the Bulletin May 2025

MAY 2025

Peace Officers’ Memorial

Ceremony Honoring the Fallen

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MAY 2025

INSIDE THIS ISSUE 3 Letter from Sheriff Barnes 5 Employee Spotlight Mark Famisan 9 Musick facility featured in 10 the Notable 11 Good Obs 12 Commendations and Recognition 14 Sheriff presents recommendations for 15 From Our Community Did you know? 16 New Hires Find the Fact 17 Remembrance Day 18 Promotional & Career Opportunities

Correctional News Magazine Police Unity Bike Ride

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Heroes Supporting Heroes Helping Raise money for Special Olympics athletes

congressional consideration

Special Olympics Spring Games

19 Upcoming Events 20 Service Awards 21 Employee Resources

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LETTER from SHERIFF BARNES

I n the month of May, we take time to remember the peace officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. It is a meaningful reminder of the inherent risks we face while protecting families, upholding justice, and maintaining peace. In Orange County, we are fortunate to have officers, deputies, and special agents who exemplify the highest standards of service and courage. We remember 54 men on our memorial wall who gave their lives. We not only remember them as peace officers, but as members of our communities, our friends, neighbors, and family. Their legacies live on, not just in May but every day in our hearts. Orange County did not have a loss and, fortunately, did not need to add a new name to the wall this year. Therefore, we honored Newport Beach Police Department Officer Robert “Bob” Henry who, on March 12, 1995, was tragically shot in the head when answering a call for service. Officer Henry remained in a coma for 33 days before passing away on April 13, 1995. Officer Henry’s wife, Patty, and daughter, Alyssa, who was just one month old when her father was killed, were in attendance at the Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial ceremony. Thank you to all who traveled to Sacramento and Washington D.C for the state and national Peace Officers’ Memorials. You not only represented our Department but also our fallen heroes - Undersheriff Robert Squires, Deputy Ezra Stanley, Deputy Robert L. Shultz, San Clemente Police Officer Richard Steed, Deputy Mark S. Tonkin, Deputy Darryn L. Robins, Deputy Bradley J. Riches, Deputy Steve Parsons, Sergeant Matthew Davis, and Sergeant Ira G. Essoe, Jr. Our Peace Officers’ Memorial here in Orange County ensures that their legacies are never to be forgotten and will continue to inspire for generations to come. Most importantly, we keep our promise that we will never forget their sacrifice.

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O range County law enforcement on May 22 gathered to pay solemn tribute to the 54 brave men who laid down their life in service of others. The Orange County Peace Officers’ Memorial and Candlelight Vigil, graciously sponsored by the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, is an annual tradition that calls on our community to stand together in remembrance of the fallen. Steeped in both military and law enforcement traditions, the ceremony serves as a time for poignant reflection in honor of those who paid the greatest sacrifice. It is also a sacred space for the families of the fallen that acknowledges their profound loss and offers support and comfort. Thank you to the Sheriff’s Advisory Council and to the many OC Sheriff teams who worked to make this event reverent and memorable. Orange County honors fallen peace officers

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, EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Correctional Services Assistant Mark Famisan C orrectional Services Assistant Mark Famisan pulled his chair from the

a stock clerk at Kmart. He then moved to California, eventually settling in Orange County, where he found a job in manufacturing with an Irvine based company that provided optical equipment for high-profile clients, including NASA and the US Air Force. After the company downsized in 2001, Mark was looking for a new career path. His wife Rowena, who he met while vacationing in the Philippines more than 20 years ago, was working as a Correctional Services Technician for the Sheriff’s Department. “She encouraged me to apply here,” he said. “I applied and was hired as a Correctional Services Technician and then we went to the CST academy together.” The couple graduated from the CST Academy and then were assigned to different facilities. In January 2022, Mark transitioned to CSA after the department made changes to its correctional services classification. Regimented with a love for pristinely organized spaces, Mark is mainly responsible for the clothing operation at the IRC, but he is always willing and eager to help wherever he is needed.

