JUNE 2013
THE BRIEFING ROOM THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE MAGAZINE
KINDERGARTEN COPS DEPUTIES TEACH KIDS ABOUT LAW ENFORCMENT
JOLIE VOITURE IN FRENCH, THAT’S “PRETTY CAR.”
EXCUSEZ-MOI?
HEROES AMONG US THE BEST OF 2013 HONORED IN CEREMONY
FLAME OF HOPE CARRYING THE TORCH FOR SPECIAL OLYMPICS
APRIL MAY
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COVER: HONOR WITH KINDERGARTEN DIGNITY COPS Patrol Deputies The DCSO’s Honor often spend Guard trains hours and prepares to helping children in Ofrepresent the Sheriff’s Douglas County fice 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 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
www.DCSheriff.net FACEBOOK: www.Facebook.com/ DouglasCountySheriff
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Message from the Sheriff
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Community Leader of the Year
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Wag your tail!
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Une auto c’est grande!
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Heroes Among Us
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Wildland Fire Handcrew BEHIND BADGE COVER THE STORY: With Undersheriff KINDERGARTEN COPS Tony Spurlock
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CAMP for kids
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Out of the Darkness Walk
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National Police Week
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Undersheriff Spurlock
52 K-9 Demo for students 53 Blue Thunder Ride 54 Flame of Hope
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DCS&R to the Rescue!
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CSV grads of 2013
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How we made the photo
56 Wildlife on the move 58 Make ‘em laugh 60 A powerful retreat
MESSAGE FROM SHERIFF DAVID A. WEAVER The National Interagency Fire Center has just predicted there’s potential for significant wildfires across Colorado this summer. While we’re hoping for the best, we’re preparing for the worst. You can help. Please fireproof your home and neighborhood. How? The National Fire Protection Association offers great tips:
Clear leaves and other debris from gutters, porches and decks.
Remove dead vegetation from under your deck and within 10 feet of the house.
Remove anything stored under decks or porches
Remove flammable materials like firewood stacks and propane tanks within 30 feet of your home’s foundation and outbuildings.
Wildfire can spread to tree tops so prune the lowest branches 10 feet from the ground. Keep your lawn hydrated and maintained.
Captain Attila Denes and his wife Cory at awards banquet, May 2013
COMMUNITY LEADER OF THE YEAR
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he Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network (ADMHN) honored Captain Attila Denes of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office with the Distinguished Service and Pat Echtermeyer Community Hero awards.
The accolades recognize Captain Denes for his leadership in policy and funding issues for mental health. He also made a significant, long-term contribution to eliminate the stigma of mental illness and increase access to treatment. Denes spent eight years on the board of ADMHN and nine years serving on the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office’s Crisis Intervention Team. He also led the formation of the Crisis Intervention Teams Association of Colorado, of which he is now a director. The association’s mission is to get everyone to work together, from first responders to police to prosecutors, to recognize and appropriately deal with mental illness. “The captain’s advocacy has proven invaluable to the clients, staff and partners of the organization at the local, state, and national level,” ADMHN leaders said.
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Friends of Douglas County K-9 Launches First Annual “Wag Your Tail” Dog Walk and BBQ Family friendly event to increase community awareness of Douglas County K-9 Unit. On June 22, the first annual “Wag Your Tail” Dog Walk and BBQ will take place at the Hidden Mesa Open Space in Franktown.
This is a family event for Douglas County residents to have fun and teach adults and children about the law enforcement benefits of the Douglas County K-9 Unit. -
The Friends of Douglas County K 9 nonprofit raises needed funds for the unit and this event will benefit that cause.
For registration and information, please visit http://k9friends.org/
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WE’RE
BIG
This month, the French Magazine, “Pro Securite” highlighte
Charger. If you translate the article, it says the car is cool
This sight in low-angle shot accentua the Dodge Charger, here in service w county of Douglas in the state of Co fires of penetration on the push-bar
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IN EUROPE d n ra
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ed the Douglas County Sheriff’s new Patrol Dodge
l. Well, something like that. The literal translation is:
ates more of the the racing lines of within the office of the Sheriff of the olorado. Note the presence of two bodyguard of Setina brand before
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HEY RAN TO HELP, BREATHED LIFE INTO THE LIFELESS AND STARED DOWN DANGER. There were
also those who, day in and day out, fought to improve our world. On May 15th, Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver and Castle Rock Police Chief Jack Cauley recognized the residents, officers and deputies who made a difference in 2013.
