Suspect: Stephen Parham age 54

On the above date and time, Deputies contacted Stephen Parham at Plano/Corona. Stephen was found to have two active warrants for his arrest. A search of Stephen’s person incident to arrest revealed .3 grams of a white crystal substance which presumptivly tested positive for methamphetamine and clear glass pipe with an off white powdery residue (Meth pipe). Stephen was booked into Tulare County Jail on his active warrants and drug possession charges.

Suspects:

Johnny Hurst  age 43

Paul Knight age 44

On 8-8-11, at approximately 2225 hours, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office were conducting a patrol check at Success Lake Trailer Park and observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a residence.  Deputies contacted two adult males at the residence, Johnny Hurst and Paul Knight. 

During the investigation related to the suspicious vehicle, Deputies located a small amount of methamphetamine, as well as narcotic paraphernalia.  Both suspects were subsequently arrested for drug related charges.  Knight was found to be a CDCR Parolee At Large, both subjects were later booked into the Tulare County Jail. Case still under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff Department.

Suspect: 
Dana Gray 
Age: 28

A Deputy was patrolling the Terra Bella area in a marked Tulare County Sheriff’s Department vehicle. The Deputy observed a subject trying to hide behind a vehicle. Upon contacting the subject she fled the scene. A short foot pursuit, then a physical altercation occurred. The female detained and was later identified. Upon searching the female's purse illegal weapons were found, illegal narcotics and a false identification card. Case is under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department.

On 8/2/11 members of the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. Unit responded to various locations around the county for medical marijuana compliance checks. Upon arrival at two locations officers found subjects with excessive numbers of plants and other crimes.

#1      5800 blk of Rd. 42, Alpaugh
 S1- Sergio Rivera, 29 yoa, Lompoc, Ca
 S2- Luis Aleman, 21 yoa, Aberdeen, Wa

Detectives responded to the above listed address after local citizens reported a possible marijuana grow at this location. Upon arrival the above listed subjects were observed with what appeared to be a rifle. Upon seeing the officers they attempted to flee from the scene. Upon being contacted it was found that the rifle was in fact a BB gun. Subsequent investigation found that S-Aleman had a medical recommendation, however it was found he was over his allowed amount by approx. 500 plants. S-Rivera was assisting in cultivating the marijuana but had no recommendation for marijuana at that location. It was also discovered that S-Rivera is a previously deported felon. 600 marijuana plants were eradicated from the site. If allowed to mature these plants would have produced in excess of 600 pounds of processed marijuana bud. Immigration holds were placed on both subjects.

#2 25300 blk of Ave 102
 S1- Fidel Rosales, 40 yrs, Bakersfield,Ca.

In early June Detectives received complaints from local citizens about a suspect marijuana garden at this location. Detectives conducted an overflight and observed a large marijuana grow in a football sized field which was surrounded by a eight foot high dirt berm.  Detectives obtained a search warrant for the property. On 8/2/11 the warrant was served, S-Rosales was contacted at the scene. Subsequent investigation found that Rosales had a medical marijuana recommendation allowing him to have 99 plants another subject not present at the time had a recommendation at the property allowing 12 plants. Detectives inspected the marijuana in the dirt pit and counted 296 mature marijuana plants, a number clearly in excess of Rosales medical needs. Detectives then searched the residence, they found that four rooms had been turned into indoor grow rooms with an additional 607 healthy mature plants. Also located inside residence were four loaded firearms, including two illegal Assault Weapons, high capacity magazines, Camouflage clothing, a large amount of ammunition for the firearms, scales, packaging and a large amount of U.S. Currency. The grow site was covered with a video surveillance system and several large dogs. S-Rosales was also found to have a captive Owl which was turned over to Fish and Game personnel. A total of 903 marijuana plants were eradicated, the above listed items were seized as evidence. If allowed to mature the plants in this case would produce in excess of 903 pounds of marijuana bud.

All three of the above listed subjects were arrested and charged with cultivation of marijuana and possession for sales. The marijuana, if allowed to mature would have a street value in excess of $3,000 per plant.

