the Bulletin April 2025

LETTER from SHERIFF BARNES

E arlier this month, we honored the exceptional work of our Department members at the 37th annual Medal of Valor. I’d like to share a portion of my speech from the Medal of Valor as my words and the sentiments behind them apply to each and every member of our Department. “If you ask any person who stood on this stage today, they will say, “It wasn’t just me.” This isn’t simply humility. Today’s recipients are honored for their exemplary actions – and it is important that we do so. We recognize their commitment to going above and beyond in service of others. In celebrating them, we also recognize the many people who supported these heroic and meritorious actions. For every life saved, every case solved, and every structure built, there is an entire team of people who contribute. Each of us in this Sheriff’s Department family has answered a calling to serve something bigger than ourselves. Dedication, commitment and sacrifice helped create every moment we celebrated on this stage today. Every day we have thousands of people doing what may seem ordinary. But it is excellence in the ordinary that creates the opportunity for extraordinary. Meeting each moment, even the simplest ones, with professionalism and distinction is what makes this department exceptional. It is what makes me incredibly proud every day, and it is why I stand here in awe and appreciation of those who stood on this stage. Thank you for joining us and celebrating the honorable work of the men and women who are the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.”

the BULLETIN •APRIL 2025 | page 3