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HEROES AMONG US THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & CASTLE ROCK POLICE DEPARTMENT’S 2013 AWARDS
Deputy Greg Black Kira Suurvarik and the Juvenile Assessment Center (Citizen) and Detective Shawn Cronce Deputy Carols Aguilar Bob McDougal, Lynn McDougal Deputies John Glassburner, Chance Nicholson, William Mathis, John Lynch, Jeff Burke, Detective Michelle Herring, Tommy Hanson, Sergeant Jeff Engle. Sergeant Chris Washburn Jerry Poulos Officers Benjamin Leach, David Cornell and Lee Gizzi. Deputy Robert Simonich Deputy Wes Clements Officers Weston Body, Jacob Coyle, Lee Gizzi, Thomas O’Donnell &Todd Thompson Dispatchers Lindsay Barron, Kimberly De Claire, Michelle Grizzle, Matthew J. Tidrow. Sergeant Marc Ruisi, Sergeant Randall Spe aect, Corporal Timothy Grandy, Officer Rob ert Foster, Officer Fabiola Jacquez-Lauther, Officer Adrian Mendez, Officer Seth Morrissey Deputies Ken Olin, Adam Moorman and Mark O’Harold Lieutenant Dan McMillan, Deputy John Glass burner, Deputy Greg Black, Deputy Joseph Spezzano, Agent Jason Walter, CRPD Cor poral Timothy Grandy, CRPD Officer Adrian Mendez, CRPD Officer Thomas O’Donnell, PPD Officer Max Keeler, LTPD Sergeant Dan Brite, Aurora PD Officer Richard Romero, SMFD Medic Jason Schierkolk, SMFD Medic Brian McCoy
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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office & Larkspur Fire’s Wildland Fire Handcrew in action at the Blue Bell Fire, June 2013
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KINDERGARTEN COPS
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hat’s more exciting than recess? For kindergarteners at American Academy, it’s a chance to meet Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies and ask them lots and lots of questions. The five and six-year-old’s wanted to know how much the belts weigh. 30 pounds, according to Deputy John Compton, because he’s carrying a gun, magazines with ammunition, a Taser, an ASP, baton, handcuffs and a flashlight. He’s also wearing a cell phone and a police radio. Whew! What’s their most important piece of equipment? Deputies Brian Benns and Kirk Kimball agree it’s their bulletproof vests that keep them safe from harm. Just for fun, Deputy Compton let kids try to dent the 10-pound armor. The kids also wanted to check out those radar speed guns. So, the deputies “clocked” the kids to see who ran the fastest. Deputies visit as many schools as possible across the county to teach kids about law enforcement. By the time the visit was over at AA in May, a lot of kids raised their hands to say they want to be law enforcement when they grow up.
Students learn how fast they can run as Deputies Brian Benns and Kirk Kimball clock their speed with radar guns.
Deputy John Compton shows student how to turn on lights and sirens as Deputy Kirk Kimball uses his radar gun to check the speed of student runners.
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KIDS BULLYING, CUTTING, ANGRY, HATING THEMSELVES‌
If your child deals with any of these issues, this program teaches coping strategies and healthy habits for dealing with depression, anxiety, bipolar, ADHD, trauma and self-esteem problems.
Families, friends, medical or mental health care providers can refer individuals to C.A.M.P. by calling Highlands 24/7 to schedule a free assessment by Highlands Behavioral Health System. Day treatment for kids ages 9+. (720) 348-2800
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This September 7th, 2013, help us bring the suicide crisis Out of the Darkness. Everyone should know that 27 people have killed themselves in Douglas County so far this year. Last year, we lost 46 people. Walk with us and hundreds of others in the Out of the Darkness South Metro Walk at Highlands Ranch High School. The walk is 2.9 miles. Proceeds benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention which focuses on reducing loss of life from suicide.
DETAILS
September 7, 2013 at 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. At Highlands Ranch High School, 9375 Cresthill Ceremonies and a 2.9-mile walk To register or donate, http://tinyurl.com/lfpuqet To learn more, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Or Contact Sheri Cole at 303.565.9215 or cole1235@comcast.net
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Go Greased Lightning!
