lewis and Douglasto Dunlap in the
s car. While there, Lewis pointed outthe location where he had buried the rifle used to kill Jack. The officers,
doubt, hoped that placing the two suspects together would result in incriminating statements by Douglas.
nately, he kept his cool and said nothing. Douglas's father had secured an attorney for his son who.demanded
eSherifffile charges on Douglas, or release him. On March 10th , the Sheriff reluctantly released Douglas for
evidence, but he also made a statement to the newspapers leaving little doubt that he felt the young man had
the murder.
district attorney had filed murder charges against Jeff Lewis after his arrest and his preliminary hearing had
conducted on March 8th. In those days, a suspect didn't have a right to an attorney to represent him until he came
trial. At his preliminary hearing, Sheriff McSwain sat with Jeff and assisted him through the process. Needless
,after Dorothy Henderson's testimony, he was held for trial.
March, represented by attorney Julius Hansen, Jeff entered a guilty plea to murder. After his plea, Judge
n determined the crimeto be murder in the first degree. Prior to the sentencing, attorney Hansen stated,
culprit is the man who offered Jeffthe $100. An Indian would commit anycrimeforthatamount of money."
. ",.."rnT'T attorney did not oppose the life sentence handed down, as it was hoped that additional evidence would
IE!VeIIODE~a on Douglas, and that Lewis would someday be a key witness against him. Judge Austin gave Jeff
of serving his time at San Quentin or Folsom, and Jeff chose San Quentin.
Jeff Lewis headed off for San Quentin, he left a wife and daughter in Dunlap without support, and he asked
McSwain to dowhat he could for his family. McSwain petitioned the Board ofSupervisors, and they granted
of$10 a month for the support of Jeff's wife and child.
ng sidebar to the case was how Lewis helped the officers clear an unsolved 1914 homicide ofan Indian
man in Squaw Valley. As Dorothy Henderson had struggled with Lewis, he had warned her that he had
three men and a woman in the past. McSwain questioned Lewis on that point and asked him if he was involved
murder of the medicine man. Lewis denied being involved in that murder, and named the murderer. The
named by Lewis was subsequently picked up by McSwain, and under questioning, admitted his guilt.
Photographs were reproduced from a 1915 publication
155
Dispatch
Leslie Alaimo
C/OIII
Jack Bailey
C/O Specialist
Elizabeth Bejar
C/O II
Roshwanda Braggs
C/O Specialist
Doris Castleberry
C/O Supervisor
Theresa Chacon
C/OIII
Denise Depew Betty Gustafson
C/O Specialist C/O Supervisor
Heather Herrera
C/OI
Farisa Ikner
C/OIII
Norma Jay
C/O Specialist
Linda Kahn
C/OII
Jessica Layfield
C/OIII
Terrilyn Myers
C/OIII
Tina Ortiz
C/O Specialist
Sheila Ownsbey
C/O III
156
Dispatch
Valerie Reece
C/OIII
Dory Rousseau
C/O Supervisor
Maria Sanchez
C/O III
Diana Rosales
C/O Specialist
Stacy Souza
C/O III
Judith Stuart
C/O III
Valerie Vasquez
C/O III
Denise White
C/O III
Betty Gustafson
Diana Rosales
157
Janitors
MaYang
Maintenance Janitor
Mario Moreno Raymond Rendon
Maintenance Janitor Janitor
Auxiliary Staff
Drake Bell
Inmate Supplies
Coordinator
Debra Bustamante
Personnel Tech III
Melinda Lujan
Laundry Supervisor
Nicholas Harrison
Sheriff Vehicle
Service Cordinator
Gary Martin
Rangemaster
RobertMero
Helicopter Mechanic
Douglas King
Stock Clerk II
158
Offender Programs
Terry Ashmore Yolanda Estrada Michelle Lefors Toni Saltzman
Volunteer Services Social Worker II Offender Programs Rec Therapist II
Coordinator Supervisor
Secretaries
• Cathy Davis Jean McDougald Della Sandoval
Secretary II Secretary IV Secretary IV
Melanie Sarkisian Charlene Wylie
Secreta ry IV Administrative
Secretary
159
Process Servers
Miguel Arias
Process Server
Robin Bailey
Process Server
Elaine Graham
Process Server
.1
Roger Smith
Process Server
Civil Changes
By Patricia Stacey
The Move ...... lnJuly2001, theCivfi Unit moved from the second floorofthe Sheriffs Administration Building
to the first floor. This move made the Civil Unit more accessible to the public and helped accomplish our rmC:'C:IMI
serving the public. It was quite an undertaking, but everyone is adjusting quite well. The Civil windowis nowd
across the lobby from the Records window.
New computers ..... Civil recently converted to a new computer system; Sirron's Civil Administration System
been in place since December, 2001. This new system is quite an improvement over the 12-year-old system
obsQleteequipmentthatwas being used. The new system allows clerical staff to determine at any given time•process server has a document and the status ofthe document.
Darlene Morris and Linda Wright using the new
tracking system.
Jennie Anaya and Ada Hernandez take care
customers at the new Civil window.
160
Office Assistants
Launda Alexander
O/AIII
Jennie Anaya
O/AIII
Sharon Ball
O/AIII
Zeeva Bier
ChiefO/A
/f\ i\ .
