Briefing Room April 2013

April 2013

NO PAY, NO THANKS, NO PROBLEM New volunteers step up to serve

8th Community Safety Volunteer class KNIGHTS OF THE BALD TABLE Fundraiser raises thousands to fight childhood cancer

TRIAL BY FIRE Meet the new Wildland Fire Mitigation Crew

ACTIVE KILLER Training to take down a Newtown shooter

THE BRIEFING ROOM The magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

DCSO’S HONOR GUARD

HONOR WITH DIGNITY

NO PAY, NO PROBLEM

Academy

MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF DAVID A. WEAVER

COVER:

HONOR WITH

DIGNITY

The DCSO’s Honor

Guard trains and prepares to

represent the Sheriff’s Of-

fice during community

events.

MAGAZINE

CONTACT:

Deborah Sherman

Community Resources

[email protected]

303.660.7544

Sgt. Ron Hanavan

Community Resources

[email protected]

FIND US ONLINE:

www.DCSheriff.net

CALENDER OF EVENTS:

www.DCSheriff.net

FACEBOOK:

www.Facebook.com/

DouglasCountySheriff

INSIDE

AP

RIL

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2 Message from the Sheriff

BEHIND THE BADGE

With Undersheriff

Tony Spurlock

W hen you do what you love, it makes a

difference in the people around you. One of our

deputies, Jay Martin, does what he loves: he’s a

deputy and raises money for people who desper-

ately need it.

We are proud to say that Jay took charge of

helping injured veteran Army Corporal Nick

Orchowski and his family. Jay and the Douglas

County School District quickly became the top

fundraisers to help Orchowski build a new home

that is adapted to fit his special needs in

Parker. Homes For Our Troops, the national

non-profit dedicated to helping injured vets,

awarded Jay and the Douglas County Sheriff’s

Office with a plaque in appreciation of support.

The President of Homes for Our Troops said

Jay’s “patriotism and compassion are truly ap-

preciated.”

We appreciate him too. Not only for his amazing

talent at raising money, but for the good he does

day-in and day-out for the residents of Douglas

County. Great work, Jay!

4 Community Safety Volunteers

8th Academy

8 Adventure into Extraordinary

12 Active Killer training

Gunfire and Wildfire

Deputy Ann Walton accolade

Carrying the Torch for kids

A Mammoth time for injured vet

Going bald for good cause

Biting the bullet

16

23

24

28

29

30

32

34

COVER STORY: Honor Guard

22 On the scene with the Guard

Memorial Service for Clements

Picture of the day!

39

40

http://www.dcsheriff.net/

http://www.dcsheriff.net/

A buzzing Easter bunny drops thousands of eggs

at Castle View High School, Castle Rock

Saturday, March 30, 2103

Welcome

Community Safety Volunteers

8th Academy

CSV’S LEARN TO DEFEND THEMSELVES DURING THE 8TH ACADEMY

T he 8

th Community Safety Volunteer Academy

is in full swing (see the picture.)

We have 8 new volunteers who will be volun-teering their time in detentions, patrol and

other areas of the office.

The academy consists of 100 hours of training.

Graduation will be May 16, so please welcome the newest members of the office when you see them

around.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office new CSV’s:

Matt Apsokardu

David Beckman

Bob Bensfield

Ed Bishop

Steve Evans

Tom Klucsarits

Cyrus Sarmast

Annmarie Scott

There are also two CSV’s from Lone tree, three from

Castle Rock and five from Elbert County.

Since April 2006 through 2012 the Community Safety Volunteers have given 101,923 hours back to the

Douglas County Community. Thank you!

Young ladies find support and new friends during the first overnight “Power of Positive Relationships” retreat

in the Douglas County School District. The next retreat is May 10th-11th. For more, [email protected]

“I made many fantastic, worthwhile friends. I'll be keeping in touch with all of them.”

AN ADVENTURE

INTO THE

EXTRAORDINARY A retreat for high school girls

makes lifelong difference.

By any account, the Doug-las County School Dis-

trict’s and the Douglas County Sheriff Office’s first ‘Girls’ Em-powerment Retreat’ was a huge success.

The young ladies, in grades 9

through 12, are calling it an ex-perience they will never forget.

