Sheriff Carona: ‘Our Steadfast Mission’

Yesterday, Sheriff Carona issued a letter to his deputies and staff.

“Regretfully, there continues to be attacks on our department regarding the fire storm surrounding me. Your phone calls, emails, smiles and hugs boost my spirits and I sincerely appreciate your support.”

“There is no doubt that these are difficult times for us all, but as we’ve seen throughout our extraordinary history, the professionalism and dedication of those who serve the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is unwavering.  Those we serve should be assured of one thing: We continue to move forward as an organization united in our mission of serving Orange County.”  

Our steadfast mission – Sheriff’s letter to the troops

November 1, 2007 16:28
by Sheriff Carona

The mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department was conceived in 1889, with the election of Richard T. Harris. Sheriff Harris’s department consisted of two deputies, T.C. Hull and James Buckley. Together, they kept the community safe from horse thieves and other malevolence.

Over the last 118 years, as Orange County has experienced incredible growth, natural disasters and even economic disasters, the mission of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has remained the same: To provide professional, responsive and caring law enforcement services to the residents, visitors and businesses of Orange County.  In 1889 only two deputies and a sheriff carried out our mission. Today we have more than 4,000 sworn and professional staff, each dedicated to a mission that has remained the same.

Since March 30, 2007, our four assistant sheriffs have reported to Undersheriff Galisky, who serves as my designated authority for operational oversight and administrative control.

Our community and contract partners can be assured that the events of this week have not impacted our ability to serve them. In fact, the Department of Justice took steps to reassure the public, stating the charges “never called into question the integrity of the rank-and-file Orange County Sheriff’s Department personnel. The FBI is committed to continuing these strong relationships that exist in the form of joint task forces devoted to fighting terrorism, organized criminal enterprises, the exploitation of children, bank robberies, and other criminal activity in Orange County.”

Regretfully, there continues to be attacks on our department regarding the fire storm surrounding me. Your phone calls, emails, smiles and hugs boost my spirits and I sincerely appreciate your support.

There is no doubt that these are difficult times for us all, but as we’ve seen throughout our extraordinary history, the professionalism and dedication of those who serve the Orange County Sheriff’s Department is unwavering.  Those we serve should be assured of one thing: We continue to move forward as an organization united in our mission of serving Orange County.