Holly Chikato
O/AIII
Dina Camoroda Elva Carns Carol Clark
O/AIII O/AIII O/AIII
Della Sandoval
161 -
Office Assistants
Casey Davis
O/AIII
Deborah Edlund
O/AIII
Virginia Frazier
O/AIII
Lynda Key
O/AIII
Corina Macias
O/AII
Steven Manning
O/AIII
MaryMcLain
Supervisor 0/A II
Phyllis Moore
O/AIII
Dora Magica
O/AIII
Rebecca Padilla
O/AIII
Vicki Peachee
O/AIII
Floyd Pendergrass
O/AII/Reserve
Donna Ramirez
O/AIII
Betty Reitz
O/AIII
Belma Roberts
O/AIII
Jose Soto
O/AIII
162
Office Assistants
Patricia Stacy
Supervisor 0/A II
Diane Stoutingburg
O/AIII
Carol Terry-Nickel
O/AIII
Catalina Valdez Peggy Waters
O/AIII O/AIII
Sandra Whitney
O/AIII
Kristal Wilson
O/AIII
Brenda Worstein
O/AIII
Melanie Sarkisian assisting a family from Germany
Linda Wright
O/AIII
163
'
California Police and Fire Games
There are numerous law enforcement and fire athletic programs taking place throughoutthe United Statesandin 1
several countries around the world. The "California Police Olympics" were the first in 1967 with a mere 504 a
participating in 16 events. Three years ago, the firefighters were invited to join the competition and the Cal tt
Police and Fire Games now rank as one ofthe largest multi-sport athletic events in the world. In 2002, itisantici h
thattherewill be 9,000 to 10,000 athletes competing in over60 different sporting events. With competition ran s
from Archery to Wrestling, there is an athletic event for everyone.
The Games are open to active or retired law enforcement and fire service personnel from within the State
California. Both programs promote the concepfof physical fitness and the Games highlight the athleticism of
participants, while promoting camaraderie, sportsmanship and friendship between the various agencies.
The men and women who represented the Sheriff's Department in the 2001 Games competed hard to ful-flll thei
personal expectations ofexcellence.
Congratulations to the following officers on their medal-winning performances:
Carlos Burela, Detention Bureau, three Gold medals in Swimming (200-yard Mixed Open Medley Relay;
yard Mixed Open Freestyle Relay; 200-yard Men's Open Freestyle)
David Kurtze, Detention Bureau, two Gold medals in
Swimming (200-yard Mixed Open Medley Relay; 200
yard Mixed Open Freestyle Relay)
Daniel Manriques, Detention Bureau, two Gold medals
in Swimming (200-yard Mixed Open Medley Relay; 200
yard Mixed Open Freestyle Relay) and one 3rd place
Bronze medal (50-yard Men's Senior-B Butterfly)
Jasvir Mattu, Patrol, won a Gold medal in the Road Race
(Half Marathon -Men's Master-A) and a Gold medal in
Track & Field (5000 Meter -Men's lVIaster-A Division)
Alex Menchaca, Detention Bureau, won the 3rd place
Sronze medal in Boxing (l\Jovice 190)
. Connie Moore, Detectives, won the Gold medal in Golf
(Women's Singles C-Division Open)
Sharlene Ramey-Cross and her partner Greg Jones
164
Correctional Officer Dan Manriques
Sharlene Ramey-Cross, Detention Bureau, two
medals in Racquetball (Women's Doubles Open 0
Women's Singles A-Division) and one 3rd place B
medal (Mixed-Doubles Open Division)
Tim VanHouwelingen, Domestic Violence Unit,
place Bronze medals in Golf (Team, Senior-C 0
Singles, Senior-C Division)
Susan Watkins, Detention Bureau, six Gold ,.",:"."",,,
Swimming (200-yard Mixed Open Medley Relay;
yard Mixed Open Freestyle Relay; 50-yard Wo
Master-A Freestyle; 50-yard Women's Mas
Backstroke: 100-yard Women's Master-A Ind
Medley; 1 OO-yard Women's Master-A Backstroke)
Additional congratulations to Susie for setting new
in both the Women's 50-yard and 100-yard
events!
2002 Games are scheduled for the week of June 16 -22, in the City of Santa Ana. New this year is the much
cipated Paintball competition. The event will be held at the renowned SC Village, which boasts more than 20
med playing courses that are spread out over 1 00 acres. Rumor has it that at least one Captain will be shucking
ergonomically-correct desk chair and donning camouflage! Go for the Gold, Captain! Remember, the more you
in practice, the less you bleed in battle!
Sgt. Susan Watkins
Correctional Officer Carlos Burela
Correctional Officer Alex Menchaca
Sgt. Jim Morley and Deputy Connie
Moore
165
1
L
~Having an Impact [
sMy name is Manuel Chavez, Jr. I am 21 years old, married with two daughters and we presently live in the City
Orange Cove where I was raised. I am the third child ofAntonia Balladarez of Orange Cove and Manuel Cha pSanger. As a child, my Mom took me to a little church across the street through which I now enjoy serving the (~with my Family. I'd like to share with you a success story about the Sheriff's Department and myself. a
I , Growing up in the City ofOrange Cove and being the third offourchildren, I had all sorts ofdreams for myfuture,
wasn't sure of what to expect or what lay ahead: I always had a desire to work in law enforcement and be able Irmake a difference in my community. However, in the back of my mind, that dream seemed too good to be true Ijl
My first encounter towards success and realizing my dreams started with Sheridan Elementary School, KeE301el.
High School and Mountain View School. In those schools, I was involved in the D.A.R.E. program, choir, d
student council, and the yearbook staff. It was during that time when I met Deputy Dan Cervantes who is now
Sergeant with the Sheriffs Department. Hewas the instructorforthe D.A.R.E. program. I was really blessed
those times because the Sheriff's Department staff were the ones who showed me I could be somebody and
anything if I put my mind to it.
In my early teen years, I attended a program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club at McCord Elementary
It provided a safe and positive place to go and have fun . The program is still on-going thanks to the pa
the Boys and Girls Club, the Fresno County Housing Authority and the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. In 1
there was a summer program called Young Citizen Academy which was run by the Sheriff's Department. I
of the Young Citizens that was allowed to attend that summer and graduate with a diploma and a
certificate.
