Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County

On Sunday, Feb. 28, 2010, shortly after 3 a.m., Deputy Collier and his ride-along, sheriff’s dispatcher Ryan Debellis, came upon a wrong-way driver headed eastbound in the westbound lanes of Highway 52 in Santee, Calif. Due to his concern for the safety and welfare of the driving public, Deputy Collier advised dispatch and tried to overtake the wrong-way driver. His patrol SUV was traveling in the auxiliary lane of the median when it struck a center median bridge abutment, ...rolled several hundred feet, and came to rest in a ravine. It took a tremendous effort by our deputies and other first responders to get Ken and Ryan up from the ravine where they could be treated by emergency medical personnel. Both were airlifted to local trauma centers. Despite the valiant efforts of our deputies, officers from all over the county, emergency medical responders, and hospital personnel, Deputy Collier succumbed to his injuries. Ryan Debellis was expected to make a full recovery. Moments after the collision, the wrong-way driver was stopped driving the wrong way on Highway 52. He was arrested by sheriff’s deputies and CHP officers between Mast Boulevard and Mission Gorge Road in Santee. The driver was charged with felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter. See more

Last but not least, meet Deputy Gwana Sanders. Thank you all for helping us celebrate #BlackHistoryMonth What does Black History month mean to you? "Black History Month is a moment to experience profound pride in my people. It provides a chance to recognize, share, and celebrate the countless contributions and sacrifices that were made by those who came before us. We’ve made great strides but needed change will require a much swifter pace....Continue reading

Thinking of our friends at Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Association for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs - ALADS at this difficult time. Stay safe.

Today, meet Deputy Roy Smith #BlackHistoryMonth What does Black History month mean to you? Black History Month is a time for everyone, regardless of color, to learn and talk about all the great things that Black Americans have contributed to this great country that we live in. It’s also a time for all of us to reflect on and talk about those not-so-popular things that have happened to so many Black Americans to work to correct and overcome them together as a nation.... Provide a short bio on your career: I was born in Los Angeles in 1962 and graduated from Morningside High School in Inglewood. I joined the United States Marine Corps in 1980 and served for 30 years. I earned a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice after I retired. I attended the San Diego Regional Academy in 2012 and am now assigned at the George Bailey Detention Facility. What inspired you to become a deputy? As a young man, I always wanted to be a Marine and a deputy because those two professions are the toughest of them all. Both provide the means to serve and give back to our communities and country. What advice would you give someone aspiring to go into law enforcement? I know these days being a law enforcement officer isn't exactly a popular profession, especially for a person of color. I believe that becoming a law enforcement officer is a great way to set a good example and to be a role model for other young men and women of color. Don't let the negativity of others influence your career choices. We need all the good people we can get, people who aren't afraid of doing the right thing despite the outcome or what others may think or say about them.

Next, meet Lt. Tonya Benjamin What does Black History month mean to you? It means reflecting on my roots. It's a time to honor the fight African Americans before me endured to end oppression and allow black humanity to exist, be understood, and be respected. The long-suffering African Americans withstood allowed me to have civil liberties and a better quality of life. Black History is a time of rejoicing and showing gratitude for that hope. It is pride and patriotism, a de...claration of strength of African American people. Provide a short bio on your career: I was born and raised in South Carolina. I am a U.S. Navy Veteran and hold a BA in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. I am a Detentions Lieutenant with 20 years tenure. I'm currently assigned to the Las Colinas Detention and Reentry Facility. Over the years, I've worked the South Bay and George Bailey Detention Facilities, Jail Population Management Unit (SDCJ), and County Parole and Alternative Custody Unit. My goal is to maintain a fluid career path; I look forward to experiencing other opportunities within the department as my career progresses. What inspired you to become a deputy? When I was growing up, my uncle was a South Carolina State Trooper. I was intrigued by his poise and how sharp he looked in his uniform. I was a competitive athlete in middle and high school, and my uncle would come to some of my sporting events. He encouraged me to consider a job in law enforcement because he believed I could handle the mental & physical demands of the job. The encouragement from my uncle and family went a long way, and here I am today. What advice would you give someone aspiring to go into law enforcement? I would say to follow your heart and step out in faith. If you are afraid of the negative publicity or the naysayers, then do it afraid. Law enforcement provides the opportunity to be a positive role model and make that important impact on people right where they live and in other communities. If you fail the first time, try again, because failure can be a steppingstone to success.