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emember Danny, Sandy, Frenchy, Rizzo and the gang in the movie Grease? Their look-alikes at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office took top honors at the 2013 SungateKids Bowlathon. They won the Spirit Award for the fourth time, and received another coveted bowling pin trophy for fundraising. They raised $3900 and finished in 8th place out of 48 teams. Every single penny of the donations goes directly to SungateKids to provide forensic interviews and support services for abused children and their families. Detective Dea Aragon of DCSO’s Special Victim’s Unit says, “Everyone had a great time! We sincerely thank everyone who supported the team and SungateKids.”
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About SungateKids
It costs SungateKids approximately $350 per child to provide their invaluable services, and they rely almost entirely on donations from the communities they serve. Last year alone they provided their services to over 1000 children and their families. Every year, thousands of children become victims of physical abuse, sexual abuse and neglect. Prevention is critical - but equally critical is what happens to child victims once they disclose abuse or neglect. SungateKids serves the 18th Judicial District and is a child-focused program in which representatives from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical and victim advocacy work together to conduct interviews and make team decisions about investigation, treatment, management and prosecution of child abuse cases. Child victims are brought to SungateKids shortly after the crime is committed and they serve as an unbiased resource to law enforcement and child protective services by providing forensic interviews.
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ALL PHOTOGRAPHY BY Deputy John Lynch
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wo Douglas County Sheriff’s Office deputies traveled to the nation’s capital for National Police Week to pay their respect to the men and women who have been killed on the job while protecting others.
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onor Guard team leader Deputy John Lynch and member Deputy Dawn Elzi took part in the memorial ceremonies.
In 2012, 120 officers across the country were killed in the line of duty. Six were from Colorado. Deputy Lynch snapped pictures during the candlelight vigil, Honor Guard and Pipe and Drum competitions and other ceremonies. You can see his moving photographs at the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office and its Highlands Ranch Substation. Deputy Lynch says the police who were killed are real heroes. “They knew they weren’t invincible, still they placed themselves in mortal danger so that others, including the loved ones they left behind, would be free to live, love, marry and to simply be free.” The deputies are thankful for the opportunity to go to Police week, which was filled with emotion and experience. “I want to especially thank Undersheriff Tony Spurlock for our ability to go to Washington, D.C. and represent the residents of Douglas County and the Sheriff’s Office this year,” Lynch said. “Undersheriff Spurlock told the Honor Guard that he believes at least two of us should go to the important event, and he made sure it happened.”
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yone interested in a case can alerts for timely information fter years of fighting for bond out or otherwise releas crime victims’ rights, DougCorrections. The Colorado D las County Sheriff’s offia system different than VINE cials and other advocates witnessed the Governor sign a new law May 28th that funds a statewide high-tech ”Knowing when their perpet an essential safety issue for v program that alerts victims if their perpetrators get out of jail. they can enroll in and get inf “It’s a great day for the safety of victims,” Undersheriff Tony SpurVictim Assistance Coordinat lock said. “This gives law enforcement a more sophisticated avenue fice Victim Assistance Progr to contact victims of crimes and to fulfill the Victims’ Bill of Rights.” If you’d like to register for V The new law provides $400,000 annually to fund a victim notification system. The program used in Colorado is Victim Information & Notification Everyday (VINE). Victims of crimes, law enforcement or anDouglas County Sheriff’ Office employees, County Sheriff’s of CO, CO Organization for Victim Assistance, Dept. of Criminal Justice, lawmakers and others fought the battle to fund victim notification system or VINE
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n sign up and receive phone, email or text n about when suspects are transferred, sed from jail or the Department of Youth Department of Corrections currently uses E.
trator is in jail or about to be released is victims and having a system like this that formation is a big plus,” Patty Moschner, tor of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Ofram, said.
VINE, go to http://tinyurl.com/p58hrgu
DCSO Undersheriff Tony Spurlock witnesses Colorado Governor sign bill that helps victims DCSO Undersheriff Tony Spurlock meets with State Rep. Rhonda Fields (D-42) and DCSO’s Victim Assistance Coordinator Patty Moschner
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DEPUTY RONALD M. KING Deputy Ron King served his community as a deputy sheriff with the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, and worked in the traffic enforcement unit. In 1999, Deputy Ron King, while patrolling on his motorcycle, was struck and killed by a DUI driver. It is in his honor that the Ron King Organization was formed. Traditionally, the Ron King Organization has supported the youth of our community by awarding college scholarships. The organization also contributes to the maintenance of the law enforcement memorial located at the entrance of the Douglas County Justice Center. The Ron King Organization is a registered charity with the Colorado Secretary of State and is also recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c) (3) organization.
HAT’S HOW THEY ROLL...
