briefing room february 2013
DESCRIPTION
Guns & Hoses: DCSO creates a new wildland fire team, Deadman's Gulch: a show to thank volunteers, plus a student art gallery inside the Douglas County Sheriff's Office substation in Highlands Ranch!TRANSCRIPT
NEW WILDLAND FIRE TEAM IGNITES DCSO
Guns & Hoses: Deputies battle gun fire and wild fire
Waverton Ranch Fire
2010
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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
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 war-
time disaster. The saying applies today as
it did then.
It’s tempting to hide out after gunmen
take aim at our children in schools and
neighbors in a movie theater. It’s tempting
to give up. Don’t.
Our deputies are driving by Douglas
County schools, checking on your kids
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
criminals and eases your concerns about
school safety. You can read more about
what we’re doing to keep your kids safe by
clicking here: http://tinyurl.com/
DCSOschoolsafety and
http://tinyurl.com/DCSOschoolsafety2
COVER:
GUNS & HOSES
The Douglas County
Sheriff’s Office cre-
ates deputy firefight-
ers to battle wildland
fires this year.
MAGAZINE
CONTACT:
Deborah Sherman-
Community Resources
DSher-
303.660.7544
Sgt. Ron Hanavan-
Community Resources
RHanav-
FIND US ONLINE:
www.DCSheriff.net
CALENDER OF
EVENTS:
www.DCSheriff.net
FACEBOOK:
www.Facebook.com/
DouglasCountySheriff
FE
BR
UA
RY
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SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL SUPER BOWL WEEKEND WEEKEND WEEKEND SUPER BAD SUPER BAD SUPER BAD
FOR DRUNK DRIVERS IN COLORADOFOR DRUNK DRIVERS IN COLORADOFOR DRUNK DRIVERS IN COLORADO
A record 421 people were arrested for Driving Under the Influ-
ence (DUI) over Super Bowl weekend this year, more than any
other Super Bowl weekend since the statewide DUI enforce-
ment 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 enforce-
ment 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 enforce-
ment agencies to participate in the enforcement rather than just
the agencies in the Denver metro, Front Range and Mesa Coun-
ty areas. CDOT attributes the rise in arrests to this heightened
enforcement.
More than 100 law enforcement agencies across the state ar-
rested 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 consider-
ably when compared with 2012 when 275 arrests were made
statewide.
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5 Students in Douglas County got Students in Douglas County got Students in Douglas County got
their own permanent art gallery in-their own permanent art gallery in-their own permanent art gallery in-
side the Douglas County Sheriff’s side the Douglas County Sheriff’s side the Douglas County Sheriff’s
Office substation in Highlands Office substation in Highlands Office substation in Highlands
Ranch in February 2013.Ranch in February 2013.Ranch in February 2013.
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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.
STUDENTS’ WORK WILL BE ON DISPLAY
FOR YEARS TO COME
ART GALLERY
No mug shots here
It ’s not your typical museum. They’re not your typical works of art. The
Douglas County substation in Highlands Ranch became an art gallery on
February 20th for students in nearly every school in the district.
With a chorus of voices helping him count down, Douglas County Sheriff Da-
vid A. Weaver unveiled the art gallery to the applause of the artists, their broth-
ers and sisters and moms and dads.
“I don't get opportunities like this,” Spencer Kuhn, an 8th-grader at American
Academy said. “It’s pretty cool to have my picture on display for everybody to
see.”
Spencer sketched 3D art with blocking because one of his favorite artists is Pi-
casso.
The students competed to have their work hung permanently on the walls in-
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.
“It’s very cool because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” a Prairie Crossing
4th-grader said.
Sheriff Douglas A. Weaver and Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge
presented the artists with certificates of excellence for their work.
“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.”
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.
“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.,” Sher-
iff Weaver said.
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No mug shots here
It ’s not your typical museum. They’re not your typical works of art. The
Douglas County substation in Highlands Ranch became an art gallery on
February 20th for students in nearly every school in the district.
With a chorus of voices helping him count down, Douglas County Sheriff Da-
vid A. Weaver unveiled the art gallery to the applause of the artists, their broth-
ers and sisters and moms and dads.
“I don't get opportunities like this,” Spencer Kuhn, an 8th-grader at American
Academy said. “It’s pretty cool to have my picture on display for everybody to
see.”