It is an ongoing problem that persons are obtaining medical marijuana recommends from doctors who allow them to grow plants in excess of their medical needs. Growers then sell their excess marijuana to dispensaries or directly to buyers on the street. 

This case is still under investigation by the TCSO STEP Unit.

Photos from scene are on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flikr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/

Follow our news blog on twitter at TulareSheriff  http://twitter.com/#!/tularesheriff

You can now submit information anonymously on non-emergency cases through TipNow.  Call or text your anonymous tip to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating over 15 altered/counterfeit checks from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Inmate Account.  Detectives from the Sheriff’s Property Crimes unit are working three different cases.

“We have discovered a number of these checks are being cashed using identification cards from people who were also prior victims of theft.  It makes it more complicated to determine who the suspect is.” Stated Det. Joe Rodriguez, who is working the majority of these cases.

The Sheriff’s Office also received information from the Visalia Police Department who recovered an altered Inmate Account check prior to being cashed.

The Sheriff’s Office is working a number of leads but would like to ask the assistance of Tulare County residents in locating Rayleen Mejia for questioning.  Rayleen Majia is a Hispanic female, age 23 who is known to the Visalia and Woodlake areas.  She has brown hair that is sometimes died a lighter shade, brown eyes, dark complexion and medium build, at 5’7” and approximately 180 pounds.  A photograph and flyer are available on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flickr account (see below for link).

A plea to merchants who are presented a Tulare County Sheriff’s Department Imamate Account check for cashing:

Merchants are being asked to please assist in deterring the cashing of fraudulent checks by taking the following steps to assist the department:

Please make note of the following ON A SEPARATE SHEET OF PAPER, NOT ONLY ON THE CHECK ITSELF:

• Date and time check is cashed (this may vary from the date the bank processes and provided the investigator dates to check video footage, witnesses etc.)
• Name of clerk cashing the check (may be able to identify suspect or provide other information about the subject in question)
• Name and location of merchant (for case use only)
• Photocopy of Identification card used (will provide useful information about the suspect or give victim information on identity theft)
• Photocopy of check (provides information quickly about the specific check rather than waiting for the digital version from the financial institution)
• Thumbprint from subject cashing check – make sure thumbprint is not smudged and included the center pattern of the thumb, preferably right thumb. (the financial institutions usually only provide scanned copies of the checks which do not provide clear version of the thumb prints for processing through fingerprint databases)
• Keep this information on file for a minimum of one month if your deposit cycles are weekly.  This will allow time for the financial institutions to process the checks and notify the Sherriff’s Department.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to promote the TipNow program.  If you have information regarding the location of Rayleen Mejia, information on these cases or others, you can call, text or e-mail the information anonymously through the TipNow number or e-mail.  The information is routed through a server that removes your identifying information and sends it to the Sheriff’s Office.  Your tip could help solve a case.

Call or text (559) 725-4194.  You can also e-mail tcso@tipnow.com .

Photo, wanted flyer are available under this case # on the “Tulare County Sheriff” Flikr page at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/

Narrative:

On 8-2-11 at 2245 hrs, Deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 22900 block of Ave 196 in Strathmore. Upon arrival Deputies located a single victim with a gunshot wound to the lower back. The victim was transported to the Kaweah Delta Medical Center where he underwent surgery for non-life threatening wounds and subsequently admitted for observation.

The case is currently under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Victor Bonilla at 559-733-6218

UPDATE,  8-4-2011:
An autopsy was conducted today and the cause of death was determined to be a penetrating gun shot wound to the chest.

During the investigation family also revealed the victim changed her name back to Flor Sanchez.

Photo of Suspect, Emigdio Ojeda, is now available for release through the Jail Facility Booking Sergeant.

UPDATE, 08-02-2011:
The Suspect has been identified as Emigdio Guzman Ojeda, age 48 of Porterville.  He was apprehended at approximately 1418 hrs, at his home at the 400 block of Henderson by the Porterville Police Department and released to the custody of the Sheriff's Office for further investigation.

The victim has been identified as Flor Ojeda, age 48 of Porterville.  The victim and suspect are divorced.  The shooting occurred at the victim's residence.  It appears the victim may have suffered from more than one gunshot wound.  An autopsy will be conducted to verify.

