 On March 21, 2006, Orange County Sheriff’s Department Explorer Post 449 held its annual explorer recognition and awards dinner at the Irvine Hilton Hotel. Over 450 Explorers, their families and Sheriff’s personnel attended. The banquet is held to recognize the Sheriff’s Explorers for their hard work and dedication to Post 449, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, and the residents of Orange County. The Banquet also honors those explorers who have gone above and beyond the normal duties of a Sheriff’s Explorer.
 Lieutenant Tom Slayton (Director of the Explorer Program) was the Master of Ceremonies. Sheriff Michael S. Carona was the Keynote Speaker and presented the explorers with servicehour certificates and individual awards. Sheriff Carona also stood for photographs with each explorer in attendance. In 2005, explorers from Post 449 volunteered more than 23,000 hours to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and to the residents of Orange County.
The following Explorers and Advisor were recognized for outstanding achievement:
Recruitment Award: Explorer Lieutenant Carlos Ortiz (Recruited 5 new Explorers in 2005)  Explorer Lieutenant Carlos Ortiz joined Explorer Post 449 in March 2002. In March 2003, he was promoted to the rank of Explorer Corporal and his leadership skills began to standout. His dedication, loyalty and leadership continued to impress his advisors and, in December of 2003, Explorer Ortiz was promoted to the rank of Explorer Sergeant. In November 2004, Carlos was promoted to the rank of Explorer Lieutenant. Carlos has volunteered over 1,637 hours in his tenure with the program. Carlos was recently hired as a Sheriff’s Department Community Service Officer for North Operations and he is a full time college student. Carlos was last year’s Explorer of the Year and the Explore County Volunteer of year. In 2005 Carlos recruited 5 new Explorers, which earned him the Recruitment Award.
Community Hours: Explorer Corporal Matthew Padilla (506 Community Service Hours in 2005)  Explorer Matt Padilla has been an explorer for the South Division for approximately two years. During his tenure with the explorers, Matt has strived to improve himself by volunteering for many assignments. Matt has made himself available on a regular basis by working virtually all special events assigned to the South Division. Due to his hard work ethic, motivation, dedication and his drive, Matt achieved the rank of Corporal. Since his promotion, Matt has taken on virtually all the clerical and many of the logistical tasks that come with running an explorer division. Matt attends every weekly meeting and is often available to complete additional tasks when assigned. Matt’s current drive for perfection, coupled with his strong desire of the law enforcement profession has made him stand out in the post as an explorer who will do whatever it takes to accomplish his goals. Matt currently is a Cadet with the department. His future goals include becoming a Community Service Officer for the Sheriff’s Department and then a Deputy Sheriff with the Sheriff’s Department. Post # 449 would like to congratulate Matt Padilla for achieving the award for the most community service hours worked as an explorer for the year 2005.
Service Hours: Explorer Corporal Matthew Padilla (685 Total Hours in 2005)  This years Total Service Hours Award goes to Explorer Matt Padilla with a grand total of 685 volunteered hours in 2004.
Spirit award: Explorer Sergeant Yanira Rojo  Yanira joined Post #449 in September of 2004. Yanira began her career as an explorer just as any other, curious about the program, not sure if it was right for her, but willing to give it a chance. As the weeks passed, Yanira became more involved in the program, working events, attending meetings regularly, and enthusiastically participating in training scenarios. Yanira always appeared at meetings and events with a smile and an excellent attitude, even if she was not having the greatest of days. She quickly asserted herself as a leader, someone who could be counted on both by fellow explorers and advisors. She was always willing to go the extra mile to get something done and could always be counted on to pull through at the last minute with minimal notice. After completing the Winter 2005 Explorer Academy, and representing the department in an outstanding manner, Yanira advanced to the rank of Corporal. At the rank of Corporal, she maintained her uplifting demeanor and continued to excel in everything she did. When things go wrong, this explorer never lays the blame on anyone else, she just calmly explains what occurred and accepts responsibility for her actions and the actions of those under her. In August of 2005, Yanira served as runner at the Summer Explorer Academy, again being called to duty at the last minute. The staff from the numerous outside agencies that were present, learned what this department already knew, she was someone who be counted on to get the job done. Continuing to improve her skills as a leader, Yanira was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. Yanira is a member of Post #449’s Color Guard (As you saw this evening) and is always counted on to participate in the Color Guard events. This explorer takes on more challenges with each passing day, failing to see them as a burden, but as a chance to grow and improve. Through all of this responsibility, she manages to arrive at each obstacle with an excellent attitude and as always, with a smile. Due to her continued dedication to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Explorer Post #449, Yanira was chosen to receive this years Spirit Award.
