the Bulletin June 2025

SHERIFF’S AWARDS Department personnel honored for exemplary work in 2024 Nine employees were honored this month for their exemplary work in 2024 at the annual Sheriff’s Special Recognition Awards ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients!

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR RESERVE BUREAU: Reserve Sergeant Sam Chan Reserve Sergeant Sam Chan has

DEPUTY OF THE YEAR: Deputy Mike Rodriguez Deputy Rodriguez is assigned to Laguna Hills Police Services, where he has earned recognition over the past year for his outstanding performance and unwavering dedication. With seven years of service in patrol operations in Laguna Hills, he has distinguished himself through

volunteered with the department for 16 years, bringing exceptional expertise and dedication to his role. Specializing in Search and Rescue, he has become a behind-the-scenes authority in

consistently high levels of enforcement, including substantial numbers of traffic stops, citations, and arrests. His proactive policing efforts have been instrumental in the successful recovery of narcotics and firearms, significantly contributing to public safety and the removal of dangerous items from the community.

conducting effective and strategic search operations. He played a pivotal role in the development of the FALCON Team (Forensic Analysis of Location from Cellular, Online, and Networks), contributing both technical insight and operational strategy. Reserve Sergeant Sam Chan uniquely integrates his engineering and coding background with his Search and Rescue experience, enabling him to analyze complex data and accurately identify high-probability search areas. He is widely recognized for his unwavering attention to detail and exceptional collaborative skills.

EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR: Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa Lebron-Flores Crime Prevention Specialist Lisa Lebron-Flores has served the

Department with dedication and effectiveness for 13 years. She was honored for her outstanding work in the city of Mission Viejo, where she has excelled in coordinating staffing, including specialty units from other divisions, and managing city events with professionalism and efficiency. Lisa has successfully coordinated numerous large-scale events such as triathlons, Bike Rodeos, Walk Against Drugs, and National Night Out, demonstrating her strong logistical planning skills. She effectively oversees staffing, equipment needs, and vendor coordination, ensuring every detail is addressed. Her leadership at the Command Post has further highlighted her keen attention to detail and her ability to ensure events run seamlessly throughout the city. Lisa Lebron-Flores is regarded as a genuine and committed professional who continually strives to enhance the operations and overall effectiveness of Mission Viejo Police Services.

TRAINING OFFICER OF THE YEAR: Deputy Zachary Heitmann Deputy Zachary Heitmann was honored as this year’s exemplary Field Training Officer (FTO), having served in the role for six years, including nearly four years as a Master Field Training Officer. He is currently assigned to Patrol Operations in the city of San Clemente.

Deputy Heitmann’s extensive experience, instructional abilities, professionalism, and in-depth patrol knowledge make him an invaluable asset to the Field Training Program. His patience and guidance have played a key role in helping trainees overcome challenges and develop into confident deputies.

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