PRIOR RELEASE:
08-02-11 / 1233 hrs  The Tulare County Sheriff's Office received information regarding a possible shooting at the 400 block of Mulberry in Porterville.  Deputies responded to the area.  A female subject was injured and transported to a local hospital where she passed away.  The male suspect fled the area and barricaded himself in a nearby residence within Porterville City limits.  Porterville Police Department SWAT and K9 assisted the Sheriff's Office and were able to apprehend the suspect who is now in custody and being questioned regarding the incident.  The Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes unit is investigating the case as a homicide.  As more information is made available and update will be issued.

 
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call the Sheriff's Office at 800-808-0488.
 
You may also remain anonymous and call or text your information to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com

Videointerview with Sgt. Chris Douglass is posted on Sheriff's YouTube Channel at  http://youtu.be/0RFTPdXLuJ0

During the week of July 27th through July 30th 2011, personnel from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department North End Gang Violence Suppression Unit, conducted enforcement patrol throughout the communities of Cutler, Orosi, London, Sultana and Ivanhoe.  Probation and Parole checks were also done throughout the above communities.

For that period, they arrested (14) subjects for various felonies, misdemeanors, civil gang injunction violations and arrest warrants.  The below listed subjects were subsequently booked into the Tulare County Main Jail and the Bob Wiley Detention Facility without incident.

Enrique Ortiz (22 years) possession of a sawed off shotgun, criminal street gang activity and violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction.
Ashley Moreno (19 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
Sergio Salinas Jr. (26 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
William Sears (28 years) violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction
Francine Muniz (25 years) violation of a preliminary civil gang injunction
Alvaro Murguia (21 years) felony arrest warrant
John Frescas (36 years) under the influence of a controlled substance
Alex Monzo (19 years) obstruction of justice/disobeying lawful orders
Netzhualcoytl Cerna (32 years) two felony arrest warrants
Armando Garcia (39 years) driving while under the influence of alcohol
Samantha Peovich (19 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Roberto Nemecio (21 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Paul Barnett (49 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant
Joey Chimienti (20 years) misdemeanor arrest warrant

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Sheriff’s Department at 559-733-6218 or you can remain anonymous by sending your information to tcso@tipnow.com or by texting to (559) 725-4194.

On the above date and time Tulare County Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to the 4600 block of Rd. 152, Earlimart, for a grand theft report where approximately 700 feet of steel pipe was stolen for an approximate loss of $1,000.  Soon after, deputies located a pickup truck that contained the stolen metal, parked at a nearby residence.  The property was later returned to Vignolo Farms. 

Agricultural Crimes Detectives took over this investigation and interviewed multiple suspects.  These interviews led to the arrest of Maria Nunez and an additional suspect being identified.  Nunez was arrested and transported to the Bob Wiley Detention Facility where she was booked on charges of grand theft and receiving/ possession of stolen property.  The identified accomplice remains outstanding.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is requested to contact Det. J. Whaley with the Tulare County Agricultural Crimes Unit at (559) 735-1853 or (559) 733-6218.   

On the above date and time Tulare County Sheriff’s Office Resident Deputies & Search and Rescue Team members and Forest Service Staff responded to the Kern River in the area of the Gold Ledge Camp Grounds for a report of multiple persons that fell into the river from inner tubes. The area of the incident has a series of class 2, 3 and 4 rapids. The water temperature was approximately 50 degrees and flowing at approximately 2,800 cubic feet per second. 

The involved persons had been floating using inner tubes in the river and entered a class 4 rapid just north of the Gold Ledge Camp Ground. Both were thrown from their inner tubes and were able to swim to the rural side of the river. They hiked north and attempted to swim through a class two rapid and became stranded on a sand bar in the middle of the river.

TCSO Deputies and Search and Rescue Team Members conducted a rescue using an inflatable river raft. Forest Service Staff provided assistance. Neither of the involved parties was injured.

None of the involved parties had life vests, helmets or wetsuits.

