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-

man@DCSheriff.net

303.660.7544

Sgt. Ron Hanavan-

Community Resources

RHanav-

an@DCSheriff.net

FIND US ONLINE:

www.DCSheriff.net

CALENDER OF

EVENTS:

www.DCSheriff.net

FACEBOOK:

www.Facebook.com/

DouglasCountySheriff

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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 Nackerso@DCSheriff.net 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 Nackerso@DCSheriff.net 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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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

DSherman@DCSheriff.net)