166 Manuel as a student professional worker in Area 3
a
Aj
ateenager, the Housing Authority staff introduced me to two programs called FridayNightand National NightOut.
were coordinated bythe Housing Authority, Community Service Officers (CSO) and Deputies from the Sheriffs
rtment. I always found myself helping outin whateverway I could. There were other events such as Operation
Claus, Orange Cove's Easter and Fourth ofJuly celebrations, and the Haunted House that I participated in.
on, I had the privilege ofworking for a program called Sheriffs Activity League or S.A.L. S.A.L. was made
e through the Sheriff's Department and Fresno County Summer Youth Employment Training Program
.E.T.P.). This involved working with other teens and children throughoutthe summer to keep them busy. Italso
mean opportunityto earn money as well. When mysummeremploymentwiththe S.A.L programwasover,
red and continued to do so about three more years.
high school, the Reedley Police Department introduced me to the Explorer Program. As that caught my interest,
the Explorers. Upon my graduation, I achieved the rankofReedley Police Explorer Sergeant, and received
ficate for my community service from the community of Reedley.
the age of 17, I dated a girl who later became my wife. Being young with a child on the way, I felt that all hopewas
and that my future was no longer the way I had hoped and dreamed it would be. In August of 1998, my first
r Maranda Rosewas born. My second daughter Mayleen Dejoy was born about two years later. All this has
me and taug ht me responsibility. But mostof all, it has blessed mylife greatly. When I turned eighteen,
ied for and was hired to be a Volunteer Fire Fighterfor Orange Cove. The job taught me aboutfires, medical
and quick response. Nowthat I'm a CSO with the Sheriff's Department, I'm able to give back to my community
community I'm assigned to just as everyone has given to me.
article is to simply confirm the importance and effectiveness ofthe youth prog rams that are spollsored by the
of Orange Cove, local churches, the Housing Authority, Police Departments and the Fresno County Sheriff's
rtment. Programs such as these are stepping stones to building and strengthening youth such as myself. I am
monythat anyone can succeed as long as there is someone there to lend a helping hand. Programs such as
do make teens and children feel more confident about themselves.
like to thank mywife , parents, family, friends, former employers, C.S.O.'s and Deputies who have been there
. They saw the potential in an Orange Cove boy and helped develop it.
Manuel as a Community Service Officer in 2002
167 -
Special Guards
Kimberley Alanis
Special Guard
Floyd Avila
Special Guard
Patrick Beggs
Special Guard
Jean Bidegary
Special Guard
Pete Garcia
Special Guard
Brandon Greene
Special Guard
Michael Hernandez
Special Guard
Bo Houngviengkham
Special Guard
Gregory Jones
Special Guard
Eric Penland
Special Guard
Jeff Stricker
Special Guard
Christopher Wagner
Special Guard
JuanLuna
Special Guard
Camille Macias
Special Guard
Joshua Mays
Special Guard
Carlos Rodriguez
Special Guard
Isidro Ruelas
Special Guard
168
Systems &Procedures
....
Robert Engellenner Colleen Hamel
Systems & Procedures Systems & Procedures
Analyst III Manager
Craig Madden Stanley Ruppelll
Systems & Procedures Systems &
Analyst II Procedures Analyst II
Kip Haroldsen
Senior Network
Systems Engineer
Patrick Stevens
Senior Systems &
Procedures Analyst
Dennis Kelley
Senior Systems &
Procedures Analyst II
Sgt. Lola Pearson and Dennis Kelley Kip Haroldson and Patrick Stevens
169
Mounted Unit
By Sgt. Jennifer Connolly
Mounted Unit: Bill Smith, Roger McCahill, Allen Passmore, Damon Bagley, Liane Schmidt, Kent King
The Fresno County Sheriff's Department Mounted Patrol was established in March of 1997. Originally, the
comprised of one full-time Sheriff's Patrol Sergeant and four Reserve Deputy Sheriffs. The Mounted Patrol
specialized unit within the Patrol Division. Members of the Mounted Patrol are either full-time Deputy Sheriffs
Reserve Deputy Sheriffs who own their own horses.
At present, there are nine personnel attached to the Mounted Unit: one Captain, one Lieutenant, one Sergeant,
full-time Deputies and four Reserve Deputies. The Mounted Unit also has fourfull-time horses on which the L..f<:;;~/UUlii
are able to ride. All personnel must pass a 40-hour Mounted Patrol School, including their horse, and complete
weeks of in-house training. After they have successfully completed their training, they are then allowed to
patrolling on the street.
Currently, the Mounted Patrol is utilized in the County parks, Goldstars, Old Fig Garden, including Fig Garden
and Sunnyside area. They are also used in outlying communities, such as Orange Cove and Mendota, in
to patrol Deputies. The Mounted Patrol issue citations for violations of County Ordinances, as well as State
The Mounted Patrol is a high-visibility unit and serves as an important deterrent. They also conduct school
community presentations, which augment crime prevention in our community.
The Mounted Patrol also participated in an annual sensory competition called "Trail Trials". In this competition,
agencies in the State are able to compete. Fresno County Mounted Patrol took first place this year's com
and Deputy Passmore took an overall individual 5th place with his horse, Sunny.