Happy Holidays from the Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego County! We put together a highlight reel of what we’ve been up to over the past few weeks serving our members, their families, and our community. Please watch and enjoy.

This video from Michael Smerconish is a great example of why people should research into topics and situations, instead of just taking information from a celebrity voice. https://bit.ly/2JVIFce #EnoughIsEnough #WarOnCops #Kaepernick

Wow What an inspiring story.

We know the past year has been confusing for everyone, and we know recently updated health orders have only added to this confusion. My partners and I ask for a bit of grace as we do our jobs these next few weeks. And we humbly ask you to point your outrage in the right direction and not at the men and women who have sworn to help keep you safe.

This is a tragic loss in so many ways. Please support if you can. Clay leaves behind a wife and two small children. Holding Clay's family and friends in our hearts at this difficult time. Rest in peace, Deputy Clay https://www.gofundme.com/f/funds-to-help-tim-clays-wife-amp

Lemon Grove / La Mesa - be on the lookout.

On November 27, 1899, Deputy Will Ward was escorting prisoner Bert Ross, via steamship, to San Quentin State Prison to begin a ten year term for burglary. Deputy Ward and Ross shared a room aboard ship. Ross was handcuffed and wore leg irons. During a port stop in Santa Barbara, Deputy Ward fell asleep while seated in a chair in the room he shared with Ross. Ross seized the opportunity and struck Deputy Ward in the head with a heavy water pitcher, inflicting a fatal injury. R...oss took $20.00 from Deputy Ward’s pocket and the key necessary to remove his handcuffs. The key, however, would not unlock the shackles binding Ross’ legs. Ross made his way to the outside deck of the ship and jumped overboard, convinced that he could swim to shore despite his leg irons. Santa Barbara County Sheriff Nat Stewart was aboard ship with a prisoner he was escorting to San Quentin. As he stood on the deck, the Sheriff heard splashing in the water below and quickly saw Ross clinging to a pier piling, unable to maneuver. The weight of the leg irons was too great to allow the escaped prisoner to swim. Bert Ross was tried and convicted in the County of Santa Barbara for the murder of Deputy Will Ward. He was sentenced to death and hanged in 1903. A wife and daughter survived Deputy Ward.

Reminder: the DSA will close at 2:00 p.m. on December 23 and will be closed December 24 & 25. We will reopen on Monday, December 28 at 9:00 a.m.

Happy Thanksgiving If you’re working, thank you & stay safe. The store will reopen Monday, November 30 at 9:00 a.m.

41 years of service, and then...the ultimate sacrifice. Praying for City of Houston Police Department and all those who knew Sgt Harold Preston

The DSA Board, staff and Santa spent the morning with the City of Lemon Grove, San Diego during their bimonthly food bank. We handed out pumpkin and apple pies to local residents thanks to our sponsors, California Coast Credit Union, and spread some holiday cheer by passing out toys, books, stockings and candy canes to families. A special thank you to Mayor Racquel Vasquez for helping make this event a reality! 2020 has been a tough year for all, so we were grateful to give back this holiday season. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association!

https://www.cbs8.com//509-dcf53fa5-a836-4beb-8dcc-d6e2787f

Vote Yes on 20!

'Operation Home for the Holidays' was conducted Monday and Tuesday and aimed at recovering juvenile victims and involved detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department working undercover as sex buyers looking for online ads of suspected juveniles, according to a statement from the department." https://timesofsandiego.com//deputies-rescue-11-women-1-g/

Keeping the El Cajon Police Dept officer involved in our prayers

Vote Yes on 20 to protect victims of violent crime in California.

