THE BRIEFING ROOM
April 2013
The magazine of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office
HONOR WITH DIGNITY DCSO’S HONOR GUARD
PROBLEMNO PROBLEM NO PAY, NO THANKS, New volunteers step up to serve Academy 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
APRIL 2013 COVER: HONOR WITH DIGNITY The DCSO’s Honor Guard trains and prepares to represent the Sheriff’s Office during community events. MAGAZINE CONTACT: Deborah Sherman Community Resources DSherman@DCSheriff.net 303.660.7544 Sgt. Ron Hanavan Community Resources RHanavan@DCSheriff.net FIND US ONLINE:
www.DCSheriff.net CALENDER OF EVENTS:
www.DCSheriff.net FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/ DouglasCountySheriff
INSIDE 2
Message from the Sheriff
4
Community Safety Volunteers 8th Academy
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Adventure into Extraordinary
12
Active Killer training
16
COVER STORY: Honor Guard
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On the scene with the Guard BEHIND THE BADGE With Undersheriff Tony Spurlock
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24
Gunfire and Wildfire
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Deputy Ann Walton accolade
29 Carrying the Torch for kids 30
A Mammoth time for injured vet
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Going bald for good cause
34 Biting the bullet 39
Memorial Service for Clements
40
Picture of the day!
MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF DAVID A. WEAVER
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Parker. Homes For Our Troops, the national non-profit dedicated to helping injured vets,
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
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!
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 desperately need it.
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 appreciated.”
A buzzing Easter bunny drops thousands of eggs at Castle View High School, Castle Rock Saturday, March 30, 2103
Welcome Community Safety V 8th Academ
Volunteers my
CSV’S LEARN TO DEFEND THEMSELVES DURING THE 8TH ACADEMY
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he 8th Community Safety Volunteer Academy is in full swing (see the picture.)
We have 8 new volunteers who will be volunteering 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!
“I made many fantastic, worthwhile friends.
Young ladies find support and new friends during the firs in the Douglas County School District. The next retreat i
. I'll be keeping in touch with all of them.”
t overnight “Power of Positive Relationships” retreat is May 10th-11th. For more, AWalton@DCSheriff.net
AN ADVENTURE INTO THE EXTRAORDINARY
girls face every day in a variety of relationships.”
Parents also had great things to say. “I appreciate this opportunity A retreat for high school girls to thrust my daughter into the makes lifelong difference. world to learn how to improve on her life skills and relationships. I any account, the Doug- have two other daughters at las County School Dis- home and would love this opportunity to continue so they trict’s and the Douglas County may also participate one day!” Sheriff Office’s first ‘Girls’ Empowerment Retreat’ was a huge The first retreat was held Februsuccess. ary 15 and 16 at the old Emily The young ladies, in grades 9 Griffith Center in the Outdoor Edthrough 12, are calling it an exucation Center. perience they will never forget. next overnight retreat is May “I learned to be open minded and The th th more accepting,” wrote one girl. 10 at 5:00 p.m. to May 11 at 3:00 p.m. Another said she, “feels more
By
confident.” Other girls say they th th It’s for girls in 9 through 12 learned to not care what others say about them and to “not judge grades only in the Douglas County School District. The event before you meet someone.” will be held again the Outdoor Education Center in Larkspur, Retreat Facilitator Deputy Ann CO. Walton says she couldn’t have hoped for a better or more successful weekend.
Parents will join their daughter(s) for lunch and a celebration ceremony on Saturday afternoon at 12:30 p.m.
“We started with 10 of the 13 girls stating they were forced to attend…and ended with all 13 teens who made friendships and The retreat is free for participants because it’s funded through a connections they will never forDouglas County School District get!” Deputy Walton said. Student Wellness grant. “It was also an experience I will never forget; very humbling experience with 13 amazing girls. I gained more insight and knowledge of the challenges our
For more information, contact Student Wellness at 303.387.0095 or contact Deputy Ann Walton at AWalton@DCSheriff.net
Retreat facili
“Th eve lear com
itators Staci McCormack and Deputy Ann Walton show young ladies a new path to take in life
hank you Ms. Ann and Ms. Staci for erything. I had the greatest weekend. I rned and experienced so much. I hope to me 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 ThunderRidge High School. To make the active killer training as real as possible, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office sought help from volunteer student actors 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 ThunderRidge High School.
