The American Legion Star Post 309 Honors Retired LASD Commander, Thomas Vetterhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_Vetter_Tree_2-1024x768.jpg1024768SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
The Tree Planting Ceremony was first introduced in the 1930s as an Arbor Day Project by the American Legion Star Post 309. The Ceremony was later changed to a Memorial Day commemoration. It is one of the longest continuing observance of its kind in Los Angeles County, suspended only during World War II.
This year the Star Post 309 celebrated the life achievements of one of their very own Past Commanders, Thomas Vetter who retired as an LASD Commander and served as Star Post Commander in 1966. His End of Watch was January 16, 2021.
The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Star Post 309 was founded by Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies who were also World War I veterans. One of the founders was William I. Traeger who served as the 26th Sheriff of Los Angeles County.
In later years, memorial plaques were added to the newly planted trees in commemoration of Past Commanders and Worthy Members of Star Post 309. Trees were planted as a permanent and living memorial to the military veterans of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and other notable law enforcement officers in the State of California.
During this month of May, we celebrate the lives and memories of those who have died in the line of duty as law enforcement officers and as Memorial Day is upon us, we shall honor those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice of service to our great Nation. #MilitaryAppreciationMonth
On Thursday, May 20, 2021, Sheriff Alex Villanueva, Temple Station Captain Mark Reyes, Detective Sergeant Richard Lewis, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Frankie Sanchez, US Marshalls Service; and South El Monte Mayor Gloria Olmos, announced the arrest of the individual responsible for the brutal assault of an elderly Asian rideshare driver.
On Monday, May 10, 2021, at approximately 9:20 p.m. a gunman slid into the backseat of an elderly Asian ride share driver as he waited for his next ride at a gas station near the intersection of Rosemead Boulevard and Rush Street in South El Monte. The driver was struck in the face multiple times with a gun and robbed of more than $1,500 in cash. The victim suffered severe facial trauma and received medical treatment.
Since the attack was caught on dash cam video and was circulated widely on news outlets and social media, the public called in with information and made anonymous reports. Crime analysts began working on the case and identified the suspect. Within five days of learning of the crime, through a collaborative effort with the US Marshalls Service, 26 year-old Dandre Lorenz Powell, a resident of Downey, was arrested on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, in the city of Paramount.
“A dangerous individual has been captured and taken off the streets. He has an extensive criminal history, is known to law enforcement and is currently on probation,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
If you have information about this senseless attack, or any other incidents involving the suspect, please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Temple Station at (626) 292-3300. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile App on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org/.
Transparency, accountability, and service to others are the foundations of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. As peace officers, we have to preserve personal credibility, integrity and not bring discredit to the profession while serving our communities both on and off duty. If any Department member has information alleging misconduct or wrongdoing by other Department members, it is their duty to report the information to a supervisor immediately. A failure to do so is a violation of policy. It goes against our core values and mission. If someone has knowledge of another department member’s involvement in such behavior and does not immediately report it, they are also liable and treated as such. Any department member who is subjected to or witnesses harassment or a violation of department policy or law may report the matter to:
· The lasd.org website
· Report anonymously to 1-800-698-TALK
· Any department supervisor or manager
· Your respective union or bargaining unit
· The Intake Specialist Unit
· California Department of Fair Employment and Housing
Deputy York honored by Buena Park Police Departmenthttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_York_0.jpg900715SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
LASD Deputy Shayne Daniel York honored by The Buena Park Police Department
There is no pain greater than losing your best friend or someone you love and admire. It can leave behind a void in your life that seems impossible to fill and you are left with a broken heart for a lifetime.
For the last 24 years, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, along with his family, friends, and at the time his fiancée, have felt those exact emotions after losing Deputy Shayne Daniel York in 1997, when he was brutally murdered during a robbery in the city of Buena Park.
In a true act of brotherhood that exists in law enforcement, the LASD was humbled and appreciative to hear Deputy Shayne York was being memorialized by the Buena Park Police Department.
On Thursday, May 13, 2021, at approximately 9 a.m., the Buena Park Police Department unveiled a new Buena Park Police Department Fallen Officer’s Memorial site.