During the rescue additional people attempted to enter the river on inner tubes. They were provided education on the dangers of the river and being properly prepared. Most took the warning and decided to remain on shore.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office encourages visitors of the lakes, streams and rivers to use all safety equipment and to stay out of and away from swift moving water.  

The Sheriff's Office is strongly urging all people to stay out of the Kern River this season.  Water safety is extremely important and staying out of the Kern River is the ultimate water safety tip.

For other water safety tips and information please visit the following:
Water safety information on websitehttp://www.tularesheriff.info/watersafety.html

Water safety videos on Tulare County Sheriff's YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/TulareCountySheriff

For additional information please contact Sgt. Chris Douglass by email cdouglass@co.tulare.ca.us. 

Follow our news blog on twitter at TulareSheriff  http://twitter.com/#!/tularesheriff

You can now submit information anonymously on non-emergency cases through TipNow.  Call or text your anonymous tip to 559-725-4194 or e-mail tcso@tipnow.com.

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Tactical Enforcement Personnel Team (S.T.E.P.) Marijuana Suppression Program has been working a number of details this week.  Numerous search warrants and 15 arrests have been made.  25,567 plants have been eradicated and additional sites are still pending.

“Marijuana season is in full force and we are doing everything we can to keep up with the shifting demand.  In the past we have seen more gardens in our hills and mountainous areas.  With the cartels hiding behind the  medical marijuana sites, we are now finding more on the valley floor in the middle of rural communities” commented Lt. Tom Sigley, commander for the Narcotics Bureau.

Below are some details regarding the cases worked this week in Tulare County:

Case # 11-9855, 42800 block of Road 144, Orosi
7-25-2011, 1513 hours
Orosi Patrol Deputies attempted to located a subject who had an outstanding warrant.  Upon arrival at the location marijuana plants were seen growing taller that the structure that was in place to obstruct view.  STEP team responded and took over the investigation.  Nine subjects were arrested on various charges as they were on scene processing marijuana.  The processed marijuana, plants and other items were seized as evidence.

Case # 11-9822, 1000 block of Holmes, Lindsay
7-25-11, 1100 hours STEP personnel were requested to assist in serving an arrest warrant for a homicide suspect.  Upon making contact and arresting the suspect a marijuana garden was located 123 plants were eradicated.

Case # 11-60798 Woodlake
STEP personnel were conducting a follow-up on a compliance check for a medicinal marijuana recommend site.  Upon arrival subjects attempted to flee the scene.  Two subjects were arrested and 178 plants were eradicated. 

Case #11-60784, Ave 100 and Road 248, Terra Bella
On 7/26/11 at 0700 hrs Members of  S.T.E.P., Sheriff’s Eradication Team, Narcotics and Gang units responded to an olive orchard in the 10000 block of Rd. 248 in Terra Bella to serve a search warrant in regards to reports of marijuana cultivation. Upon arrival detectives contacted four suspects. Approximately 4,225 marijuana plants were located growing in 21 separate enclosures hidden among the olive trees. Several pounds of processed marijuana were also located. Most of the enclosures contained medical marijuana recommendations however they were over the allowed counts. It was also found that some of the recommendation holders did not know marijuana was being grown at that location under their name. Several contacted later admitted being paid for the use of their recommendation at that location and advised they had never smoked marijuana.

Suspects, Leonicio Gonzalez, Omar Gonzalez and Fidel Lopez had medical recommendation cards however the total plant count was above what was allowed for their medical needs, several admitted to selling their excess marijuana to dispensaries for cash. Additionally Juan Gonzalez and Pedro Martinez were being paid to tend the plants. No person except the recommendation holder or their primary care provider can tend medical marijuana. A paid gardener does not qualify as a primary care provider. 

