NEW WILDLAND FIRE TEAM IGNITES DCSO Guns & Hoses: Deputies battle gun fire and wild fire Waverton Ranch Fire 2010
COVER: GUNS & HOSES The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office creates deputy firefighters to battle wildland fires this year. MAGAZINE CONTACT: Deborah ShermanCommunity Resources DSherman@DCSheriff.net 303.660.7544 Sgt. Ron HanavanCommunity Resources RHanavan@DCSheriff.net FIND US ONLINE: www.DCSheriff.net CALENDER OF EVENTS: www.DCSheriff.net
FEBRUARY 2013
2
INSIDE 2
Message from the Sheriff
3
Super bad weekend for DUIs
4
Student art gallery inside HRSS
10 Free car seat inspection 11 First to fall 12 GUNS & HOSES: New Wildland Fire Team 16 Deputies go scruffy for good cause 18 Deadman’s Gulch: a show to thank volunteers 22 Mike Andersen retires 24 Stephanie Trotter keeps giving 25 Letter from resident 27 Heroes behind the badge
FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/ DouglasCountySheriff
MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF DAVID A. WEAVER “Keep calm and carry on.” The British government sold the slogan to the English during World War II in the face of wartime disaster. The saying applies today as it did then.
2
and keeping their eyes open for suspicious activity. I’ve also asked our deputies to fill out their reports in school parking lots whenever they have time.
We hope it sends a message to potential It’s tempting to hide out after gunmen criminals and eases your concerns about take aim at our children in schools and school safety. You can read more about neighbors in a movie theater. It’s tempting what we’re doing to keep your kids safe by clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/ to give up. Don’t. DCSOschoolsafety and Our deputies are driving by Douglas County schools, checking on your kids http://tinyurl.com/DCSOschoolsafety2
3
SUPER BOWL WEEKEND SUPER BAD FOR DRUNK DRIVERS IN COLORADO A record 421 people were arrested for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) over Super Bowl weekend this year, more than any other Super Bowl weekend since the statewide DUI enforcement period was introduced in 2009, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT). Douglas County saw 22 DUI arrests for the 2013 Super Bowl enforcement period conducted Friday, Feb. 1 – Monday, Feb. 4. This number has gone up from 10 arrests in the same enforcement period last year. In 2011, Douglas County ranked 10th in DUI arrests when compared to other Colorado counties. Preliminary reports show one alcohol-related fatality in the state during the Super Bowl weekend. For the first time, CDOT and Colorado State Patrol (CSP) authorized all local law enforcement agencies to participate in the enforcement rather than just the agencies in the Denver metro, Front Range and Mesa County areas. CDOT attributes the rise in arrests to this heightened enforcement. More than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state arrested 421 drivers suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs; 138 of those arrests took place on Super Bowl Sunday. The highest arrests took place in Denver (54), Aurora (32) and Colorado Springs (28). The numbers were up considerably when compared with 2012 when 275 arrests were made statewide. 3
4
4
5
5
Students in Douglas County got their own permanent art gallery inside the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office substation in Highlands Ranch in February 2013.
6
No mug shots here ART GALLERY STUDENTS’ WORK WILL BE ON DISPLAY FOR YEARS TO COME More than 60 works of art chosen from students in kindergarten through seniors now hang in the hallway of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office substation in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. The work will be displayed to the public during normal business hours. 6
It
’s not your typical museum. They’re not your typical work Douglas County substation in Highlands Ranch became an February 20th for students in nearly every school in the dis
With a chorus of voices helping him count down, Douglas County vid A. Weaver unveiled the art gallery to the applause of the artist ers and sisters and moms and dads. “I don't get opportunities like this,” Spencer Kuhn, an 8th-grader Academy said. “It’s pretty cool to have my picture on display for see.”
Spencer sketched 3D art with blocking because one of his favorite casso.