The memorial was created and dedicated to honor Buena Park’s Fallen officers: Detective Darrel “Bud” Cate, Corporal Tyler Matthew Pinchot, Officer Daniel Ryan Ackerman and Deputy Shayne Daniel York because he was murdered in the City of Buena Park.
Family, friends, and law enforcement officers attended the memorial to remember our fallen heroes. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Honor Guard performed a 21 gun salute while Buena Park’s Police Honor Guard guarded the memorial.
Sergeant Roger Plumlee, President of the Buena Park Police Association and one of the collaborators of the memorial said, “When we unveil this memorial, we will see something very beautiful made of stone, granite and bronze. The symbolism of the memorial is to remind the community and all who see it, of the loss we have suffered and the loss the families have suffered and who continue to do it today. When I look out and see everyone in uniform, I see a living memorial and its incumbent on of all us to keep the memory of these four men alive and share their stories.”
Sheriff Alex Villanueva, who attended the ceremony, started his speech by thanking Buena Park Police Chief Corey S. Sianez, distinguished guests and the families of the fallen Police Officers in the audience. “It’s a touching tribute to the sacrifice of each and everyone one of them (fallen officers) and of you the families,” he said. “First and foremost you will always be in our thoughts and prayers; it’s a tribute we will never forget. Everything we do is a testament to their sacrifice and everyone here standing in uniform, everyone doing the job runs the risk of losing their life. It’s a testament of just the difficulties of the job and the times we live in.”
Chief Corey S. Sianez said, “This unveiling could not have happened at a better time during National Peace Officers Memorial Week. The week set aside to remember and recognize those that have made the ultimate sacrifice. The names on this memorial represent not only those that have sacrifice their own lives, doing what they love to do and serving their communities, but also those that remember the Buena Park Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Family. We are brothers and we knew them well. Although you have not seen the memorial yet, but you will very soon. We designed it to reflect the diversity of our department.”
The memorial depicts a touching and embracing moment when police officers comfort a fallen officer’s child with the plaques engraved with the names of the fallen officers below it. The memorial reads, “Remembering Their Service, Honoring Their Sacrifice.”
Deputy Shayne York was brutally murdered on the night of August 14, 1997 in the city of Buena Park. Deputy York and his fiancée, who was also a deputy, were both off-duty and unarmed. They were in a hair salon when two suspects stormed into the location and ordered everyone to lie on the floor as they took their purses and wallets.
When the suspects discovered a badge in Deputy York’s wallet, they immediately executed him by shooting him in the back of the head. Deputy York was rushed to the hospital where he died from his wounds. Both suspects were caught a short time later and were convicted for the murder of Deputy York.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department would like to send our sincerest thanks to the Buena Park Police Department for honoring our very own, Deputy Shayne York. The new memorial is a collaboration between Buena Park Police Department, Buena Park Police Association and the City of Buena Park. The goal of the new memorial is to capture the solemnity of the fallen officers but also the loss created from their ultimate sacrifice; leaving behind family, a law enforcement family and friends.
The new memorial stands directly in front of the Buena Park’s police station, and serves as a bitter reminder of the ultimate sacrifice police officers often take.
Antelope Valley Illegal Marijuana Grow Operation Nets 3800 plants
The proliferation of illegal Marijuana cultivation operations throughout the high desert area has become an ever-growing problem in the Antelope Valley. As a result of information received through public calls for service, and the office of Supervisor Barger, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department deputies assigned to Community Partnerships Bureau (COPS) served two search warrants in the Fort Tejon area of Palmdale targeting some of these illegal operations.
On Tuesday, May 4th, 2021, a suspect was taken into custody for the illegal cultivation of marijuana during these warrant services. Additionally, approximately 3,800 marijuana plants were seized and destroyed. Due to the fact these operations were being conducted on public lands, members of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife were also present. Their office will seek additional charges related to the destruction and contamination of local wildlife.