“I learned to be open minded and more accepting,” wrote one girl. Another said she, “feels more confident.” Other girls say they learned to not care what others say about them and to “not judge before you meet someone.” Retreat Facilitator Deputy Ann Walton says she couldn’t have hoped for a better or more suc-cessful weekend. “We started with 10 of the 13 girls stating they were forced to attend…and ended with all 13 teens who made friendships and connections they will never for-get!” Deputy Walton said. “It was also an experience I will never forget; very humbling ex-perience with 13 amazing girls. I gained more insight and knowledge of the challenges our

girls face every day in a variety of relationships.” Parents also had great things to say. “I appreciate this opportunity to thrust my daughter into the world to learn how to improve on her life skills and relationships. I have two other daughters at home and would love this oppor-tunity to continue so they may also participate one day!” The first retreat was held Febru-ary 15 and 16 at the old Emily Griffith Center in the Outdoor Ed-ucation Center. The next overnight retreat is May 10

th at 5:00 p.m. to May 11

th at

3:00 p.m. It’s for girls in 9

th through 12

th

grades only in the Douglas County School District. The event will be held again the Outdoor Education Center in Larkspur, CO. Parents will join their daughter(s) for lunch and a celebration cere-mony on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. The retreat is free for participants because it’s funded through a Douglas County School District Student Wellness grant. For more information, contact Student Wellness at 303.387.0095 or contact Deputy Ann Walton at [email protected]

Retreat facilitators Staci McCormack and Deputy Ann Walton show

young ladies a new path to take in life

“Thank you Ms. Ann and Ms. Staci for everything. I had the greatest weekend. I learned and experienced so much. I hope to come back again. I love you all!” --teen girl

mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]

Retreat facilitators Staci McCormack and Deputy Ann Walton show

young ladies a new path to take in life

“Thank you Ms. Ann and Ms. Staci for everything. I had the greatest weekend. I learned and experienced so much. I hope to come back again. I love you all!” --teen girl

Law enforcement practices taking

down an active killer in

ThunderRidge High School

E ach year the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office conducts

training in our schools related to (a) gunman that enters a school

or large building.

Nationally this is called, “active killer” training.

This year, we held the extremely important training at Thunder-

Ridge High School.

To make the active killer training as real as possible, the Douglas

County Sheriff’s Office sought help from volunteer student ac-

tors in the Fine Arts Department.

The actors played specific roles, while officers were told not to

engage them with any force. No live ammunition or weapons

were used during the simulation.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office thanks the school and the

wonderful actors who helped make the training realistic which

allowed us to resolve the mock scenario successfully.

Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies, Lone Tree Police, South

Metro Fire District and the U.S. Air Force train at Thunder-

Ridge High School.

“All of the members do this job because they’re honoring the flag of the United States and

of the Sheriff’s Office and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.”

--Lt. Keith Penry, DCSO Honor Guard Unit Leader

T his year, DCSO’s Honor Guard will

train and perform like never before.

In the past, members pulled on their

white gloves, polished their shoes and per-

formed with precision about three times a year.

But this year, they’ll train at least six times and

conduct many more performances. That means

you’ll see them post colors and carry out the

21-gun salute at funerals, during special cere-

monies and at places like the Wildlife Museum

and basketball games.

“Members of the Honor Guard do this job be-

cause they’re honoring the flag of the United

States and of the Sheriff’s Office. They’re also

honoring those who have made the ultimate

sacrifice,” Lt. Keith Penry, the longest-serving

member, said. “They do it because it’s the right

thing to do.”

DCSO’s Honor Guard began in 1999 when

Deputy Ron King was killed on duty by a

drunk driver. The Sheriff’s Office needed a

special way to recognize King with the honor

and respect he deserved. Since then, the unit

has grown to nine members.

Only the top of the class gets to be part of the

guard. The deputies must meet all of the com-

ponents required by the Sheriff’s Office and

what the county demands from individuals. As

the face of the Sheriff’s Office, the members

bear the responsibility of upholding the tra-

ditions of self-sacrifice, ethics, and a willing-

ness to put others before self to make their

community a better place for all.

“When you are in the honor guard, your role

in the agency and your life should be impecca-

ble and beyond reproach,” lt. Penry said.

“We have a very dedicated group of individu-

als who find a way to make it work. It’s the

job you take to heart.”

The guard will train frequently throughout the

year, polishing their performance to perfec-

tion.

They have to be ready at a moment’s notice

without hesitation. They want to be prepared

for the day they need to honor a fallen officer.

“Being here means I get to honor everyone

else for their service and be part of their event.

It’s a humbling experience. At the end of ser-

vices, you’ll often see people with tears

streaming down their faces and they’ll say,

‘Thank you.’ It’s not about me. It’s the oppor-

tunity to serve others,” Lt. Penry said. “I love

it.”

2002 DCSO Honor Guard

D eputies John Lynch and Dawn Elzi have been chosen to represent the Douglas

County Sheriff’s Office and the residents of the county at fallen officer ceremonies

next month in Washington, D.C. The deputies will participate in National Law

Enforcement Memorial Week May 12th-18th. Undersheriff Tony Spurlock was

committed to the DCSO attending the event given a number of Colorado officers killed in the

line of duty last year.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Undersheriff Spurlock for his unwavering support

for the Honor Guard. It is his and Command Staffs continued support that should help drive

each Honor Guard team member to excellence,” Deputy Lynch, DCSO Honor Guard Team

Leader, said.