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tudents got a lucky strike from Douglas County Sheriff’s deputies, their families and friends who raised money for them during a bowlathon. The Blue Thunder Bowling Tournament on March 25th benefited Ron King Student Financial Assistance grants that help students pay for books, supplies, registration fees and anything else that will help them stay in school and succeed.
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A 41 year old mountain bike rider participating in the Indian Creek Rocky Mountain Endurance Series was injured on May 18,which required transport by AirLife Medical. The lengthy rescue was a unified effort by Douglas County Search and Rescue, West Metro Fire, and AirLife.
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CSV GRAD
8TH DCSO COMMUNITY ACADEMY GRADUATES WIFE TE
CONGRATS!
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n May 16, the Douglas Count their 8th Community Safety V ation.
There were 18 volunteers from this ye senting four agencies to include the D partment, Castle Rock Police Departm ty Sheriff’s Office Posse. Two of the ne Bensfield and Annmarie Scott.
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DS 2013
Y SAFETY VOLUNTEER WITH HUSBAND AND EAM
ty Sheriff’s Office held Volunteer Academy gradu-
ear’s academy repreDCSO, Lone Tree Police Dement and the Elbert Counew CSV’s are married; Bob
CONGRATS!
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(Turn the page)
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K-9 DEMO Douglas County Sheriff David A. Weaver and the K-9 Unit show students at Summit View Elementary School how police canines find missing people, sniff out drugs and track down bad guys.
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The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office carries Flame of Hope for special athletes On May 30th, Douglas County Sheriff’s employees carried the Flame of Hope eight miles along the Cherry Creek Trail to support a group of very special athletes with Special Olympics Colorado. The walk ended in Challenger Park at the Parker Rec Center where Chick- Fil- A donated lunch. As in years past, more than 900 law enforcement statewide took part in Colorado’s Law Enforcement Torch Run during the month of May.
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Sure seemed like a good idea at the time...
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Of the many wildlife mitigation projects CDOT has constructed statewide, some focus on changing driver behavior (real-time detection, lowered speed limits, signs), while others are designed to alter animal behavior (fencing, ramps, underpasses). More projects are planned for future construction seasons; currently CDOT has two wildlife projects underway: I-70 Rifle to Canyon Creek: The project, contracted for $2.8 million, includes 48 miles of wildlife fencing (including some replacement of existing fencing), 54 wildlife escape ramps (one-way earthen ramps that allow animals to escape the highway right of way), 15 deer guards (like cattle guards at highway accesses, only wider). SH 82 east of Carbondale: Wildlife mitigation is part of a larger highway surface treatment and safety-improvement project that was contracted for $7.1 million and partially funded by FASTER. Wildlife features include 37,500 linear feet of wildlife fencing, 8 deer guards, 17 escape ramps and 15 fence gates for pedestrian access.
Nancy Shanks, CDOT Public Relations (970) 385-1428/749-3579 mobile
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News from the CO Dept of Transportation WILDLIFE ON THE MOVE! Spring migration may be winding down, but wildlife are still present near highways, particularly from dusk to dawn As of June 1, those roadside reminders to slow down at night in specifically designated “wildlife corridors” are outside the enforcement period. It’s up to motorists this summer to simply do what’s always been recommended by the Colorado Department of Transportation, the Colorado State Patrol, Colorado Parks and Wildlife, and numerous other agencies and wildlife advocates. “In our state, it just makes good safe sense to slow down and drive with extra caution in wildlife areas, particularly at night,” Colorado State Patrol Captain Rich Duran said. “If you live here, you know. Wildlife are always present and when it’s dark, they are moving and we cannot see them as clearly—slowing down gives all motorists that extra protection necessary to avoid a collision.” Wildlife legislation, sponsored in 2010 by Representative Kathleen Curry and Senator Gail Schwartz called for lowered nighttime speeds and doubled fines for speeding at night in designated “wildlife crossing zones.” (There are no fines for hitting an animal.) From October 1 through June 1, fines are doubled for speeding in all signed zones (please see more about the bill and zones on a press release posted at: http://www.coloradodot.info/news/2012-news-releases/10-2012/wildlife-on-themove). The lowered nighttime speed legislation is just one attempt to mitigate wildlifevehicle collisions (WVCs) on Colorado’s state highways. CDOT—in consultation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife—continues to construct wildlife fence, escape ramps, deer guards, underpasses and more, as well as run pilot projects in high-collision areas to help bring WVCs down.
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