170
Technical Services
Robert Benavides
Clinical Lab
Technologist
Valerie Bernardi
Criminalist I
Teresa Cruz
IDTech III
1 -[
f(
e
~
el John Bawcom 01 Senior 10 Tech
Elizabeth Galindo
10 Tech III
Michael Giberson
Crim Specialist
J. Vicente Guerrero Lawrence Hendrickson Michael Koop
IDTech IV IDTech II Supervisor
Criminalist
Tracey Lopez
IDTech II
Brenda Markham
Crim Specialist
Patrick O'Brien
IDTech IV
Guy Patterson
IDTech IV
James Tarver
Senior Criminologist
Hector Tello
IDTech IV
David Tijerina
IDTech III
Mary Joseph Tigh
Senior I 0 Tech
172
Companion Officer Program
By Sgt. Mike Henkle
Companion Officer Program (COP) is a peer support program developed to provide Fresno County Sheriff
rtment employees with a confidential, objective, nonjudgmental resource to which they may come voluntarily
support, advice and assistance in resolving job-related or personal problems which can seriously impair their
ncy.
rs of the COP are trained to be effective listeners and to provide feedback, clarify issues, and assist
in identifying options for problem resolution; however, they are not therapists. When problems are acute
appear to require specialized assistance, information on referral resources is provided.
ed in the program is a Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) which is responsible for responding to major
I incidents, such as officer involved shootings, deaths, suicides, major vehicle accidents or other major critical
ents. This team conducts diffusings and debriefings for these types of incidents, as needed. This team has
ived specialized training in this area, in addition to the other training received.
comes in all shapes and sizes and greatly differs from person to person . Whether incurred by traumatic
nt, personal troubles, alcohol and/or drug abuse, stress decreases an officer's effectiveness, and could
the officer or others on the job. Our motivation and primary concern is the mental and emotional well-being
bfficer involved. .
key to the success ofthis program is twofold: first, members ofthe Companion Officer Program are committed
confidentiality and credibility; second, employees wishing to utilize the program must be willing, self-honest
open-m i nded.
The Telen Children 173
Reserves
Gabriel Acosta
Reserve
Reserve
Desi "Joe" Anderton
Reserve
James Arendt
Reserve
Jeffrey Arthur
Reserve
Jared Binford
Reserve
Peter Dal Pezzo
Reserve
Bradley Bosworth
Reserve
Alfred De Alba
Reserve
--Daniel Boyajian
Reserve
Randy Easley
Reserve
John Byas
Reserve
Wayne Easley
Reserve
~/'---~.
Reserve
Jorge Gonzalez
Reserve
Gregory Gostanian
Reserve-Level II
Layne Hayden
Reserve
Kenneth Kalar
Reserve-Level II
174
F
James Kelley
Reserve
Mark Phillips
Reserve
James Schultz
Reserve
Earl Walls
Reserve
Reserves
HarrySawl
Reserve
~~.
TimothyVaughan
Reserve
-
Keith King Roger McCahill
Reserve Reserve
George Rascon Arturo Salas
Reserve Reserve
William Smith Kenneth Van Ornam
Reserve Reserve
Thomas Ward Michael Williams Joseph Yoder
Reserve Reserve Reserve
175
Explorers
Since 1966, the Fresno County Sheriffs Department has had an Explorer Program. The primary goal ofthis program
is to provide familiarization and training for young men and women who have an interest in law enforcement.
This program has proven to be a valuable source of recruitment, as evident by the fact that many former S
Department Explorers have entered the field of law enforcement with this Department, as well as numerous
law enforcement agencies. Additionally, Explorers have provided many hours ofdedicated service which have
Deputy Sheriffs for more pressing duties. The following are examples ofdetails in which our Explorers participate
in, and learn firsthand, the operations of the Sheriff's Department: '
Christmas Tree Lane
Parking Details
Fingerprinting
Community Service Projects
Parades
Fair and other attractions
Ride-a-Iong with Deputies
While Exploring is dependent upon volunteer leadership, there are also professional executives in local com
who participate in the Explorer program. In those communities, Exploring is administered by an Explorerd
who may be assisted by one or more Explorer executives or by district Scout executives who serve Exploring,
well as the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts phases.
Explorers ofthe Fresno County Sheriffs Department can look forward to a meaningful and growing experience
participating in many areas ofthe Department, gaining skills and insight which will make them valuable me
ofany law enforcement agency with which they choose to affiliate themselves.
EXPLORER POST
F-n459
176
Explorers
AndrewGoodall JaimeGutierrez Josh Hill
Heather Nelson JustinO'Neal DougSheidt
And rew Strebel
Trainingdayforthe Explorers
177
K-9 Unit
By Deputy Ann Bennett
c
h
C
d
n
When you think of police canines, what comes to mind? Most likely, one ofthe images Hollywood has provided
That of vicious dogs, straining and leaping at the end of their leashes, barely controlled by their handlers, or
slobbering goofs, both the officer and the dog, that somehow manage to catch the criminals in spite ofthemselves
Neither of these images are accurate. Instead, police canines are highly trained animals, under complete contra
of their handlers and are very adept at completing a wide variety of difficult tasks.
Since 1976, the Fresno County Sheriff's
Department has used canines in the Patrol
Division to assist the Deputies and to better serve
the public. The canines ride in the patrol vehicle
with their handler and are available to assist
whenever it becomes necessary. Each dog is
trained to protect their handler, apprehend fleeing
criminals, search for and/or track suspects and
contain and control suspects. Because of their
keen sense of smell, the canines can be very
effective in locating subjects who may be hiding.
Their speed and agility also make them an
indispensable tool in the capture ofsuspects who
run in an attempt to avoid arrest. Additionally, the
mere presence of the canine often provides a
psychological incentive for cooperation.
There are currently nine canine/handler teams and two narcotic dog teams serving all four patrol areas. De
applyforthe position, and upon selection, begin an intensetraining phase. The c~anines cometo ustrained, but
dog and the handler need to learn how to work together. Once a bond has been established and the dog and
handler have become a team, they can begin working the streets together. But the training isn't over, in fact, itis
beginning. As long as the canine is working, he and his handler will continue to train. Both will spend many
at work and at home training, an effort that one day may well save a life.
Aside from their work on patrol, the Sh
Department canines perform at a variety of
demonstrations. Most ofthese demonstrations
designed for school children and include DA
graduations, D.A.R.E. Camp, Red Ribbon
and classroom presentations. Children, n"u,/c,,..
are not the only ones interested in the training
abilities of these special dogs. Many adults
attended demonstrations during National Night
Neighborhood Watch meetings and other
events to witness our K-9 teams in action.