It has been an ongoing problem that persons are obtaining medical marijuana recommends from doctors who allow them to grow plants in excess of their medical needs. Growers then sell their excess marijuana to dispensaries or directly to buyers on the street.  In an effort to deal with drug dealers hiding behind California Medical marijuana laws staff from several Tulare County agencies responded to assist. Representatives from R.M.A. Code Compliance, Environmental Health,  Ag. Commissioner and Animal Control responded to check for compliance with their areas of responsibility. The Ag Commissioners office removed several containers of chemicals utilized on and around the marijuana. When officers arrived on the property they found a total of 23 dogs running loose and chained on the property. Several additional were found dead, one still chained to a tree

The dogs were all malnourished and in generally poor condition physical. All animals on the property were taken by animal control. All suspects will be charged with Cruelty to animals in addition to the cultivation and sale of marijuana charges. All marijuana at the location was eradicated and destroyed. The marijuana destroyed had a total weight of 20,800 pounds. It needs to be noted that all parts of a marijuana plant can be utilized to produce, not only bud, but marijuana concentrate, commonly called “Honey Oil” through a chemical extraction process. If allowed to mature to harvest the marijuana plants in this case would produce in excess of 4,225 pounds of processed marijuana bud with a street value in excess of $12,675,000

It has been an ongoing problem that drug trafficking organizations are paying people to obtain medical marijuana recommends from doctors who then allow them to grow plants in excess of their stated medical needs. Growers then sell the marijuana to dispensaries or directly to buyers on the street. 

Case #11-60873, Tule River Indian Reservation
On 7/28/11 detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. unit, Narcotics Unit and Agents from DOJ/ C.A.M.P. responded to a wilderness area on the Tule River Indian Reservation near Bond Creek in regards to a large marijuana garden. This garden had been located on a routine over flight earlier in the month. The marijuana was planted among native vegetation and under trees in an attempt to camouflage it from the air and any passers-by.

Suspects in the grow site fled into heavy brush and thick forest surrounding the location as officers approached. A search of the immediate area was conducted with negative results. Detectives found a sophisticated growing operation utilizing drip irrigation. The stream had been dammed and diverted to provide water for the grow site.

An extensive campsite was found and processed for evidence. A total of 10,249 marijuana plants were eradicated from the site. If allowed to grow to maturity these plants would have produced in excess of 10,249 pounds of processed bud. If sold to dispensaries or on the streets the total value of the crop would be in excess of $30,747,000. However it needs to be noted that all parts of a mature marijuana plant can be utilized to produce a marijuana concentrate, known as Honey Oil, this process and the ability to use the entire plant greatly increases the value of the marijuana at the site.

Case #11-60787, Shade Quarter Mountain
On 7/28/11 detectives from the Tulare County Sheriff’s Department S.T.E.P. unit, Sheriffs Eradication Team and Agents from DOJ/ C.A.M.P. responded to a wilderness area on Shade Quarter Mountain in regards to a large marijuana grow site. This grow site had been located on a routine over flight earlier in the month. The marijuana was planted among native vegetation and under trees in an attempt to camouflage it from the air.

A total of 10,729 marijuana plants were eradicated from the site. If allowed to grow to maturity these plants would have produced in excess of 10,792 pounds of processed bud. If sold to dispensaries or on the streets the total value of the crop would be in excess of $43,168,000. However it needs to be noted that all parts of a mature marijuana plant can be utilized to produce a marijuana concentrate, known as Honey Oil, this process and the ability to use the entire plant greatly increases the value of the marijuana at the site.

EDITORS NOTE:
Photographs from these cases will be posted on the Sheriff’s Flicker site for a limited time: http://www.flickr.com/people/tularecountysheriff/  Profile page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tularecountysheriff/sets/72157627311072704/  Marijuana Suppression Set

Video interviews with Lt. Tom Sigley, AG Commissioner and Animal Control as well as scene footage can be viewed on the Tulare County Sheriff YouTube Channel at: http://www.youtube.com/TulareCountySheriff

Follow our news updates on twitter at Tulare Sheriff: http://twitter.com/#!/tularesheriff

If anyone has additional information on these cases or additional information on non-emergency suspicious activity or crimes, they are encouraged to call our non-emergency line at 1-800-808-0488. 

You may also use the Sheriff’s anonymous Tip Now program and call, send a text to 559-725-4194 or email tcso@tipnow.com . 