conference room table and settled in with an immediate question, “Why did they pick me? There are so many others who work hard.” Mark’s reaction to being selected as this month’s Employee Spotlight is likely one of the many reasons his supervisors at the Intake Release Center sought him out as a shining example of a dedicated employee. Humility and work ethics were instilled in Mark from a very young age. As one of four children of a retired US Navy sailor stationed in the Philippines, Mark came from a home where the beds were always made and the rooms were always clean. “My dad was very strict,” he said. “Dinner was at a certain time, and if you weren’t at the table at that time, then you didn’t eat. Maybe if I didn’t learn that discipline, I wouldn’t be here.” At age 18, Mark left the Philippines to join a friend in New Jersey, where he worked for a printing press. After a couple years, he joined his relatives in New Orleans and began working as

As one of the department’s most tenured CSAs, Mark said he likes to impart wisdom to the younger generation, encouraging them to do the work that is in front of them, and do it well. “I know a lot of CSAs are looking ahead to be in green, but I always tell them to just do your job and always be humble,” he said. “Pass this first and then move forward.” Mark added that it gives him pride to see personnel in the department he once trained and worked alongside advancing in their careers and serving in leadership roles. “I see some of them now and they have stripes or bars,” he said. “I like to see that, and a lot of the time, they remember me.” Thank you, Mark, for being such a dedicated member of the OC Sheriff family!

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HEROES SUPPORTING HEROES Special Olympics R ecently, OC Sheriff deputies and OC Fire Authority firefighters came together with Special Olympics athletes at three separate restaurants – Red Robin Foothill Ranch, BJ’s Laguna Hills and Wood Ranch RSM – to raise awareness and funds for Special Olympics. The events raised more than $10,000 in support of local Special Olympics athletes! Thank you to all the personnel who worked these events and to the community for their continued support.

Supporting our COMMUNITY

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O n Saturday, May 10, more than 50 OC Sheriff personnel greeted and cheered for the athletes as they arrived for the Special Olympics Spring Games. The Honor Guard kicked off the Opening Ceremony with the presentation of colors, and Sheriff Barnes provided words of encouragement and officially opened the games. The Special Olympics athletes were excited to be competing and to have support from their law enforcement friends. Thank you to all the Sheriff’s personnel who came out and represented the Department. Special Olympics Spring Games - THANK YOU!

We compiled some photos/videos HERE

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James A. Musick Facility highlighted as “Facility of the Month” by Correctional News Magazine “Designing for Rehabilitation, not just Incarceration. The facility’s core philosophy – direct supervision and service delivery within housing units – shaped every architectural choice. Each housing pod contains its own dedicated officers and embedded programming. Services such as meals, visitation, and counseling are brought to the housing units, reducing inmate movement and enhancing out-of-cell time.”

For the full article CLICK HERE

2025 Police Unity Tour

E arlier this month, Commander Brent Benson, Lieutenant Robert Franz, Sergeant Vic Valdez, Investigator Carolynn Cuzynski, Deputy John Nguyen, and Deputy Steven Essex represented the OC Sheriff’s Department in the 2025 Police Unity Tour, a group bike ride to honor law enforcement officers who gave the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. The Unity Tour started in Somerset, New Jersey, and included three days of riding approximately 300 miles with more than 8,000 feet of elevation gain to end at the National Police Memorial in Washington, D.C.

