This is a tragic day, one that has become far too common. A gunman opened fire last night at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks. The shooter killed 12 people, including Sheriff’s Sgt. Ron Helus from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. Sgt. Helus was a 29-year law enforcement veteran, who was set to retire soon. Helus entered that bar with the intention of saving lives and sadly lost his own life in doing so. He is a true hero and will always be remembered as such.
The general election is less than two weeks away on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. When you cast your ballot, please remember to keep law enforcement in mind. Here is a list of the candidates and measures AOCDS is endorsing:
The video released to the public by criminal attorney Scott Sanders shows an incident that occurred in the city of Stanton in August. Two deputies were responding to a citizen complaint. The brave actions of the deputies prevented the criminal defendant, who was obviously intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, from driving a 5,000-pound vehicle and potentially crashing into a family on their way to church on a Sunday morning…”
The AOCDS Pipe Band has been incredibly busy performing at all kinds of events. The band is currently looking for new members to help them accommodate all the requests. Do you have what it takes? Watch our recruitment video at https://www.facebook.com/AOCDS/videos/1964894493553769/ for what you need to know… and be sure to share it with all your law enforcement and civilian acquaintances.
Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr. has signed Assembly Bill (AB) 1749 into law. AB 1749 clarifies that fully sworn peace officers can file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits if, while in the midst of pursuit, apprehension, protection or preservation of life or property within or out of the state, the officer suffers injury, disability or death. This is a bill AOCDS proudly sponsors and has been fighting for in the legislature since the Las Vegas mass shooting nearly one year ago.
AOCDS member Artin Baron is running for the position of general member on the OCERS board of directors. This election is extremely important, because all positions on the board directly affect all county employees, including AOCDS members. The incumbent has voted with the anti-pension Lincoln Club appointee to raise your pension costs, not once, but twice. The AOCDS board of directors, including OCERS safety member Roger Hilton, strongly endorses Artin Baron.
We are saddened to tell you that one of our own and his family are going through a very difficult time right now. Sixteen-year-old Timothy Schwitters, son of OCSD Sergeant Shawn Schwitters and his wife Michelle, was diagnosed with stage IV Hodgkin Lymphoma last December.
After an extended and potentially dangerous squabble over which agency is better equipped to handle air rescues, Orange County fire and sheriff’s officials said Wednesday they’ve come up with a plan that emphasizes teamwork and will enable safer and more efficient emergency responses.
The AOCDS Memorial Fund assists peace officers or the families of officers who are killed or injured in the line of duty, suffering from a serious medical condition, experiencing a catastrophic circumstance, disabled, or retired and in need of assistance. This includes, but is not limited to, sworn deputy sheriffs or peace officers with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, district attorney’s office, probation department and OC Parks. The fund also helps qualifying officers across the state of California and awards annual scholarships to select children of members entering their first year at a college or university, among many other things.
The AOCDS Memorial Fund is a fully recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
*Once you select a Monthly Recurring Donation or One-Time Donation amount, click NEXT, and you will be able to indicate the recipient of your donation: the AOCDS Memorial Fund, a specific cause or a specific member.