The students competed to have their work hung permanently on th
7
side the substation by painting, sketching and drawing. When you walk down the hallway, you’ll find landscapes, animals and lots of pictures of deputies and police cars.
ks of art. The “It’s very cool because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” a Prairie Crossing n art gallery on 4th-grader said. strict. Sheriff Douglas A. Weaver and Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge y Sheriff Da- presented the artists with certificates of excellence for their work. ts, their broth“I just want to tell you, young boys and girls, what a privilege it is to see your artwork,” Partridge said. “I can see the sweetness in each child’s work.” at American everybody to The work was created by students in elementary through high school. As long as Sheriff Weaver has his way, the mini gallery will stay up forever.
e artists is Pi- “When these kids grow up and have their children and grandchildren, they can bring them here to show them what they accomplished many years ago.,” Sheriff Weaver said. 7 he walls in-
8
8
ART GALLERY 9
Douglas County students and their families attend the unveiling of the gallery at the DCSO substation in Highland Ranch Feb. 20th, 2013
9
10
10
HIGH RISK 11
Sudden cardiac death is the number one cause of on-duty first responder fatalities in the US
Sudden cardiac death is the number one cause of on-duty first responder fatalities in the US and accounts for the largest share of deaths year after year, according to the newest issue of Highlight Health. From 1995 to 2004, sudden cardiac death was responsible for 22% of deaths among on-duty law enforcement officers. This is compared to 15% of all deaths in the US workforce during the same period. First responders are often called upon to perform sudden, unpredictable, and stressful bursts of high-intensity and potentially life-threatening actions. Strenuous stimuli produce adrenergic surges and high demands on the cardiovascular system, often triggering acute cardiovascular events. A fight-or-flight response to an emergency situation elevates heart rates and blood pressure and increases the risk of on-duty cardiovascular disease events by 3 to 15 times over nonemergency duty.
WHAT CAUSES CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE
A lack of regular exercise Poor nutrition (sometimes due to limited choices for healthy food choices while on duty) Shift work (sleep disruption/deprivation) Exposure to stress, noise, second-hand tobacco smoke, and/or extreme heat or cold Exposure to environmental toxins, like carbon disulfide, nitroglycerin, and carbon monoxide
HOW TO PREVENT IT:
Eat a healthy diet Maintain a healthy weight Exercise regularly 11 Don't smoke and limit the amount of alcohol you drink
12
“I like to be forward-thinking in this area because the public’s safety is our number one goal.” --Undersheriff Tony Spurlock
Hayman Fire 2002 12
13
13
14
GUNS and HOSES
DROUGHT HAS DEPUTIES DOING DOUBLE DUTY
W
hether it’s gun fire or wild fire, Douglas County Sheriff’s Deputies will battle back. The DCSO has created a special Wildland Fire and Mitigation Crew to help prevent, suppress and fight fires, according to Undersheriff Tony Spurlock.
spond to wildfires in the Douglas County area under supervision. The crew will train with national firefighters and will become red cardcarrying National Wildfire Firefighters.