Spencer sketched 3D art with blocking because one of his favorite artists is Pi-
casso.
The students competed to have their work hung permanently on the walls in-
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.
“It’s very cool because it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity,” a Prairie Crossing
4th-grader said.
Sheriff Douglas A. Weaver and Douglas County Commissioner Roger Partridge
presented the artists with certificates of excellence for their work.
“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.”
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.
“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.,” Sher-
iff Weaver said.
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Douglas County students and their
families attend the unveiling of the
gallery at the DCSO substation in
Highland Ranch Feb. 20th, 2013
ART GALLERY
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11 HIGH RISK 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 work-force 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
Don't smoke and limit the amount of alcohol you drink
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Hayman Fire
2002
“I like to be forward-thinking in this area because
the public’s safety is our number one goal.”
--Undersheriff Tony Spurlock
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DROUGHT HAS DEPU-
TIES 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, ac-
cording to Undersheriff Tony Spurlock.
“We’re going to be prepared when we have
a wildfire. We want to put it out immediate-
ly, have eyes on it immediately and have
instant communications with the National
Forest Service, other assisting fire depart-
ments and air support,” Undersheriff Spur-
lock said.
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 Depart-
ment of Emergency Management and
private sector business that has air sup-
port to prepare ourselves for potential
wildland fires.”
Eight deputies have volunteered to join
the special wildland fire team. They’ll re-
spond to wildfires in
the Douglas County
area under supervi-
sion. The crew will
train with national
firefighters and will
become red card-
carrying National
Wildfire Firefighters.
The team will partner
with eight members
of the Larkspur Fire
Department, creating
a 16-member area
team.
The Undersheriff says
the office received
grant money through
their partnership with Larkspur Fire to train
and outfit the wildland fire team.
GUNS and HOSES
Franktown Fire
2011
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Hayman Fire
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D ouglas County Sheriff’s Deputies will look a lit-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 15
th, 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 re-search facilities across the United States and allows some of the most brilliant minds to study cancerous cells and re-search 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 brav-est warriors battling a microscopic ene-my,” Deputy Niles Ackerson says. “Without our help, the doctors can’t help them win their battle.” 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.
Sheriff David A. Weaver will be sitting in the barber’s
chair along with Deputy Ackerson, dozens of other deputies, their families and their friends.
While most deputies go all-out bald, Sheriff Weaver these days prefers a tight trim.
Ackerson’s goal is to raise $50,000. Can you help? Please go to this website and donate: http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/SheriffYear7 If you’d like any more information, please contact Deputy Niles Ackerson at [email protected] or 303-947-2446
Sheriff allows Deputies to grow facial hair until March 15th so they can take part in the St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon
LET IT GROW: DEPUTIES GO SCRUFFY FOR A GOOD CAUSE
...going...
Going...
David A. Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff
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D ouglas County Sheriff’s Deputies will look a lit-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 15
th, 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 re-search facilities across the United States and allows some of the most brilliant minds to study cancerous cells and re-search 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 brav-est warriors battling a microscopic ene-my,” Deputy Niles Ackerson says. “Without our help, the doctors can’t help them win their battle.” 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.
Sheriff David A. Weaver will be sitting in the barber’s
chair along with Deputy Ackerson, dozens of other deputies, their families and their friends.
While most deputies go all-out bald, Sheriff Weaver these days prefers a tight trim.
Ackerson’s goal is to raise $50,000. Can you help? Please go to this website and donate: http://www.stbaldricks.org/events/SheriffYear7 If you’d like any more information, please contact Deputy Niles Ackerson at [email protected] or 303-947-2446
...gone!
Sheriff allows Deputies to grow facial hair until March 15th so they can take part in the St. Baldrick’s shave-a-thon
LET IT GROW: DEPUTIES GO SCRUFFY FOR A GOOD CAUSE
...going...
Going...
David A. Weaver, Douglas County Sheriff
St. Baldrick’s Shave-a-thon
March 15, 2013
Douglas County Fairgrounds &
Events Center
500 Fairgrounds Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80104
DONATE:
https://www.stbaldricks.org/
donate/event/175/2013
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DEADMAN’S GULCH A murder-mystery show honors volunteers at the DCSO
Undersheriff Tony Spurlock: “Thank you.”