Arrests:
Orosi:
Jose Ramirez, age 29 of Orosi
Erik Hortiz, age 21 of Delano
Rodolfo Lozano Galvez, age 24 of Moreno Valley
Carlos Manuel Deniz, age 22 of Perris
Martin Huerta age 25, of Orosi
Javier Garcia, age 20 of Delano
Fernando Alvarado , age 25 of Delano
Jose Chavez, age 25 of Perris
Jesus Olivares, Age 31 of Orosi
Terra Bella:
S1-Leonicio Gonzalez, 62 yoa, Delano - Charged with 11358 H&S, 597 PC
S2-Omar Gonzalez, 24 yoa, Delano - Charged with 11358 H&S, 11359 H&S, 597 PC
S3-Juan Gonzalez, 50 yoa, Visalia - Charged with 11358 H&S, 597 PC
S4-Fidel Lopez, 59 yoa, Visalia - Charged with 11358 H&S, 597 PC, INS Hold
S5-Pedro Martinez 44 yoa, Terra Bella - Charged with 11358 H&S, 597 PC, INS Hold    
Woodlake:
Salvador Garcia 21 yoa Woodlake –charged with 11358
Jeronimo Ayala 26 yoa Woodlake- charged with 11358
Lindsay:
Elias Alberto Zurita Ramos, age 23 from Lindsay

Suspect-Victor Ibanez (26), Pixley

Through further investigation of a possession of stolen property case in the Pixley area, Deputies located Victor Ibanez. Ibanez was located in the Teviston area. He fled on foot from the 7200 blk of Bishop, across the 99 Freeway to the 13000 blk of Ave 72. There  he broke into an occupied residence, was chased out of the residence by the occupants. Ibanez then hid in some bushes on the property where he was located and arrested. He was transported to the Porterville Jail, where he was booked on PC 496, 460, 148, and 4 active warrants.

On 7-28-11 Detectives responded to a report of Burglary. The victim advised he was parked in his motor home in the area of Avenue 16 an Hwy 99. He advised unknown suspects entered the motor home and struck him with an unknown object. The suspects stole items from inside and fled. The victim was taken to Delano Hospital was being treated for his injuries.

On 07-26-2011 at approximately 2000 hours, the Tulare County Sheriff's Office received information regarding an illegal gambling machine located at the 15900 block of Avenue 328 in Ivanhoe.  The investigation revealed the item was placed there three weeks prior by two male subjects.  The machine was deemed an illegal gambling device per PC 330.1 and seized.

This case is still under investigation by the Tulare County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Bill Wittman would like to recognize and congratulate the following employees as recipients of the 2010-2011 Tulare County Sheriff's - Employee Recognition Award.  The recipients are recognized for performance that exemplifies exceptional dedication and commitment to public service.

Award recipients for second half of 2010:
Maria Amaral Cook II
Larry Arechiga Farm Crew Leader
Joe Armstrong Correctional Deputy
Tom Guinn Farm Manager
Jonatte Johnson Deputy I
Tiffany Mendoza Correctional Deputy
Ylma Neal Correctional Deputy
Megan Pinheiro Correctional Deputy
Beatriz Reveles Deputy I
Miguel Rodriguez Correctional Deputy
Joe Torres Deputy I

Award recipients for first half of 2011:
Laurie Gonzales Detention Svcs Officer
William MacElvaine Correctional Deputy
Dian McKenzie Engraving Supervisor
Tamara Pinon Engraving Supervisor
Stephanie Reed Crime Syst. Specialist
Edessa Rodriguez Correctional Deputy
Anthony Rosas Correctional Deputy
Steven Sanchez Deputy - North County Gang
Stefani Vela Sergeant

Sheriff Bill Wittman stated "I am honored to have such hardworking, dedicated individuals among the ranks. I appreciate their exceptional commitment to this department and award them for their
efforts."

These employees were nominated by co-workers and supervisors. Scoring was based
on productivity, efficiency, performance, willingness to accept new responsibilities,
contributions to morale and attendance record.  They will each receive an Employee Recognition Award and an additional 8 hours of vacation. They will automatically be nominated for County Employee of the Year and they have been invited to join the Sheriff at a special ceremony and recognition lunch.

A group photograph of the recipients with the Sheriff is available: http://www.tularesheriff.info/news_072811.html

Again, Congratulations to all of the recipients!