The team will partner with eight members of the Larkspur Fire Department, creating a 16-member area “We’re going to be prepared when we have team. a wildfire. We want to put it out immediateThe Undersheriff says Franktown Fire ly, have eyes on it immediately and have 2011 instant communications with the National the office received Forest Service, other assisting fire depart- grant money through ments and air support,” Undersheriff Spur- their partnership with Larkspur Fire to train lock said. and outfit the wildland fire team. As the county’s official fire warden, the Sheriff and Undersheriff created the wildland fire team to counter severe drought in the Rocky Mountains this year. Significant wildland fire potential is above normal, according to the Wildland Fire Potential Outlook 2013. “I like to be forward-thinking in this area because the public’s safety is our number one goal,” Spurlock said. “We’ve worked with Douglas County Commissioners, Colorado’s Department of Emergency Management and private sector business that has air support to prepare ourselves for potential wildland fires.” 14
Eight deputies have volunteered to join the special wildland fire team. They’ll re-
15
15
Hayman Fire
16
LET IT GROW: DEPUTIES GO S
Sheriff allows Deputies to grow facial hair until March 15
D
ouglas County Sheriff’s Deputies will look a lit- Sheriff David A. Weaver will tle ragged in the month ahead as their hair grows long, their beards get thicker and their mustaches turn up. And it’s A-OK with the Sheriff. On March 15th, barbers will turn on their electric razors and shave off that long hair. Every buzz cut will help researchers try to find a cure for cancers that strike children. The shave-a-thon is a fundraiser for the St. Baldrick’s Foundation, a non-profit, volunteer-driven organization that relies on the generosity of people to help slow down and stop the insidious diseases. The donations are distributed to research facilities across the United States and allows some of the most brilliant minds to study cancerous cells and research cures for clinical trials. “I urge you as a community member to read about the St. Baldrick’s Foundation and read the stories of some of the bravest warriors battling a microscopic enemy,” Deputy Niles Ackerson says. “Without our help, the doctors can’t help them win their battle.”
Going... David A. Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff
Deputy Ackerson lost a child to cancer. He’s trying to make sure that doesn’t happen to any other parent or child by holding the fundraiser.
16
While most deputies go all-o these days prefers a tight trim
SCRUFFY FOR A GOOD CAUSE 17
th so they can take part in the St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon be sitting in the barber’s
St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon March 15, 2013 Douglas County Fairgrounds & Events Center 500 Fairgrounds Drive
...gone!
Castle Rock, CO 80104 DONATE: https://www.stbaldricks.org/ donate/event/175/2013
...going...
chair along with Deputy Ackerson, dozens of other deputies, their families Ackerson’s goal is to raise $50,000. Can you help? and their friends. Please go to this website and donate: http:// www.stbaldricks.org/events/SheriffYear7 out bald, Sheriff Weaver m. If you’d like any more information, please contact Deputy Niles Ackerson at Nackerso@DCSheriff.net or 303-947-2446 17
18
DEADMA
A murder-mystery show h
E
Undersheriff Tony
If it gives volunteers a purpose, it benefits of Douglas County in ways other counties enforcement can only envy. The DCSO ha ven in the dead of night, when win- than 300 volunteers protecting the public, ter’s drawn his guns and most peo- crime victims and searching and rescuing ple don’t dare leave their homes, they come out. Vol- and neighbors. The program is so successf unteers for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. are almost as many volunteers as there are Whether they’re teaching classes to inmates, helping “This county wouldn’t be the same withou deputies or checking on neighbors, they show no unteers. They do much more than anyone fear. They never quit. Some work one hundred hours absolutely every single area of the office,” a month, for free. sheriff Spurlock said. “We are incredibly g It’s a real mystery why anyone would work so hard them.” for nothing, all the while getting what the UnderThe Douglas County Sheriff’s Office than sheriff calls the ‘stink eye’ from most people they volunteers with a dinner and murder-myst meet. For the Community Safety Volunteers (CSV’s) February 22nd called ‘Deadman’s Gulch’ a there’s also a ten-week academy, frequent training Event Center in Castle Pines. The Undersh and monthly meetings. But without batting an eye, chiefs, captains and other command staff p Toni Reynolds can tell you why volunteers like her cowboy boots and tied on aprons to serve do it. It’s about giving back. ner and desert during a murder-mystery pl “I enjoy being out there and meeting people and “Every day of the week, they serve this co helping people,” Reynolds, who’s been a CSV since Undersheriff Spurlock said. “Tonight, we the program began in 2006. “There are so many peothem. We will wait on them and hope they ple who have retired and they want to be involved how much we appreciate all of their hard w and do something other than stare at four walls. It dedication to this office and to this commu gives people a purpose.” want to say ‘thank you.’” 18
N’S GULCH 19
honors volunteers at the DCSO
y Spurlock: “Thank you.”
s residents s and law as more helping friends full, there e deputies.