Deputy Lynch has been with the unit six years. It’s his way of serving the community.

“We want to teach kids about values and duty and honor. The Honor Guard can be the face for

that. We can show young men and women that duty and honor are something that’s extremely

important and needs to be maintained,” Deputy Lynch said.

HONOR GUARD ON THE SCENE

D eputies John Lynch and Dawn Elzi have been chosen to represent the Douglas

County Sheriff’s Office and the residents of the county at fallen officer ceremonies

next month in Washington, D.C. The deputies will participate in National Law

Enforcement Memorial Week May 12th-18th. Undersheriff Tony Spurlock was

committed to the DCSO attending the event given a number of Colorado officers killed in the

line of duty last year.

“I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Undersheriff Spurlock for his unwavering support

for the Honor Guard. It is his and Command Staffs continued support that should help drive

each Honor Guard team member to excellence,” Deputy Lynch, DCSO Honor Guard Team

Leader, said.

Deputy Lynch has been with the unit six years. It’s his way of serving the community.

“We want to teach kids about values and duty and honor. The Honor Guard can be the face for

that. We can show young men and women that duty and honor are something that’s extremely

important and needs to be maintained,” Deputy Lynch said.

Behind the

Badge

T hey stare straight ahead, snap to

attention on cue and move in unison.

DCSO’s Honor guard is always prepared for

whatever comes and can be counted on to

show up, day or night. Undersheriff Tony

Spurlock wants to keep it that way.

“Members of the guard really serve as

ambassadors for the Douglas County

Sheriff’s Office. They exemplify leadership,

high standards and excellence,”

Undersheriff Spurlock said. “We need to

maintain and build on that kind of quality

and dedication.”

This year, Undersheriff Spurlock has

ordered the unit’s equipment and uniforms

to be upgraded. He’s asked them to step-up

training. He wants to add new members.

The unit is grateful.

“He is making sure the Honor Guard is

adequately equipped because he wants us to

be at-the-ready. Without his blessing, we

wouldn’t have everything we need,” Honor

Guard member Lt. Keith Penry said.

Tony Spurlock Douglas County Sheriff’s Office

UNDERSHERIFF

Carlson, Kevan

Crocker, Benjamin

Eakins, Jeff

Larson, David

Lippolis, Chris

Nordby, Chris

Purcell, Tanner

Sandberg, Richard

Stever, Paul

Wright, Paul

D CSO’S new Wildland

Fire Mitigation Crew is

burning hot. This crew

of ten has the strength and

skills of firefighters with the

brains and badges of deputies.

They’re undergoing classroom

and real life wildland fire train-

ing to help prevent and sup-

press fires in and around Doug-

las County.

To stay on the team, they have

to complete fireline safety train-

ing and an ardous pack test.

And to think they volunteered

for this!

Good luck and congratulations,

crew!

Deputy Ann Walton was one of two recipients chosen for the prestigious 2013 William H.

Spurgeon III award. Deputy Walton was chosen based on her dedication to the youth of Douglas

County. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Youth Explorer Post # 10-4 is an all-volunteer youth

auxiliary sub-organization of the Boy Scouts of America. Deputy Walton has worked with the

DCSO Explorer Post 10-4, since 2002 in the capacity of Advisor and Associate Advisor. William H. Spurgeon III award is the highest honor the Denver Council, Boy Scout of America, can bestow upon an exploring advisor in recognition of distinguished service to youth in the Exploring Program. Sheriff David A. Weaver said, “We are privileged to have Deputy Ann Walton work for DCSO and she is very deserving of such a significant award. Deputy Walton has committed her career to Douglas County children and we are all very appreciative for all of her service”.

DEPUTY ANN WALTON

http://www.scouting.org/

During the month of May, hundreds of LETR officers and Special Olympics Colorado ath-

letes carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope through their communities around the

state of Colorado, accumulating more than 1,500 miles in anticipation of the Special

Olympics Colorado Summer Games. On the West Steps of the Capitol Building in Denver,

three flames are unified into a single torch, which will then head down the 16th Street

Mall to the Pepsi Center before arriving at its final destination later that week in Grand

Junction — the host city for Summer Games.

PLEASE JOIN THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE for

our 7.5 mile run/walk on Thursday, May 30th at the North Pinery Trail-

head at the Cherry Creek Trail, ending at Challenger Park in Parker.