“All
of the members do this job because they’ of the Sheriff’s Office and honor those --Lt. Keith Penry, DCSO H
’re honoring the flag of the United States and who have made the ultimate sacrifice.� Honor Guard Unit Leader
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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 performed with precision about three times a year.
ditions of self-sacrifice, ethics, and a willingness 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 impeccaBut this year, they’ll train at least six times and ble and beyond reproach,” lt. Penry said. conduct many more performances. That means you’ll see them post colors and carry out the “We have a very dedicated group of individu21-gun salute at funerals, during special cere- als who find a way to make it work. It’s the monies and at places like the Wildlife Museum job you take to heart.” and basketball games. The guard will train frequently throughout the “Members of the Honor Guard do this job be- year, polishing their performance to perfeccause they’re honoring the flag of the United tion. States and of the Sheriff’s Office. They’re also honoring those who have made the ultimate They have to be ready at a moment’s notice sacrifice,” Lt. Keith Penry, the longest-serving without hesitation. They want to be prepared member, said. “They do it because it’s the right for the day they need to honor a fallen officer. thing to do.” “Being here means I get to honor everyone DCSO’s Honor Guard began in 1999 when else for their service and be part of their event. Deputy Ron King was killed on duty by a It’s a humbling experience. At the end of serdrunk driver. The Sheriff’s Office needed a vices, you’ll often see people with tears special way to recognize King with the honor streaming down their faces and they’ll say, and respect he deserved. Since then, the unit ‘Thank you.’ It’s not about me. It’s the opporhas grown to nine members. tunity to serve others,” Lt. Penry said. “I love it.” Only the top of the class gets to be part of the guard. The deputies must meet all of the components 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 tra2002 DCSO Honor Guard
HONOR GUARD ON THE SCENE
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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.
Tony Spurlock Douglas County Sheriff’s Office UNDERSHERIFF
Behind the Badge
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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.
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 training to help prevent and suppress fires in and around Douglas County. To stay on the team, they have to complete fireline safety training and an ardous pack test. And to think they volunteered for this! Good luck and congratulations, crew!
DEPUTY ANN WALTON 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”.
2013 LAW ENFORCEMENT TORCH RUN EVENTS
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During the month of May, hundreds of LETR officers and Special Olympics Colorado athletes 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 Trailhead at the Cherry Creek Trail, ending at Challenger Park in Parker. DONATE HERE: http://tinyurl.com/DCSOtorchrun REGISTER HERE: http://tinyurl.com/torchrunregister
AT
Re
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ing
Oc ter ey
Nic Te Ga mi
THLETES SHOW INJURED VET A MAMMOTH TIME
etired Army Corporal faces off with team captain and given player’s jersey
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he winner at the Colorado Mammoth’s game in February was an honorary member of the team; retired Army Corporal Nick Orchowski.
The soldier’s story played on the jumbotron in front of 16,000 cheerg fans.
chowski was severely injured during his first deployment in Iraq in 2004 afr his convoy came under attack. But the warzone felt far away in the hocky rink.
ck had a ceremonial face-off with Team Captain Gavin Prout and with the eam Captain of the Edmonton Rush. Then, Nick’s favorite player, Forward avin Prout #9 from Oshawa, ON, gave Nick the jersey of his back. Other ilitary 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
On March 15th, 2013 the Douglas County Sheriff's Off fight childhood cancer with St. Baldrick's. The event w stepson Chase died from a brain tumor at age 15 and by daughter Isabelle from cancer. Help conquer childhood
WATCH THE VIDEO: http://ti
Friends celebrate the life of Austin Williams, who died just days before the event
fice held the 7th annual shave-a-thon to raise money to was started by Chief Holly Nicholson-Kluth, whose y Deputy Niles Ackerson, who lost his 8-month-old d cancer. www.StBaldricks.org
inyurl.com/DCSOstbaldricks
Famous trainer teaches K-9’s how to bite and hold on
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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 police 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 County Sheriff’s Office, the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office and Commerce 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, deputies 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
Denver Post Photo
Denver Post
Denver Post
MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR TOM CLEMENTS CO Dept. of Corrections Director March 25th, 2013 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-correctionschief-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.”
“I LOVE BIG TIRES!
“MEANIE” and Deanna Rosetta