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the NOTABLE Highlighting good work from around the Department

RTOC locates missing mountain biker with new technology

An avid mountain biker lost on a Chino Hills State Park trail and suffering from the early stages of heat exhaustion was airlifted to safety thanks to the quick actions of analysts with the Real-Time Operations Center (RTOC). On May 10, Westminster resident Jay Doyle was mountain biking with friends when he fell behind his group and took a wrong turn. Doyle soon realized he was lost and nearly out of water. With temperatures approaching 100 degrees, his friends became concerned when they couldn’t find Doyle and called 911. The Sheriff’s Department called the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) for assistance with the remote rescue and both dispatch teams worked to locate the mountain biker. Cell phone pings returned a radius with an area too large to be helpful and early attempts to use RapidSOS were unsuccessful. Sarah Shirvany, a research analyst with RTOC, was working in the Emergency Communications Bureau that day and saw the call come in. Shirvany decided to try Prepared 911 to locate the mountain biker. Prepared 911 is an assistive AI Over the past month, members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department North Gang Enforcement Team (NGET) have been conducting an investigation into a subject suspected of narcotics trafficking throughout Southern California. During the course of the investigation, multiple residences and a storage unit linked to the subject were identified. On May 14, NGET, supported by the South Gang Enforcement Team and the Tactical Apprehension Team, executed a coordinated, multi-location search warrant across sites in Orange and Riverside counties. The majority of the narcotics were recovered from locations within Orange County.

application with diverse functions that can support many calls, including missing persons. The app has the ability to push notifications to a cell phone and, with the user’s permission, obtain a live video feed and access the cell phone user’s GPS location. Shirvany tried multiple times to send a link but unreliable cellular service resulted in many failed attempts. However, she kept trying and eventually accessed Doyle’s phone and his GPS location. Shirvany shared the information with her RTOC partner, Analyst Carlos Ortiz, who relayed the coordinates to the OC Sheriff Air Support Bureau. Shirvany also called OCFA to relay the longitude and latitude coordinates to their dispatchers. Duke assisted in locating Doyle and the OCFA Firehawk crew ultimately made the rescue.

KTLA recently covered this great example of

innovation and collaboration. Watch the segment HERE. North Gang Enforcement investigation leads to recovered narcotics, firearm

Seized items include:

• 55 pounds of suspected fentanyl powder

• 16.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine

• 2 pounds of suspected heroin

• 1 firearm

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GOOD OBS Every day, deputies are proactively looking to make our communities safer. Here are a few examples out of patrol operations of deputies making great observations that led to arrests.

Deputies seize drugs, cash, and paraphernalia in early morning arrest At approximately 2 a.m. on May 6, Aliso Viejo deputies noticed two individuals parked suspiciously. After a thorough investigation of the vehicle, deputies uncovered over 100 marijuana pens, 100 grams of marijuana joints, edibles, whippets, Xanax pills, digital scales, and a large amount of U.S. currency consistent with drug sales. It was believed that the individuals were running an illegal mobile dispensary in Aliso Viejo and surrounding cities. Search warrant linked to vehicle theft leads to discovery of drugs and stolen items On May 15, Lake Forest deputies executed a search warrant in connection with an investigation of a reported vehicle theft. During the search, they discovered drugs, a stash of stolen checks, bank cards, and mail inside the stolen vehicle. The driver was arrested, and the stolen vehicle was returned to its rightful owner. Stolen vehicle located in Lake Forest leads to an arrest On May 4, at approximately 9:30 p.m., SET deputies were patrolling near Bake Parkway and Towne Center when they discovered a vehicle that had been reported stolen from Fontana just an hour earlier. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit assisted the SET deputies in detaining the driver. The driver was arrested for vehicle theft, and the stolen vehicle was returned to its owner.

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COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITION

Pasadena Police Department expresses gratitude for Eaton Fire response In fulfillment of a mutual aid request, the Sheriff’s Department’s Mutual Aid Bureau (MAB) deployed both sworn and professional staff to the Eaton Fire incident. MAB provided Mobile Field Force (MFF) units and Search & Rescue (SAR) teams across several days for various assignments. Pasadena Police Chief Gene Harris wrote: “The professionalism, dedication, and coordination demonstrated by your team were exemplary and significantly enhanced our collective response efforts. From providing additional patrol coverage and managing traffic control to assisting with evacuations and resource allocation, your agency’s contribution was vital in helping us navigate this emergency effectively. It is during times of crisis that the strength of our law enforcement partnerships truly shines. We are proud to stand alongside agencies like yours, and we are sincerely grateful for your readiness to assist when our city needed it most.” •••••••• •••••••• •••••••• OCTA passenger conveys appreciation for Transit Police Services deputies I want to thank the OC Sheriff Transit Bureau for keeping the bus passengers like me safe. I appreciate all the department has done to give me peace of mind. •••••••• •••••••• ••••••••