DONATE HERE: http://tinyurl.com/DCSOtorchrun

REGISTER HERE: http://tinyurl.com/torchrunregister

2013

LAW ENFORCEMENT

TORCH RUN EVENTS

2011

http://tinyurl.com/DCSOtorchrun

http://tinyurl.com/torchrunregister

http://tinyurl.com/torchrunregister

ATHLETES SHOW INJURED VET A MAMMOTH TIME

Retired Army Corporal faces off with team captain and given player’s jersey

T he winner at the Colorado Mammoth’s game in February was an hon-orary member of the team; retired Army Corporal Nick Orchowski.

The soldier’s story played on the jumbotron in front of 16,000 cheer-ing fans.

Ochowski was severely injured during his first deployment in Iraq in 2004 af-ter his convoy came under attack. But the warzone felt far away in the hock-ey rink.

Nick had a ceremonial face-off with Team Captain Gavin Prout and with the Team Captain of the Edmonton Rush. Then, Nick’s favorite player, Forward Gavin Prout #9 from Oshawa, ON, gave Nick the jersey of his back. Other military veterans were also thanked during the military appreciation night.

DCSO’s Captain Robert McMahan’s mustache

comes off with a big donation to St. Baldrick’s

WATCH THE VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/DCSOstbaldricks

On March 15th, 2013 the Douglas County Sheriff's Office held the 7th annual shave-a-thon to raise money to

fight childhood cancer with St. Baldrick's. The event was started by Chief Holly Nicholson-Kluth, whose

stepson Chase died from a brain tumor at age 15 and by Deputy Niles Ackerson, who lost his 8-month-old

daughter Isabelle from cancer. Help conquer childhood cancer. www.StBaldricks.org

Friends celebrate the life of Austin Williams, who

died just days before the event

WATCH THE VIDEO: http://tinyurl.com/DCSOstbaldricks

On March 15th, 2013 the Douglas County Sheriff's Office held the 7th annual shave-a-thon to raise money to

fight childhood cancer with St. Baldrick's. The event was started by Chief Holly Nicholson-Kluth, whose

stepson Chase died from a brain tumor at age 15 and by Deputy Niles Ackerson, who lost his 8-month-old

daughter Isabelle from cancer. Help conquer childhood cancer. www.StBaldricks.org

Famous trainer teaches K-9’s

how to bite and hold on

J immy Vanhove goes to work every day knowing a focused,

determined dog is going to bite him. Hard. Again and

again and again. It’s all part of the job. Vanhove trains po-

lice dogs around the country how to sniff out drugs, track

people and catch criminals.

The renowned dog trainer showed K-9’s with the Douglas Coun-

ty Sheriff’s Office, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Com-

merce City the right way to attack bad guys last month during a

three-day session in Highlands Ranch. The Patrol Dog Problem

Solving and Decoy Seminar was hosted by Friends of the Douglas

County K-9, a non-profit, and the DCSO K-9 unit.

Vanhove dressed in a thick suit packed with padding to protect

himself from the bites, which can pack a 1,200 pound-punch. He

then ordered the dogs to bite. Just like a gymnast, Vanhove wants

to the dogs to “stick the landing,” that is, stay on the bite and not

let go. That technique is going to protect the dogs’ handlers, depu-

ties and police, in a dangerous situation.

DCSO Deputy John Gassburner, who works with five-year-old

“Koa” told Reporter Ryan Boldrey at OurColoradoNews.com that

the K-9’s can save lives.

“You are always waiting for that one moment where he goes

around that corner and you hear that pop and then when you don’t

hear it you are glad he’s coming back, but you have to remember

that’s their job. I love that dog to death, but I’d rather my dog die as

a hero than one of the SWAT guys or the patrol guys.”

K-9 “DOC” grins and bears it

Hundreds of law enforcement and prison guards honored Tom Clements at a memorial

service on March 25th, 2013. The top prison cop was killed by Evan Spencer Ebel, a former

inmate who had been released two years too early from prison due to a clerical error.

Read more at Denver Post.com and see pictures of the ceremony from the Denver Post at

http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/03/25/photos-public-memorial-for-slain-corrections-

chief-tom-clements/#2

MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR TOM CLEMENTS

CO Dept. of Corrections Director March 25th, 2013

Denver Post Photo Denver Post

Denver Post

http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/03/25/photos-public-memorial-for-slain-corrections-chief-tom-clements/#2

http://photos.denverpost.com/2013/03/25/photos-public-memorial-for-slain-corrections-chief-tom-clements/#2

The picture comes to us from near Idaho Springs, on a run called

Spring Creek off of I-70.

Deanna Rosetta, a civilian in the DCSO is a “crawler.”

“MEANIE” and Deanna Rosetta

“I LOVE

BIG

TIRES!

Briefing Room April 2013

Documents

Transcript of Briefing Room April 2013