E ven in the dead of night, when win-
ter’s drawn his guns and most peo-
ple don’t dare leave their homes, they come out. Vol-
unteers for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Whether they’re teaching classes to inmates, helping
deputies or checking on neighbors, they show no
fear. They never quit. Some work one hundred hours
a month, for free.
It’s a real mystery why anyone would work so hard
for nothing, all the while getting what the Under-
sheriff calls the ‘stink eye’ from most people they
meet. For the Community Safety Volunteers (CSV’s)
there’s also a ten-week academy, frequent training
and monthly meetings. But without batting an eye,
Toni Reynolds can tell you why volunteers like her
do it. It’s about giving back.
“I enjoy being out there and meeting people and
helping people,” Reynolds, who’s been a CSV since
the program began in 2006. “There are so many peo-
ple who have retired and they want to be involved
and do something other than stare at four walls. It
gives people a purpose.”
If it gives volunteers a purpose, it benefits residents
of Douglas County in ways other counties and law
enforcement can only envy. The DCSO has more
than 300 volunteers protecting the public, helping
crime victims and searching and rescuing friends
and neighbors. The program is so successfull, there
are almost as many volunteers as there are deputies.
“This county wouldn’t be the same without our vol-
unteers. They do much more than anyone realizes in
absolutely every single area of the office,” Under-
sheriff Spurlock said. “We are incredibly grateful to
them.”
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office thanked the
volunteers with a dinner and murder-mystery show
February 22nd called ‘Deadman’s Gulch’ at the Cielo
Event Center in Castle Pines. The Undersheriff,
chiefs, captains and other command staff pulled on
cowboy boots and tied on aprons to serve them din-
ner and desert during a murder-mystery play.
“Every day of the week, they serve this community,”
Undersheriff Spurlock said. “Tonight, we serve
them. We will wait on them and hope they know
how much we appreciate all of their hard work and
dedication to this office and to this community. We
want to say ‘thank you.’”
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DEADMAN’S GULCH A murder-mystery show honors volunteers at the DCSO
Undersheriff Tony Spurlock: “Thank you.”
E ven in the dead of night, when win-
ter’s drawn his guns and most peo-
ple don’t dare leave their homes, they come out. Vol-
unteers for the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office.
Whether they’re teaching classes to inmates, helping
deputies or checking on neighbors, they show no
fear. They never quit. Some work one hundred hours
a month, for free.
It’s a real mystery why anyone would work so hard
for nothing, all the while getting what the Under-
sheriff calls the ‘stink eye’ from most people they
meet. For the Community Safety Volunteers (CSV’s)
there’s also a ten-week academy, frequent training
and monthly meetings. But without batting an eye,
Toni Reynolds can tell you why volunteers like her
do it. It’s about giving back.
“I enjoy being out there and meeting people and
helping people,” Reynolds, who’s been a CSV since
the program began in 2006. “There are so many peo-
ple who have retired and they want to be involved
and do something other than stare at four walls. It
gives people a purpose.”
If it gives volunteers a purpose, it benefits residents
of Douglas County in ways other counties and law
enforcement can only envy. The DCSO has more
than 300 volunteers protecting the public, helping
crime victims and searching and rescuing friends
and neighbors. The program is so successfull, there
are almost as many volunteers as there are deputies.
“This county wouldn’t be the same without our vol-
unteers. They do much more than anyone realizes in
absolutely every single area of the office,” Under-
sheriff Spurlock said. “We are incredibly grateful to
them.”
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office thanked the
volunteers with a dinner and murder-mystery show
February 22nd called ‘Deadman’s Gulch’ at the Cielo
Event Center in Castle Pines. The Undersheriff,
chiefs, captains and other command staff pulled on
cowboy boots and tied on aprons to serve them din-
ner and desert during a murder-mystery play.
“Every day of the week, they serve this community,”
Undersheriff Spurlock said. “Tonight, we serve
them. We will wait on them and hope they know
how much we appreciate all of their hard work and
dedication to this office and to this community. We
want to say ‘thank you.’”
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22 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 --- 2013 2013 2013
I n the transport department where Mike Andersen worked many of his 25 years at the Douglas
County Sheriff’s Office, they called him ‘MacGyver,’after the television actor who was al-
ways ready for an adventure.