In the new millennium, the Fresno County
Department K-9 Unit has been responsible
arresting over 380 felony suspects. They
178
ucted over60 area searches and searched over70 buildings for suspects. With all that activity, the K-9 Teams
veonly had to use force on 10 suspects. These suspects either refused to surrender, orfoughtwith the Deputy.
ring this same period, the K-9 Unit has represented the Fresno County Sheriff's Department at over 80 public
strations. In this new age, the utilization of canines will continue to expand to answer the ever-increasing
.'IJ'C;Ui:) ofthe publ1ic and the law enforcement community.
The following officers and canines are working within the Unit:
Deputy John Golden and Kg Astra
DeputyTony Garcia and Kg Harry
Deputy Ron Huntand Kg Hunter
Deputy Donna Davis and Kg Falco
Deputy Kent Matsuzaki and Kg Kosar
Deputy Todd Talent and Kg Ajax
Deputy Kyle Heady and Kg Ike
Deputy Dana Lee and Kg Bo
Deputy Jeff Hopper and Kg Doc
Astra Hunter
/
179
Boati ng Unit
By Sgt. JenniferConnolly
The Fresno County Sheriffs Department Boating Enforcement Unit has the primary responsitJility for the enforcement
oflaws and regulations relating to the operation ofwatercraft within the County of Fresno. The U nit patrols the areas
of Shaver Lake, Pine Flat Lake, Huntington Lake, Redinger Lake and the Kings River. The Unit has one full-time
Sergeant and two full-time Deputies. Duringthe summerseason, italsoemploys three additional Deputies and eight
Reserve Deputies. 0
The Unit enforces the California Harbors and Navigation Code, California Code of Regulations Title 14, Federal
Code of Regulations 33 USC, and those provisions of the Fresno County Ordinances that relate to water-born
activities and related areas. The Unit enforces these provisions by means of patrol vessel, vehicle and foot patrol.
The Boating Unit currently has eight patrol vessels and two personal watercraft that are used for patrol and
operations. The Unit's goal is to educate the public on water safety. The Boating Unit utilizes the "Aqua
Program," which can be presented to children and young adults in their classroom (grades K-8). The Unit is
available to give presentations that would include boating laws and water safety pertaining to all age groups.
Boating Unit's patrol function is to promote a safe boating experience for all involved.
Boating Unit
Top row: Camille Macias, Patrick Beggs, Isidro Ruelas and Jeff Stricker
Bottom row: Chris Tullus, Josh Mays, Ryan Hushaw, James Papaleo, Jeff Lynn, Dan Larralde
and Robert Woo,drum
180
Breaking the Glass Ceiling Awards Fowler kids with Department members at the Harlem
Marilyn Weldon, Lt. Susan Leonardo, Lt. Margie Ambassador basketball game
Lt. Colleen Mestas, Bus. Mgr. Sandra Hackett,
Richard Pierce, IT Manager Shirley Grace
181
North Annex Jail Expansion Project
By Lt. Marilyn Weldon
Fresno County is constructing three additional 288-bed, dormitory style-housing floors on top ofthe existing North
Annex Jail. Thisaddition will make the facility a total of nine stories high,justone storyshortofits nextdoorneighbex
tothesouth, the Main Jail. Upon completion, the total inmate capacityofthe NorthAnnexJail will be 1296 inmates,
bringing the Fresno County Jail inmate capacity to 3346.
,
The North Annex Jail expansion project also includes other related remodel projects in the existing facilities to
support the addition ofthe three new housing floors. These include the construction ofan off-site, 12,000 squarefod
kitchen facility, located at 200 North "H" Street, known as the Fresno County Central Kitchen . This facility was
completed and serving inmate meals in February ofthis year, and will be serving over 1 0,000 meals per day when
the jail facilities are at full capacity. Other completed remodel projects include a new men's locker room and
expanded women's locker room, and a new staff dining room, all on the first floor of the North Annex Jail.
In the Main Jail, completed remodel projects include the addition of one more dental operatory, staff conference
room, medical director's office, pharmacy, and two inmate medical isolation negative pressure cells. In addition,
an expanded inmate clothing and property area was constructed over the existing exterior vehicle sallyport area.
This structure has an industrial mechanized mobile hanging garment storage system that is accessed from the
existing clothing room.
In the South Annex Jail, space that was formerly occupied by the jail kitchen is being remodeled into mental health
offices, medical records storage, and Building Maintenance shop area. The jail laundry will be doubling its curren!
numberofwashers and dryers and expanding into the space that was vacated by the former Building Maintenance
shop.
Currently, the project is right on schedule, and inmate occupancy of the new floors is to begin in December 2002.
Construction of North Annex Jail
Third floor tier
1 8 2
Framing the property storage in the Main Jail Pouring the concrete for the third floor housing unit
Captain Papagni, Robert Garcia, Lt. Weldon, Contractor and
Geo Altamirano at the new County Central Kitchen
~~.-----~~~~-------
Fourth floor tier -Raising the flag in honor of 9-11 183
Reserve Unit
The Fresno County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Bureau is comprised ofover 50 Reserve Patrol Deputies assigned
to four areas throughout the County of Fresno, which encompasses 6000 square miles. The Reserve Unit has a
command structure that parallels the regular Department, which provides the opportunity for Reserve Deputiesto
hold ranks including Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain.
Many law enforcement Reserves are preparing for a paid career in la"Y enforcement; others make a career of being
volunteers. Some reserves have served as unpaid law enforcement Deputies for more than 20 years.
The Reserve Deputies are assigned to areas throughout Fresno County. They work in solo patrol units, providing
all levels oflaw enforcement, from the day-to-day duties ofa Patrol Deputy to assisting in major emergencies. Also,
they provide crowd and traffic control at community events and at crime scenes.