Investigator Shawna Soto recognized by Westminster PD Last year, Westminster PD took a major fraud report involving multiple victims across the United States. The report had numerous layers and required an in-depth investigation. Due to the complexities of the case, Westminster reached out to Investigator Soto, who was working with the reporting party on a different case and asked for her assistance. Westminster PD Commander Andy Stowers wrote: “Without hesitation, Investigator Soto agreed and has gone above and beyond, ultimately taking over the case. Investigator Soto has been respectful and has shared some of her findings with me along the way. While the case has yet to be completed, I wanted to reach out and thank you, your team, and Investigator Soto for the hard work that has gone into this case. In reviewing some of her work, I have seen that her attention to detail and investigative skills are great.” •••••••• •••••••• •••••••• The James A Musick Facility Jail Expansion wins a CMAA Southern California Project Achievement Award The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) recently acknowledged the James A Musick Facility Jail Expansion with an Achievement Award in the government category for the over $50 million range.

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COMMENDATIONS & RECOGNITION (continued)

Congratulations, Graduates!

OC Sheriff SAR MRT Recognition In March of this year, the OCSD Search and Rescue (SAR) Mountain Rescue Team (MRT) collaborated with several outside agency SAR units to carry out a high-risk rescue mission involving two injured hikers. The hikers were stranded on the steep western slope of the San Jacinto Mountain range in Riverside County, near Tahquitz Peak. Braving near-whiteout conditions, the OC Sheriff MRT reached the hikers and conducted a challenging rescue operation that lasted through the evening. Recently, the two rescued individuals attended an OC Sheriff SAR meeting to personally thank the team. During their visit, they shared their story and presented a handwritten note to the team. Veda Lin Wrote: “Thank you guys so much. On that mountain, it really felt so hopeless and after that initial contact, everything felt so safe. I slept most of the time because I knew I was in safe and reliable hands. I know it was tough in that weather for the teams too, and the rescue will be a memory I carry with me for the rest of my life. You guys are my and my family’s heroes and I truly appreciate everything you all did. Thank you all again and I also hope to carry forward the positivity you all bring.”

We’re proud to recognize Sergeant Ernie Ragadio, Investigator Tristan Key, and Deputy Hana Robertson for successfully completing the University of San Diego’s Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership (LEPSL) Master’s program. Their hard work, dedication, and commitment to professional growth paid off as they walked during USD’s 2025 Commencement Ceremony on Sunday, May 18. Congratulations on this achievement!

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Sheriff Urges Congress to Bolster Security for 2026 World Cup, 2028 Olympics

O n Wednesday, May 21, the House Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology held a hearing to evaluate the security needs of state, local, and federal entities to enhance the safety of large-scale public events. The hearing focused on the security measures necessary for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Sheriff Don Barnes, representing the Major County Sheriffs of America, presented a series of recommendations for congressional consideration aimed at enhancing public safety at the events. Barnes emphasized the importance of implementing the incident command system to ensure law enforcement agencies understand their roles and responsibilities during large public gatherings.

He also highlighted the need for sustained and increased federal funding through initiatives such as the Urban Area Security Initiative, the State Homeland Security Grant Program, and Operation Stonegarden. He said such funding is critical for preparedness, strategic planning, and maintaining operational readiness. Additionally, Barnes addressed the benefits of using drones to enhance public safety and emergency response efforts. He urged Congress to explore strategies to assist local law enforcement in managing the challenges associated with mass public events, including covering costs related to overtime, staffing, equipment, technology, and other essential resources. “These recommendations are the four best things Congress and the administration can do to ensure the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympic Games are remembered as the safest and most secure on record,” Barnes said in closing. “Sheriffs stand ready and willing to work with you and your colleagues.”