The Deputy Sheriffs' Association of San Diego is proud to support the following candidates in the 2020 General Election. CC: Mayor Steve Vaus for Supervisor, Keep California Safe (Yes on Prop 20), The Farm in Poway (Yes on P), Assemblymember Randy Voepel, Dustin Trotter for Santee City Council 2020, Brian Maienschein, Tasha Boerner Horvath for Assembly, Congressman Scott Peters, Darrell Issa, Racquel Vasquez #dsasandiego #vote2020 #elections2020 #sandiego #sandiegosheriff #lawenforcementschoice

Did you receive this mailer?

This sentiment echos the majority of our nation’s HERO’s. Please keep them in your prayers that the Human Behind the Badge may feel loved and supported when they look into your eyes. A simple wave, thumbs up, or a kind word will serve their hearts well.

Now that’s one heroic act!

#ICYMI "Most Want ‘Blue Lives Matter’ Laws to Protect Police, Fear for Public Safety" Last week Rasmussen Reports released their national telephone and online... survey results showing what likely US Voters are thinking about on the current topics surrounding our Nation’s Law Enforcement. #DefendThePolice #BackTheBlue See more

Please consider supporting Chula Vista Police Department Agent Cunningham if you are so inclined. We are praying for Jasen and his family in this incredibly difficult time.

In 1974, Deputy Donn Witt was assigned as a patrol deputy at the Vista station. He contracted hepatitis when his skin was pierced by a hypodermic needle in the pocket of a prisoner he was searching. Deputy Witt could have taken a medical retirement following his diagnosis; however, he would simply not hear of the thought. Deputy Witt remained on the job. He worked at his cluttered desk in the detective office at the Vista station until just twenty days before he succumbed to ...his disease on September 25, 1983. Commonly characterized by co-workers as a dedicated cop, Deputy Witt established a reputation as one whose routine job performance far exceeded the requirements of his assignment. As a detective, he was the major driving force behind many major criminal investigations in Vista and San Marcos. He received a Distinguished Service Award in 1980 for his work in closing 150 burglaries and arresting eighteen suspects in a two-month period. In addition, Deputy Witt received five Exemplary Performance Reports and a plaque from the City of San Marcos for his service there. Beyond his reputation as a top-notch cop, Deputy Witt was famous for his endless repertoire of bad jokes and his hero worship of John Wayne. He was also known for his unselfish caring for others. Said his wife, Raenel, Donn could have retired, gone off and taken care of himself. But he wouldn’t have been happy. He enjoyed helping people. He thought if he didn’t care, no one would; it had to start with someone. In addition to Raenel, Deputy Witt is survived by two children, Tracy and Troy. See more

A special shout-out and thank you to our special anonymous friends who made these and put them around the outside of our DSA office. You ROCK! We wanted to share in hopes that this makes you smile, like it did for us . Happy Monday everyone, have a safe and wonderful week!

POLITICAL ALERT: Tell the Board of Supervisors to VOTE YES ON Prop 20! Tomorrow, September 15th, the Board of Supervisors will be taking a stand on Proposition 20. Help us keep our community safe and tell your supervisor to support Proposition 20. Proposition 20 expands the list of violent crimes for which early release is not an option, that includes rape of an unconscious person, trafficking a child for sex, assault of a peace officer, felony domestic violence, and other s...imilar crimes that are not currently classified as violent felonies. It will make our communities safer and will make it harder for criminals to get away with committing serious crimes. Click the link below to submit a speaker slip: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov//sdc/bos/telecomments-tues. Click the link below to tell your supervisors to support the measure: https://sdcounty.granicusideas.com//5f5bcc5b44253810b0019d Click the link below to watch the hearing: https://www.sandiegocounty.gov//g/board-meeting-video.html

Like many of you, we are still reeling from the horrific ambush on two Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department deputies over the weekend. These were two people just trying to do their jobs and get home at the end of the day. We pray fervently for their recovery and healing and for strength for their families. And we send love and support to our brothers & sisters in blue everywhere as the stakes only seem to get higher in our profession each day. Thank you for all you sacrifice, day in and day out, for complete strangers. You are the best of us.