They say Mike knew just about everything when it came to transporting prisoners back and forth to
court and other correctional institutions for writs and warrants. He could also fix or repair any-
thing. His coworkers say Mike was incredibly dependable and detail oriented. “Everyone likes
Mike,” is how most people put it. And so his easy-going way will be sorely missed now that he’s
retired. The cake says it all: Live long and ride hard, Mike! Best wishes.
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23 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 HAPPY TRAILS, MIKE ANDERSEN 1987 --- 2013 2013 2013
I n the transport department where Mike Andersen worked many of his 25 years at the Douglas
County Sheriff’s Office, they called him ‘MacGyver,’after the television actor who was al-
ways ready for an adventure.
They say Mike knew just about everything when it came to transporting prisoners back and forth to
court and other correctional institutions for writs and warrants. He could also fix or repair any-
thing. His coworkers say Mike was incredibly dependable and detail oriented. “Everyone likes
Mike,” is how most people put it. And so his easy-going way will be sorely missed now that he’s
retired. The cake says it all: Live long and ride hard, Mike! Best wishes.
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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 coor-
dinator job in 2006 and directed the annual CSV academy, volunteer activities and re-
mains as the contact for the Volunteers in Police Service, a national program that pro-
motes acts of service and sacrifice.
“She’s organized, very committed, dedicated and I’ll tell you from my 40 years of business ex-
perience, 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 out-
standing, the state is adopting her methods and checklist.
Since she’s still volunteering her time, we’ll see you around, Stephanie! Thanks for your gener-
osity over the years.
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nfir
“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 us feel safe. You are the good guys and that’s what I want my children to understand.
Thank you. -- The Harmon Family
FROM THE HARMON FAMILY TO DCSO
RE: HEROES AND HELPERS
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T he movie that changes the way you see law en-
forcement 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.
The movie was produced in partnership with the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. On May 13th,
there will be a candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. to hon-
or the legends, both still with us and passed.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone
interested in law enforcement to see the documentary.
Heroes Behind the Badge received a special screening at the
Wildlife Experience in Parker, which was sponsored by
Colorado members of the Police Unity Tour and the Colora-
do Deputy Sheriff Association Auxiliary of Wives Behind
the Badge in memory of six Colorado law enforcement of-
ficers killed in the line of duty in 2012.
Here’s what Captain Darren Weekly, Douglas County Sher-
iff’s Office, said about the movie:
“Those that saw it, found the film to be a powerful and
moving experience. The command staff recently had a
showing as well. I don’t mind sharing that I shed a few
tears myself.
The film is a reminder to everyone that sees it what it means
to be a law enforcement officer in this country. It’s a re-
minder what an honor and privilege it is to wear a badge.
Unfortunately it’s also a stark reminder of the horrific dan-
gers our men and women face every single day they come to
work.
WATCH A PREVIEW HERE: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=TMJCOEOGYgg
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27
T he movie that changes the way you see law en-
forcement 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.
The movie was produced in partnership with the National
Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund. On May 13th,
there will be a candlelight vigil in Washington, D.C. to hon-
or the legends, both still with us and passed.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone
interested in law enforcement to see the documentary.
Heroes Behind the Badge received a special screening at the
Wildlife Experience in Parker, which was sponsored by
Colorado members of the Police Unity Tour and the Colora-
do Deputy Sheriff Association Auxiliary of Wives Behind
the Badge in memory of six Colorado law enforcement of-
ficers killed in the line of duty in 2012.
Here’s what Captain Darren Weekly, Douglas County Sher-
iff’s Office, said about the movie:
“Those that saw it, found the film to be a powerful and
moving experience. The command staff recently had a
showing as well. I don’t mind sharing that I shed a few
tears myself.
The film is a reminder to everyone that sees it what it means
to be a law enforcement officer in this country. It’s a re-
minder what an honor and privilege it is to wear a badge.
Unfortunately it’s also a stark reminder of the horrific dan-
gers our men and women face every single day they come to
work.
WATCH A PREVIEW HERE: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=TMJCOEOGYgg
Killed in line of duty
SUZANNE BAUER
Shot on the job
POLICE OFFICER
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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