MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF PARKINSON

SHERIFF

WE BEGAN THIS YEAR

with a pandemic that was still raging. And we ended the year with a pandemic still raging but showing signs of significant weakening. This is indeed good news for our country, county, and community. The pandemic has not slowed down what we do here at the Sheriff’s Office. 2021 was a busy year. Perhaps the biggest event happened in April, when we arrested Paul Flores for the murder of Kristin Smart. This arrest made national and international headlines. And I credit all the people here at the Sheriff’s Office who worked on that case over the last 25 years for their dedication and tenacity in bringing it to a conclusion.

And speaking of giving credit. We gave out a large number of awards this year to employees at the Sheriff’s Office for their selfless dedication and commitment to the people of San Luis Obispo County. We presented several lifesaving medals to individuals for things like performing CPR to those requiring medical aid, administering Narcan to overdose victims, and preventing those having a mental health crisis from taking their lives. We also presented our highest ranking medal, the Medal of Valor, to Deputies who were involved in our series of officer involved shootings which took place the previous year.

And while we are on the subject of gratitude, I would like to thank you, the community, for your unwavering support during these challenging times. We have received so many letters, cards, notes, and emails from you over the past year. There were words of encouragement for a job well done, praise for a member of the Sheriff’s Office who helped a family member through a difficult time, or perhaps it just a simple thank you for keeping our community safe. Believe me it has not gone unnoticed.

FROM ALL OF US HERE AT THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE, THANK YOU. AND HERE’S TO A NEW YEAR FILLED WITH PROMISE AND PURPOSE.

IAN PARKINSON

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff-Coroner