Leadership Award: Explorer Sergeant Carl Dossland  Carl has been an Orange County Explorer since May 2003. In that time, he has honorably achieved the rank of Sgt. and aspires to test for Lt. in the near future. Carl enjoys going on ride alongs, and especially enjoys assisting deputies at DUI checkpoints. His attendance is near perfect. He comes to meetings with a positive and enthusiastic attitude and leads the other explorers in San Clemente by example. He calls each explorer and reminds them about upcoming events and encourages other explorers to attend weekly meetings. At the 2005 OCLEEAA competition at Laser Village, Carl was the primary officer on the DUI stop. Carl conducted the FST’s and successfully led his team to a 3rd place finish. At the Chandler competition, he was part of the 10 man High Risk Search Warrant where his team achieved 3rd place. At the Oxnard competition, Carl was the team captain on two tugawar teams, which both took 1st place. In February 2005, Carl was a “runner” at the OCLEEAA winter Academy. As a “Runner,” Carl was counted on to assist Academy staff as needed and selfishly leant assistance to close to 100 new explorers. In 2005, Carl won the San Clemente High School track and field athletic award. He volunteered over 600 hours to Post #449 in 2005 and achieved the highest Explorer award presented by the Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisors Association at the 2005 Gold Awards. Carl is a freshman at Saddleback College, currently enrolled in 14 ¼ units. He is also testing to become a Cadet with the Sheriff’s Dept. Carl is polite, and never hesitates to call when he needs advice, or a question answered. He is 18 years old and looks forward to testing for Deputy Sheriff once he achieves his degree in Criminal Justice. Congratulations Carl for earning this years Leadership Award.
Explorer of the Year: Explorer Sergeant Andrew Ha  On August 11, 2002 Andrew’s mother and father were tragically killed in car accident in the city of Santa Ana. Although this was a day that would change Andrew’s life forever, he was determined to continue making his parents proud; and that he has. While attending Tustin High School was selected as the ASB Treasurer for the school in addition to being on the Varsity Wrestling Team. In 2004, Andrew was elected by Tustin High School as the Senior Class President. Andrew was responsible for organizing and raising funds for the senior trip, barbeques, luncheon, and the goodbye ceremony. This was in addition to his wrestling, Sheriff Explorer obligations, and maintaining his grades in advanced placement classes. Furthermore, Andrew was selected to compete in a variety of national conferences including New York City, and Philadelphia. Andrew was the chair person in charge, leading his team to numerous victories and awards. Explorer Andrew Ha has clearly distinguished himself as an exceptional worker with a positive work ethic, who’s dedicated to the Explorer program. Andrew joined the Sheriff Explorer program in March of 2003, where he immediately stood out. Early on, Andrew showed his enthusiasm by actively attending weekly meetings, community events, and training exercises. In February of 2005, Andrew was promoted to the rank of Explorer Corporal after demonstrating his ability to lead, motivate, and mentor his fellow Explorers. As a Corporal, Andrew was responsible for managing his own squad, delegating Explorer tasks and assignment, training, and assisting newer Explorers in preparing for the academy. Andrew rapidly moved up to the rank of Explorer Sergeant in June of 2005. Andrew is currently responsible for direct supervision of Explorers at all functions, delegation of tasks and assignments, and totaling the North Divisions volunteer hours. Since joining the Explorer program, Andrew has volunteered almost 1000 hours to the Sheriff’s department and the communities throughout Orange County. Overall, Andrew is a solid and highly competent Explorer. His extensive knowledge of Explorer procedures makes him a source of information for both his advisors and fellow explorers. Andrew is always on time and rarely misses a meeting. Andrew consistently performs at a highly competent level and is always willing to help others. Newer Explorers seek him out to answer questions they have, and he consistently keeps his advisors informed of anything they need to know about. Andrew’s name is known around the department, including by Sheriff Carona, as someone who gets the job done with minimal or no supervision. During his offduty time, Andrew likes spending time with his girlfriend Brianna, and competing in “airsoft” battles. Andrew aspires to become an Orange County Deputy Sheriff and to try out for the Sheriff’s SWAT Team. In addition to receiving the “Explorer of the Year” award this evening, Andrew will now take on additional responsibility by assuming the rank of “Explorer Lieutenant” effective immediately. This is the highest rank an Explorer can achieve in a division. Congratulations Andrew for being Post 449’s 2005 Explorer of the Year.