Illegal marijuana grows are not only illegal, but are harmful to the environment and wildlife due to the hazardous chemicals and toxic pesticides used. The illegal marijuana grows are also dangerous for residents who may stumble upon them. There could be toxic molds and fungus, faulty electrical hook ups and booby traps that can be life threatening to those who wander onto the land where these illegal marijuana grows are.
We thank those residents who contacted the LASD to provide the information which led to the apprehension of the suspect, the seizure of the illegal narcotics, and the return of these public lands to the residents of the Antelope Valley.
If you know of any illegal marijuana grow operations in your area, please contact your local law enforcement agency to report it. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you may call “L.A. Crime Stoppers” at 800-222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store or use the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
Reopening of Jail Visitations at CRDFhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Post_CRDF_Visiting-1024x683.jpg1024683SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
Update: LASD has expanded visitation to all facilities starting Saturday, June 5, 2021. More information here.
LASD values the importance of visitation, and its role in family connectedness during this difficult time.
We are excited to announce the phased reopening of jail visitation commencing on Mother’s Day weekend (May 8th and 9th) at Century Regional Detention Facility (CRDF).
CRDF Detention Facility
All other facilities are expected to reopen by the first week of June. The Department will also be offering free vaccinations on Saturday, May 8th from 9am to 12pm at CRDF.
Visitation Requirements:
• All visits must be scheduled in advanced. There will be no walk-in appointment allowed or scheduled at facilities. • Visitors will be screened for symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste. Visitors will be turned away if they have symptoms or are under quarantine or isolation orders. • Visitors must wear a mask at all times and maintain at least six feet of distance, or they will be asked to leave. • Only one adult visitor OR one adult with one child will be allowed. If more people show up, the entire visit will be canceled for everyone. • Visitors subject to a quarantine or isolation order will have their appointment canceled. • Visitors will have to show proof of a full COVID vaccination i, a negative COVID test within the last three days ii, or proof of previous infection iii. Otherwise, the visit will be canceled.
VALOR AWARD PRESENTED TO SPECIAL ENFORCEMENT BUREAUhttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Air-5-Crew-1024x681.jpeg1024681SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/acdb2e82e2505e0ba10575665071559c?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Tuesday, April 27, 2021, San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) Medal of Valor to five Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew members for their effort, skill, determination, and commitment during the search and recovery operation of SBSD Search and Rescue (SAR) member Timothy Staples.
Staples was one of 126 people across 23 teams searching for Sreenivas “Sree” Mokkapati, who was reported missing on December 8, 2019, after becoming separated from his group while ascending Mount Baldy. Staples’ partner on the search and rescue team alerted the sheriff’s department on Saturday that he had become separated from Staples. Despite inclement weather conditions and treacherous terrain, members of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Air Rescue 5 helicopter crew located Staples in “an area of ice and snow.” He was unresponsive, and a crew member lowered to Staples determined he was dead.
Even though the operation turned into a recovery, the crew’s efforts still demonstrate the dangerous working conditions search and rescue personnel face every day. “In my opinion, the LASD has one of the best search and rescue programs in the nation, and the Flight Deputies and Crew of Air 5 are the cream of the crop,” said Sheriff Villanueva.
San Bernardino County Undersheriff Shannon Dicus presented the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Medal of Valor to Los Angeles County Air Rescue 5 Crew member Deputies Todd Kocisko, Scott Helbing, Steve Pratt, Jennifer Shepard, and Sergeant Dave Carver for their act of bravery during the operation.
Today we mark National Day of World Intellectual Property. The event was established by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in 2000 to “raise awareness of how patents, copyright, trademarks and designs impact on daily life” and “to celebrate creativity, and the contribution made by creators and innovators to the development of societies across the globe.”
Counterfeiting is the largest global criminal enterprise affecting economic growth and impacting the health and safety of consumers. This illicit trade is a significant problem worldwide that continues to grow. Whether it is smuggling, counterfeit, or tax evasion, governments are losing billions of dollars in tax revenues, legitimate businesses are being undermined, and consumers are being exposed to poorly made and unregulated products.