Because ofthe diversity ofFresno County, law enforcement reserves can be found responding to radio calls rangi ng
from domestic violence to armed robbery in high crime urban areas one day, or in the next day tracking down and
destroying a marijuana field in the County's immense backcountry. Reserve Deputies also participate in special
Goldstaroperations. Ofcourse, a Reserve Deputy is aptto spend some shifts writing reports, issuing traffic tickets
and providing cover for another Deputy.
Law enforcement Reserve Deputies are requiredtoworka minimum of200 hours peryear, and attend monthlyU'"
meetings and training.
Reserve Bike Unit
1 8 4
Information Systems Report Data
By Zee Bier
Newtechnology has improved the way Records staff handles and stores crime and incident reports generated within
the Department. Records staff process over40,OOO reports and citations each year. With thenewtechnologythe
staff is able to send copies of reports to the requesting party by e-mail. This process saves the Department money
In Xerox costs and staff time. When necessary reports will be copied and mailed to agencies without an e-mail
address.
Records staff has also been able to save staff time with the development of a new computer process called the
dder". The adder allows Records staff to take data from a report entered into the Automated Field Reporting
(A.F.R)and transferittothe Records ManagementSystem (RM.S.)without having to re-type all ofthedata.
ra field supervisor signs off the report, the Records staff prints the automated reports from A.F.R, and enters
data into RM.S. This process allows the Records staff to get the data entered more quickly and prevents the
handling of paper reports.
185Carol Clark
I
VICE/INTELLIGENCE UNIT
By Lt. Scott Jones
The Vice/Intelligence Unit is a part of the Specialized Investigations Division. The Vice/Intelligence Unitli s staffed
with one Sergeant and nine detectives. The members ofthe Vice/lntelligence U nit are taskedwith conducting covert
operations that infiltrate and interactwith the criminal elementthatthey are investigating. These investigations are
unique in nature and specialization. The Vice/Intelligence Unit assists in the protection of public officials and
dignitaries. The Vice/Intelligence Unit also investigates cases assigned as "Special Projects" by the Sheriffs
executive staff. The Vice Unit investigates vi se-related crimes thCl,t involve gambling, alcohol, animal fights,
prostitution, pimping, carnivals and public nuisances. The Intelligence Unitis responsibleforthe collection, analysis,
and dissemination of information on individuals and organized groups who are involved in, or suspected of being
involved in, criminal activity. The Intelligence Unit focuses on individuals and groups that have the most adverse
impact on the members ofour community. The information product of the Intelligence Unit provides the members
of our Department with Tactical' and Strategic Intelligence to meet the needs of the Department in carrying out its
efforts to protect the public and suppress criminal activity.
The Vice/Intelligence Unit has worked some interesting cases in the past. Three cases worked by the Unit will
be described to show the diversity of cases the Unit investigates.
The first case is the Auberry Bunker burglary that was discovered on December 27, 1999, which was the week before
the Millenium and most people thought the world was going to turn into chaos. Thieves had broken into the Fresno
Police Department's explosives bunker and stole a significant amount of explosives, including C4, dynamite,
blasting caps and detonation cord. The investigation was worked by Det. (Sergeant) Rick Ko , Det. Kenny Bowden
and Det. (Sergeant) Michael Lancaster. The detectives were joined by Special Agent Gary Mayfield ATF, Det. Bob
Reynolds Fresno PO, Special Agent Brian Crews FBI and Special Agent Clay Wible FBI. The team ofinvestigat011
worked this investigation almost around the clock, sometimes only taking 3 to 4 hours off a day. · The investigatol1
were conducting polygraph examinations on New Year's Eveat midnighttrying to identify the suspects and recover
suthe explosives to insure they wouldn't be used to injure innocent citizens. The FBI Millenium Command
in Washington, D.C. was monitoring this investigation every two hours. The magnitude ofthe missing eXI)lmilves.
even prompted a call from FBI Director Louis Freeh to Captain Tom Gattie on one occasion, which even surprised
Captain Gattie. On January 2,2000, we had received over 200 leads and we had worked the case for six dayS
strai~ht almost around-the-clock, when the investigators received the break they needed. By three o'clock that
Sign at the Fair
i
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186
. l:Ittornoon, we had all four suspects in custody and the
E XDIOSI' es located. The Sheriff's Department bomb
chnicians, Clovis Police Department E.O.D.
icians, along with the Fresno PD Bomb Team,
d all of the explosives. The explosives were
under the floor of an abandoned cabin in
ra County, in a pump house on unoccupied property
Auberry, and down an abandoned mine shaft offof
rrough Valley Road. Some of the explosives in the
neshaft took several weeks to recover. This
'gation prompted the reactivation of the Fresno
Sheriff's Department Explosive Ordinance
""IJ"~OI Team, that is commanded by Captain Tom
and staffed by Sergeant James Kerns and
.,ra"rT""'O Chris Osborn.
Tyrone "The Giant Rat" Gattie
second case involves a local bookmaker who was connected to two other bookmakers, one in San Bruno,
ia and one in Ventura, California. We served a search warrant on the local bookmaker during the NFL
in 2001. The information we received from the Fresno bookmaker led us to a bookmaking organization in
Bruno. We served search warrants at three locations in San Bruno and San Carlos the day before the Super
,with help from San Bruno and Sari Carlos Police Departments. We discovered the bookmaking organization
168 bettors. Detective Brett Mc Andrews (known in the Bay Area as Crazy Brett's Sportsbook) answered the
V\!f"''':>1....''r S telephone all day and took 97 illegal sports bets for over $29,000. During these warranfs, we seized
$140,000 from homes and safe deposit boxes. One bookmaker even had $1 0,000 hidden in a stuffed animal.
about a week ofinvestigation in San Bruno, we served another search warrant in Fresno, then traveled the next
to Ventura and served two additional search warrants. On this investigation, we had felony bookmaking charges
on six people. One person has pled guilty and paid a $16,000 civil penalty to the Sheriffs Department, with the
of Deputy District Attorney Dennis Neudek. We are awaiting trials and civil penalties on the remaining five
IIIlon'i~nt". We have received $200,000 in civil penalties from the two bookmakers in San Bruno, California.