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FROM OUR COMMUNITY

Resident photographer @pamelamusgravephotography captured a special moment when our Mounted Enforcement Unit made a surprise visit to the Saddleback Church campus. In her post, she shared: “Whenever I stay a little late after the services, I always land on the coolest, unexpected moments to capture. The deputies at OC Sheriff strolled through the Saddleback campus. The littles that were still around thought it was the best thing ever!” We love seeing our deputies connecting with the community; especially when it brings smiles to the kids.

Did You Know…

… that OC Sheriff has a healthy food vending machine?

The struggle to find healthy and delicious food while on the road ends at the Sandra Hutchens Regional Law Enforcement Training Center. The new vending machine from Farmer’s Fridge dispenses salads, wraps, snacks, and more made with high quality and often local ingredients. Each meal contains a full serving of fruit and vegetables. Come check it out! It’s located on the first floor around the corner from the elevator.

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OC Sheriff WELCOMES NEW HIRES Highlighting new professional staff and laterals

Melany Navarro Radio Dispatcher Trainee Operations Support & Intelligence Division Claudia Sabrina Nunez Dan Huy Phan Office Specialist Records Division Isabella Lydia Pirooz Office Specialist Coroner Division Briana Nicole Uceda Forensic Scientist I Crime Lab Correctional Programs Technician Inmate Services/Inmate Welfare

Louis Felipe Alvarez Correctional Programs Technician Inmate Services/Inmate Welfare Jessica Renee Chavez Office Specialist Records Division Sara Ann Clifford Procurement Buyer Trainee Financial/Administrative Services Andrea Contreras Staff Specialist Professional Standards Division Jaqueline Ahsly Cordero Office Technician Professional Standards Division Aliyah Z Dorado Office Trainee Mutual Aid/Reserve Bureau

Aaron Scott Escobedo Sr. Accounting Assistant Inmate Services/Division Support Corina Fantes Procurement Buyer Financial/Administrative Services Julian Garcia Procurement Buyer Financial/Administrative Services

Tabitha Corrine Jauregui Radio Dispatcher Trainee Operations Support &

Intelligence Division Stephanie Lopez

Office Specialist Records Division Mary Louise Montes De Oca

Office Specialist Records Division

FIND THE FACT

What year did OC Sheriff provide law enforcement services for Stanton? Email your guess to info@ocsheriff.gov to be entered in an opportunity drawing for $5 Starbucks gift card! Emails must be received by June 18, 2025. Congratulations to Sarah Jimenez from the Crime Lab for guessing last month’s Fun Fact. The answer was 3,442 inmates is the maximum capacity at the Theo Lacy Facility.

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D uring the early morning hours of June 12, 1999, Deputy Bradley Riches was ambushed and murdered. He was on routine patrol in the city of Lake Forest when he drove into the parking lot of a convenience store. Without warning or provocation, a man shot Deputy Riches numerous times with an assault rifle while he sat in his patrol car. He initiated an emergency radio transmission but succumbed to his injuries before that transmission could be completed. The suspect was arrested and was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Deputy Riches had served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for nine years.

Remembrance Day

Deputy Bradley Riches End of Watch June 12, 1999 O n June 19, 2000, a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed ran a red light and struck Deputy Steven Parsons while he drove his police motorcycle through an intersection. He remained in a medically induced coma until June 24, 2000, when family members authorized doctors to remove him from life support. Deputy Parsons served with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for eleven years.

Remembrance Day

Deputy Steven Parsons End of Watch June 24, 2000

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Job Board

Promotional Opportunities

Recruitment is currently open on a continuous basis, unless noted, for the following positions until the needs of the department are met. Only online applications will be accepted at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc/promotionaljobs.