It is a crime to steal, with the intention to, Sell and/or Manufacture of someone’s registered trademark and/or logo, whether it’s a song, artwork, or tangible property.
Within the County of Los Angeles, the Sheriff’s Department enforces trademarks to protect against Intellectual Property theft and ensure the health and safety of consumers. Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement (CAPE) Team is an active investigative unit consisting of Sheriff Deputies, a Sergeant, and a Lieutenant responsible for enforcing counterfeit-related crimes and investigation of various “quality of life” issues, including counterfeit pharmaceuticals, and safety products.
If you know of someone who is selling counterfeit products, you can call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Community Partnerships Bureau, Counterfeit and Piracy Enforcement Team at 323-981-5300 to provide information on the Sale and/or Manufacture of counterfeit goods. Or if you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
Sheriff Alex Villanueva & Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn Host Covid Vaccination Clinichttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/PC-1-1024x576.jpg1024576SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1da259cd08f53aa175642133a3231d68?s=96&d=blank&r=g
On Wednesday, April 21, 2021, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, Fourth District, hosted a COVID-19 vaccination clinic at the Cerritos Civic Center. They were joined by the City of Cerritos Mayor Naresh Solanki, Dr. Sean Kossari, and Cesar Landeros from the Center for Family Health and Education.
Sheriff Villanueva was pleased to announce that after a year of uncertainty, lockdowns, and health concerns, this week, the COVID-19 test positivity rate dropped to the lowest it has been since the pandemic began. He stated that it had been a difficult time for everyone. Many have endured the death of family, friends, and co-workers, suffered economic losses, been hospitalized, but little by little, progress is being made.
“Although we might share differing opinions at times, the Board of Supervisors and I ultimately have the same goal when it comes to the health and wellness of the residents of Los Angeles County,” acknowledged Sheriff Villanueva as he thanked Supervisor Hahn for her support on important issues such as equipping deputies with body-worn cameras and the COVID-19 Super-Spreader Taskforce.
In addition to hosting vaccination clinics for the community, on January 7, 2021, LASD started “Operation Homebound.” This program was designed to vaccinate the most underrepresented, homebound, and underserved disabled residents of Los Angeles County, including those experiencing homelessness. Deputy Sheriff Personnel, who are state and nationally certified paramedics and emergency medical technicians, administer the vaccines and respond to residences and provide them with this life-saving opportunity.
He invited those who fall in this category to contact their local Sheriff’s Patrol Station. Send an email to the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at sibmedia24@lasd.org, or call (213) 229-1700 to receive more information about Operation Homebound.
Sheriff Villanueva reminded everyone that aggressive variants are still out there and urged people to continue to wear their facemasks to help keep everyone safe and healthy.
Readiness for the possibility of civil unresthttps://lasd.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Sheriff_Statment_Header_2021-1024x249.jpg1024249SIB StaffSIB Staffhttps://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/d17acab79bb8806a81f70b6402a24315?s=96&d=blank&r=g
In readiness for potential civil disturbances related to the trial of Derek Chauvin for the death of George Floyd, coupled with the recent national attention regarding several high profile shootings, and to meet the operational needs of Los Angeles County, we are in constant communication with our state and local law enforcement partners as to their state of readiness, which includes contingency planning with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services and California National Guard. At this time, no direct request has been made of the California National Guard, because that can only be done when there is a specific mission to request and assign. But through our preparation, any possible lag time to mobilize should be significantly reduced.
I strongly support the First Amendment and the people’s right to protest, but if these actions become violent or shift into lawlessness, then swift and decisive action will be taken to protect life, protect property, and maintain civil order. This will be accomplished in a fair, firm, and impartial manner, in accordance with the law and 21st century policing concepts.
I believe in the important role the press plays in truth and transparency, as such my personnel are directed to support them in their duties, but that support does not extend into allowing members of the media to become part of the problem once an assembly has been declared unlawful. I strongly encourage members of the press to seek out supervisory personnel and identify yourselves, so they are aware of your status and can more easily support you in your mission.
We the people can exercise our First Amendment rights peacefully, without the need for violence and destruction.