third case is the most unique and involves Tyrone the Capybara. Sergeant Ko (at the time Det. Ko)was known
obscure investigations and knowledge ofthe law. During an investigation at the Coalinga Horned Toad Derby
, we discovered two glaring violations. One was a "clown town" game, which consisted of a trailer full of
that are classified as slot machines in California. We seized the trailer and towed it to storage. We did
enough time or resources to deal with the other violation of B&P 17500-false advertising. The well-known
John Augustus Jones Strong, son of the famous John Strong, had a sideshow that had a sign advertising
the Giant Killer Rat. ... a man eater. . .from the sewers ofNew York". We examined the "Giant Killer Rat" and
itwas a capybara, which is the world's largest rodent and it eats plants. We felt that Mr. Strong should have
better because ten years prior, Sgt. Dadian and Detective Brand arrested Mr. Strong in Firebaugh for
a capybara. I believe they also arrested him for wrestling on the ground with several Deputies; evidently,
opposed his pending incarceration. After the night we seized the carnival trailer, Mr. Strong moved his
and the capybara out of Fresno County. Sgt. Ko (one who never gives up) tracked Mr. Strong to the Bay
We traveled to the Bay Area and found that Mr. Strong did not have the capybara with him. Sgt. Ko then tracked
to Salinas for their festival. We were pleased to find Mr. Strong operating in Salinas and still advertising
as a Giant Killer Rat. Sgt. Ko seized Tyrone (an aO-pound rodent) with the help of Fish and Game and placed
the back ofSgt. Jones' pickup in a K-9 carrier. Sergeants Jones and Ko transported Tyrone to the Atascadero
he still resides today. Charges have been filed on Mr. Strong and the case is ongoing. As for Tyrone,
thought it would be great to name him after our Captain, to honor his many years of carnival investigation.
,when Tyrone was given to the Atascadero Zoo, Sgt. Kotold themthathis name was Tyrone Gattie. Tyrone
has a new swamp and river to swim in, and the zoo imported in a girlfriend from Texas to keep him
. After Sgt. Ko's efforts, life is much better retired from the carnival for Tyrone Gattie. 187
•
Deputy Vincent Frascona at Red Bank Preschool for Bumper presentation
188
Cora
Sgt. Stuart, Lt. Huerta and Sgt. Rien
Addie Delgadillo, Lt. Susan Leonardo with Orange
Cove child at annual Chrstmas Party 189
A HISTORICAL MOMENT
Provided by Deputy Kevin FitzGerald
SHERIFF'S NEW AUTO MAKES FIRST TRIP
Sheriff Chittenden made his first official trip in his new auto, to be used in place of his horse and buggy for chasing lawbreakers and
serving papers, when he went to Malaga yesterday in company with Deputy Sheriffs Hal Collins and Hazlitt l. Pelton to bring to the
jail two men who are to be held on the suspicion that they were concerned in a robbery there last night. The men were captured and
brought to jail in the record time of three hours. They are' Adam Schaur and Antone Ott, and are booked at the jail merely as "detained".
The Sheriff returned from Los Angeles on the Owl night before last with the new machine, to purchase, which he had gone to the southern
city with Mr. Pelton. The machine is a forty horsepower Tourist roadster, with two seats, and with room for five passengers in all. The
color of the machine is a dark red .
Mr. Chittenden stated yesterday that the opinion prevalent in the County, that the auto had been bought with the funds of the County,
was a mistake, as he had bought it out of his own pocket, to displace his horse and buggy. He will not use it privately altogether, bul
it will be used also for the business and at the disposal of the Sheriff's Office. The car cost $1400.
Source: Fresno Morning Republican July 14, 1907
This is a picture of Sheriff Chittenden with three of his deputies in his new automobile ready to fly over the road at a moment's nolia!
in the pursuit of a criminal or to serve important civil papers.
Since the introduction of the automobiles they have become invaluable to sheriffs allover the state, and have been a means of saving
the county in which they are used both time and money. Many counties throughout the state have purchased automobiles for Iheir
sheriffs, readily recognizing how essential they were to the work of the sheriff's office, but the automobile which the Sheriff of
County uses for his office was bought out ofhis own pocket, the County not contributing a cent. Among the counties which haveoroviClslII&
their sheriffs with machines are Sacramento, Alameda, Kings, San Joaquin and Los Angeles.
The machine which Sheriff Chittenden owns cost $1400 and has a steel frame which makes it very durable, so that it can stand all
heavy work ofthe Sheriff's Office. It is a 40 horsepower machine. The color is a dark red and it has the advantage that it can be r.h~lnl1ll_'
from a touring car to a runabout.
190
Already the Machine has done splendid work for the Sheriff's Office. It is used every day to serve civil papers in outlying districts.
Work has been done in a few hours with the machine that would have otherwise taken more than a day. An example of how quickly
the machine does the work is shown by the trip that Sheriff Chittenden took to Visalia on Wednesday. The distance there and back
is 125 miles. He started from the Sheriff's Office shortly after noon and was back in Fresno between 7 and 8 the same evening.
Had he tried to go by train hewould have had towait until evening and then spend the night in Visalia and would not have been able
to return to Fresno until the next night.
The machine will also be ofgreat use in running down criminals. The minute that he receives word that a crime has been committed,
he will be able to be off to the scene of the crime without loss of a moment. This will greatly aid in apprehending criminals, as no
delay will be occasioned. Delay is dangerous after a crime has been committed, and many criminals have been given the opportunity
to escape by the delay of the peace officers, which has been unpreventable.
With the Sheriff's Office supplied with an automobile;the equipment of Sheriff'Chittenden to aid him in the performing his duty
quickly, will compare with that of any other county.