Sheriff’s Records Supervisor

Career Opportunities

Public recruitment is currently open on a continuous basis, unless noted, for the following positions until the needs of the department are met. Only online applications will be accepted at: www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oc.

Communications Installation Technician Communications Installer

Communications Technician II (Technical Services Unit) Sr. Communications Technician (Radio Microwave Unit) Correctional Services Assistant Trainee - Next test day - Saturday, June 14, 2025 Deputy Sheriff I (Lateral Only) Deputy Sheriff I (Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy Graduates Only) Head Institutional Cook Institutional Cook Radio Dispatcher Trainee Sheriff’s Air Conditioning Mechanic Sheriff’s Electrician Sheriff’s Facilities Mechanic

For questions, please contact Recruiting at (714) 834-5811.

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UPCOMING EVENTS

JAMES A. MUSICK FACILITY Facility T-Shirt Sale! $20 Short Sleeve $25 for Long Sleeve

NAME

PHONE

STYLE

XS

S

M

L

XL

2XL

3XL

Black, Short Sleeve $20ea. Black, Long Sleeve $25ea. Gray, Short Sleeve $20ea. Gray, Long Sleeve $25ea.

ORDER TOTAL

Dep. D. Ngo (dcngo@ocsheriff.gov) ∙ Dep. T. Phillips (tphillips@ocsheriff.gov) ∙ (949) 249-5004 @FarmFit63 T-SHIRT ORDERS DUE BY 06/12/25 Email completed forms and questions to:

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Service Awards May 2025

30 YEARS Joseph Koontz Reserve Captain Juan J. Viramontes Sergeant 25 YEARS Khantey C. Char Sergeant

20 YEARS Martina O. Gurrola Sheriff’s Special Officer II

10 YEARS Cynthia L. Bravo Civil Process Technician Jessica A. De La Rosa Correctional Services Assistant Stephanie Gleason Deputy Sheriff II Fernando Lopez Deputy Sheriff II Daniel J. Mossett Deputy Sheriff II Robert J. Pequeno Deputy Sheriff II Blake E. Franco Deputy Sheriff II

5 YEARS Amanda N. Flores Office Specialist Gerald M. Lewis Locksmith Danny J. Maresh Deputy Sheriff I Janelle V. Padilla Staff Assistant Justin E. Rodriguez Deputy Sheriff I Stacy L. Singhal Office Specialist R. M. Taylor Deputy Sheriff II Tan D. Tran Deputy Sheriff I Guy M. Yost Deputy Sheriff I

Christopher R. Chun Deputy Sheriff II

Jason C. Draeger Sheriff’s Special Officer II Marco A. Freyre Correctional Services Assistant

Steven J. De Marco Sheriff’s Special Officer II Heather N. Drummond Deputy Sheriff II Dionne S. Paco Sheriff’s Special Officer II Jae P. Simon Senior Forensic Assistant

Wayne W. Hicken Sergeant

Donald V. Mai Deputy Sheriff II James R. Miller Deputy Sheriff II Adam Sanchez Deputy Sheriff I David J. Swalley Deputy Sheriff I Nicholas J. Ward Correctional Services Assistant

Robert D. Smith Deputy Sheriff I

Eunice Y. Stare Video Producer

Dylan H. Stephenson Deputy Sheriff II

Joshua D. Weber Deputy Sheriff II

To view the April anniversary list in its entirety, please click HERE.

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Employee Resources

Wellness App

This custom app was built to meet the needs of our personnel. It enables easy connections with peer support and critical resources while maintaining confidentiality for the user.

We are thrilled to offer this to OC Sheriff Department members, their families and retirees.

DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE

You can also register and access content on your desktop PC at myapp.getmindbase.com

Agency Code for department members CAORANGESD (for verification purposes, use department email at registration) Agency Code for family members and retirees OCSHERIFFFAM

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thecounselingteam.com

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Produced by the P.A.C.E. Division