the Bulletin May 2025

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!

the BULLETIN •MAY 2025 | page 13