Explorer Advisor of the Year: Supervising Dispatcher Karen Daly (ECB)  Karen has worked for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for a total of 24 years in various capacities. She became an Explorer Advisor in 1994, first with the San Clemente Division, then with the South Division, and currently with the Lake Forest Division. Whenever a division is struggling, or short an advisor, Karen is the Advisor that is sent to get the division back on track. Karen has been a loyal and dedicated Advisor to the Sheriff’s Explorer program and a great asset to the Post. Karen currently is a Supervising Dispatcher at the Sheriff’s Emergency Management Bureau. Karen is always willing to give tours for the Explorer’s at the ECB/EOC facility at Loma Ridge. Karen not only provides this service for Sheriff’s Explorers, but has done so on numerous occasions for Explorers from other Explorer Posts in Orange County. Karen has been an active member of the Orange County Law Enforcement Explorer Advisor’s Association (OCLEEAA). During her tenor she has served on the board as Vice President – North County, Vice President – South County, Secretary and Treasurer. Karen has been Assistant Director and a tactical officer at numerous OCLEEAA Academies. In addition she has served on several OCLEEAA committees and was one of the advisor’s instrumental in creating the Gold Awards. Karen has assisted on numerous Gold Award Committees and has helped organize several OCLEEAA Beach Parties. Karen was awarded the BSA Award of Merit in 2000 and the Advisor Gold Award in 2001. Karen is currently spearheading a fundraiser for the Explorer program, where the Program will sell a model Sheriff’s unit. Karen was selected by her peers to be this year Advisor of the Year.
Explorer Post 449 would like to thank the following Sheriff’s personnel for their assistance with staffing, funding, and equipment needed for the Explorer Banquet:
Sheriff Michael S. Carona
Assistant Sheriff Kim Markuson – Operations
Captain Dave Wilson – Community Services Division
Lieutenant Tom Slayton – Director of Explorer Post 449
Lieutenant Roger Neumeister – Reserve Bureau
Office Supervisor Karen Waters – Community Services Division
Office Specialist Cathy Paneque, Cherlyn Bullington, and Patti Reichardt – Community Services Division
OCSD Photographer Jerry Manson
OCSD Communications – (Audio & Visual):
Randy Mobly, Brian Stevens, Juan Ruiz, and Perry Giltz
Deputy Brian Stockbridge – Sheriff’s Bugler
Reserve Deputies: Donald Stone, Armen Asarian, Pam Peters and Ben Novak.
OCSD Chaplin Kathy Rutland
Rick Tran Financial/Administrative Services – Purchasing
Explorer Post #449 would like to thank the following individuals and organizations for their generous donations to the banquet:
PSR Fadi Ramadan
PSR Emad Hakim
Association of Orange County Deputy Sheriff’s and Sgt. Wayne Quint
Association of County Law Enforcement Managers Captain J.B. Davis and Captain Mike James.
Oakley Corporation Vance Loman & Don Porter
D.U.I.L.A. – Executive Director Marilyn MacDougall
Orange County Peace Officer Association Range Store Courtney Stewart, Manager
West Marine Donna Corn (Wife of Deputy Chris Corn)
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