Source: Fresno Morning Republican, Sunday, July 21 , 1907
SHERIFF WILL HAVE ANOTHER NEW AUTO
Forty-five Horse Power Runabout Will Replace Present Machine In About A Week
Sheriff Chittenden is to have another new automobile. He decided to exchange the one he is now using for a much more powerful
machine. The present one is giving satisfaction, but the Sheriff says he must have the auto with power, and he is going to get it.
The new auto will be a forty-five horse power runabout. It is coming from the Tourist Company in Los Angeles, from which the Sheriff
got his present car. This one will go back to the company. The new machine will have a seating capacity of four persons, or one
less than the present machine. It will have a very great speed for, as Mr.Chittenden says, "can climb a tree."
The auto now being used by the Sheriff's Office is a Tourist of twenty-four horsepower. It was gotten at a cost of $1350. Since the
Sheriff has been using it, or since the middle of the summer, it has been giving satisfaction. But it is not the machine suited for
the work and Mr. Chittenden is getting the more powerful and speedier one.
This forty-five horse power runabout will cost about twice as much as the Tourist now in use. It is expected here in about a week.
It is western made, with the exception of the motor, which was brought from the East. Arrangements have been made for the
exchange of the machines, and the new car will be shipped from Los Angeles at once.
Source: Fresno Morning Republican, September 15, 1907
Sheriff's Posse -early 1900's 191
Index of Advertisers
A Catered Affair ............................ ............................. .. 75
AAA, Hector de Santiago ............................................ 116
Best Uniforms ................................. ............................. 34
Builders Flooring ................................... ....................... 75
Busy Bee Baskets ...................................................... 152
Carlson Investigative Services ...................................... 75
.'
Central Alarm ......................................... ........................ 8
Centerpoint Athletic Club ................................... ......... 116
Clovis Boys and Girls Club .......................................... 32
Clovis Rotary Club ....................................................... 32
Cogdill, Dave .................................................................. 8
Copware ........................... .............................................. 8
Computers by Tinymage ................ .............................. 24
County Bank ................................................................ 36
Curtis Towing .............................................................. 110
Dale Brisco, Inc ......................... .. ................................ 10
Department of Community Health .. ......... .. ................... 20
Fresno County Federal Credit Union -Front Inside Cover
Fresno Equipment Company ........................................ 36
Garland Bail Bonds ........... ........................................... 86
George's Shish Kebab ................................................. 75
Giersch & Associates, Inc ............................................. 2
Gilman-Mayfield, Inc ........................ .............................. 8
Hair Shop ..................................................................... 36
.~
Harris Ranch ........................................ I nside Back Cover
Hillview Dairy Farm ...................................................... 24
Humphrey Station .. .......... .... ....... .... ... ..... ... .. ..... ... .. ..... . 24
Integrated Grain & Milling .. .......... ............ .. .................. 10
Jesse E. Cooley, Jr. Funeral SerVice ........................... 28
Jim Morley Golf Instruction .......................... , ................ 24
Kennedy Kids Daycare ........ ... ..... ... ... .. .. .. .. ............. .... 116
Kimmerle Brothers, Inc ................................................ 94
Kiwanis Club. of Clovis ................................................... 16
LaurelWreath .......................~ ....... ..................... .... ...... 28
Leonardo, Dr. Vincent and Frances ............................... 8
Lloyd'sAutowerkstat .................... : ............ : .........: ....... 24
Lone Star Dehydrator ................... .. .............. ... ............... 10
Lucky Bail Bonds ........................................................... 2
Merle Norman Cosmetic Studios ................................ 110
Not Just Hair, Kim Sassano ........................................ 28
O'Brien Imaging .................................................. ......... 36
Papagni, John and Rita ........... .................................... 152
Pipkin Enterprise ......... .................................. Back Cover
Poochigian, Senator Chuck ......................................... 68
Precision Pla,stics ........ .... .................. .. .. .. ... .. ... .. ..... ... .. 52
Precision Polygraph .................................................... 110
Premier Designs,Sandra Torry ........ ..................... ...... 110
Printrak, Motorola ................................................. ....... 74
Producers Dairy ........................................................... 34
Realty Concepts Ltd., John Shamshoian ..................... 20
Realty Concepts Ltd., Marilynn Fazio ......................... 116
Reedley Flower Shop .. ............... ..................... .. ....... .... 24
Reyes, Sarah ............................................................... 16
Richard's Restaurant ................................................... 10
Robert Boro Landscape Architect ................................ 75
Ron Vaughn Photography ..............................·.............. 65
Russell Graphic Design and Layout ............................ 110
Sam's Party Rental ...................................................... 28
San Joaquin Glass ....................................................... 16
San Joaquin TOTALCARE .......... ................................. 56
San Joaquin Valley College ......................................... 68
Semper Truck Lines ............ ......................................... 24
Shapazian Realty .......... ................................................. 8
Sierra Firearms Training ................................................. 8
Sierra Summit Mountain Resort .......... ......................... 38
SimplexGrinnell ........................................................... 69
Smitty's Bail Bonds ....................................................... 8
TaxAuditBureau ........................................................116
T-Netix ..................................... .................................... 46
Town and Country Market ............................................ 16
Travelers Body & Fender Works, Inc ............................ 38
Valley Remnants & Rolls ............................................ 116
Videowise, Inc. .............................. ............................. 116
Vision Care, Eye-Q Laser Center ................................. 30
VM Boat Trailers, Dennis Enochs ................................ 24
Vulcan Materials Company ......................................... 152
White, Ralph -Massage Therapist .............................. 152
Wilkins, Dr. Timothy A................................................ 116
192
• Steak House • Ranch Kitchen •
• Country Store • Inn •
• Banquets • Catering •
Support Your Local Sheriff
Exit Higlnvay 198 East at 1-5 , Coalinga, California • For reservations or information call tollfree (800) 942-233301' (559) 935-0717
www.harrisranch.com
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