ut our volrealizes in ” Undergrateful to
nked the tery show at the Cielo heriff, pulled on them dinlay.
ommunity,” serve y know work and unity. We 19
20
20
21
21
22
HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE AN
I 22
n the transp County She ways ready
They say Mike k court and other c thing. His cowor Mike,� is how m retired. The cake
NDERSEN 23
1987 - 2013
port department where Mike Andersen worked many of his 25 years at the Douglas eriff’s Office, they called him ‘MacGyver,’after the television actor who was aly for an adventure.
knew just about everything when it came to transporting prisoners back and forth to correctional institutions for writs and warrants. He could also fix or repair anyrkers say Mike was incredibly dependable and detail oriented. “Everyone likes most people put it. And so his easy-going way will be sorely missed now that he’s e says it all: Live long and ride hard, Mike! Best wishes. 23
24
S
tephanie Trotter has retired as the Community Safety Volunteer (CSV) Coordinator, but she’s staying on with the program as a CSV volunteer Lieutenant. She started the coordinator job in 2006 and directed the annual CSV academy, volunteer activities and remains as the contact for the Volunteers in Police Service, a national program that promotes acts of service and sacrifice. “She’s organized, very committed, dedicated and I’ll tell you from my 40 years of business experience, she really is able to organize, administrate and manage things. Nothing gets past her,” Walt Wohlgemuth, CSV Lieutentant, said. Stephanie was one of the original 16 volunteers in the DCSO. She quickly raised her hand to help the Special Investigations Unit perform liquor inspections. Her work in that area is so outstanding, the state is adopting her methods and checklist. Since she’s still volunteering her time, we’ll see you around, Stephanie! Thanks for your generosity over the years. 24
25
FROM THE HARMON FAMILY TO DCSO RE: HEROES AND HELPERS “We want to thank you for your generosity during the 2012 Christmas season. I had so much fun shopping at Target for presents. This would not be the case this year if it weren’t for your help. I was able to buy something for both of my children and for my parents as well. Let me also thank you for all the other times you have rescued our family, when our car broke down...when I had several medical emergencies and when our little home was broken into. You made us25 feel safe. You are the good guys and that’s what I want my children to understand. nfir Thank you.
-- The Harmon Family
26
T
Colorado members of the Polic do Deputy Sheriff Association A the Badge in memory of six Co ficers killed in the line of duty i he movie that changes the way you see law enforcement forever.
The documentary highlights the stories of four law enforcement officers who went to work to protect the world and never returned home. It’s a movie about the brave men and women making the ultimate sacrifice. Who they are and why they would ever take such a dangerous job.
Here’s what Captain Darren We iff’s Office, said about the mov
“Those that saw it, found the fil moving experience. The comm showing as well. I don’t mind s tears myself.
The film is a reminder to everyo to be a law enforcement officer minder what an honor and privi
The movie was produced in partnership with the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. On May 13th, Unfortunately it’s also a stark re there will be a candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. to hongers our men and women face e or the legends, both still with us and passed. work. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone WATCH A PREVIEW HERE: interested in law enforcement to see the documentary. watch?v=TMJCOEOGYgg Heroes Behind the Badge received a special screening at the Wildlife 26 Experience in Parker, which was sponsored by
27
SUZANNE BAUER Killed in line of duty
ce Unity Tour and the ColoraAuxiliary of Wives Behind olorado law enforcement ofin 2012.
eekly, Douglas County Shervie:
lm to be a powerful and mand staff recently had a sharing that I shed a few
one that sees it what it means r in this country. It’s a reilege it is to wear a badge.
eminder of the horrific danevery single day they come to http://www.youtube.com/
27
POLICE OFFICER Shot on the job
28
PICTURE S OF THE DAY (Mostly) come from the dinner theater mystery ‘Deadman’s Gulch’ for the volunteers at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office. (Have a funny picture you want to share? Email DSherman@DCSheriff.net)
28