Today is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Thank you to all of the sworn and professional staff of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office. In spite of the challenges and risks, they serve the community with pride and dedication everyday. I am proud of them all.
No calls of any injuries or damage reported to Sheriff's Office dispatch from the 4.5 earthquake that struck at 10:33 PM. We are checking our key facilities and will continue to monitor.
Proud to announce that Captain Melissa Klawuhn has been promoted to Assistant Sheriff. She has shown outstanding dedication and leadership and made many contributions to the department and community. Congratulations to you.
Sgt. Damon Gutzwiller of the Santa Cruz Sheriff's Office was shot and killed in the line of duty yesterday. The investigation is ongoing but he was apparently ambushed. Please keep his family, colleagues and the community in your thoughts and prayers.
Teams of Contra Costa County deputies are in Solano County providing law enforcement mutual aid because of the LNU Lightning Fire Complex. The teams consist of one lieutenant, a sergeant and deputy sheriffs. They are assisting with evacuations and security.
(1/2) California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that security cameras will be installed on Contra Costa County freeways. We have seen first hand how effective freeway cameras can be, and we welcome this state pilot program to help us and CHP solve crimes and arrest offenders.
3) Please be assured law enforcement throughout the county is working together and has brought in additional resources to address incidences of civil unrest.
Five years ago today, Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies drowned in Lake Tahoe while attempting to save a friend who he saw struggling in the water. Our hearts are with the family of Deputy Francies. We will never forget his sacrifice and service.
Two California police officers were killed in the line of duty in separate incidents - Detective Luca Benedetti of San Luis Obispo PD and Officer Jimmy Inn of Stockton PD. We will never forget their sacrifice. Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues.
Remembering 4 Oakland Officers murdered in the line of duty 10 years ago today - Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Ervin Romans, Daniel Sakai and Officer John Hege. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten.
Heard the news that Congressman Mark DeSaulnier is in the hospital in critical condition. His district includes most of Contra Costa County. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery.
My sympathies and condolences to the family and colleagues of Alameda County Deputy Sheriff Oscar Rocha who passed away last night from COVID-19 complications.
Thank you for your service.
A CON Fire firefighter and medic were shot while on a medical call in Antioch last night. Their wounds are said to be non life-threatening. Our thoughts are with you and wish you a speedy recovery.
Thank you to Assistant Sheriff John Lowden who served the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office and community with pride, distinction and dedication for 26 years. Thank you for your service. Please enjoy your retirement.
DA's Office has filed 13 felony counts against Darryon Williams, the suspect in a Discovery bay homicide and shooting of first responders in Antioch last Saturday. Bail is nearly $10 million.
Our thoughts today are with the family and friends of Contra Costa County Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies. Seven years ago, he drowned in Lake Tahoe while trying to save a friend he saw struggling in the water. We miss him and will never forget his sacrifice and service.
I am proud to see my staff brightening the holidays for many children and families in the county. On behalf of the men and women of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, please stay safe and healthy this holiday season!
Good work by Orinda Police Department and other agencies in identifying and arresting suspects in an armed robbery in Orinda last month. One of the suspects was arrested in Texas and will be extradited back to Contra Costa County to face charges.
Remembering Sgts. Mark Dunakin, Erving Romans and Daniel Sakai and Officer John Hege of the Oakland Police Department. They were killed in the line of duty on March 21, 2009. Their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
19 years ago today terrorist attacks were launched against the US. Nearly 3,000 people were killed including 343 firefighters and 72 law enforcement officers. Never forget the victims and honor the heroes.
National First Responders Day - recognizing and thanking dispatchers, law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics and others for their sacrifice and service, not just during the wildfires but for their work everyday. Thank you!
Great job by firefighters & first responders during yesterday's wildfire in Concord. No homes damaged. Sheriff's Office STARR 3 helicopter was the first air asset on scene to drop water with its firefighting bucket. In all, STARR dropped about 40 buckets of water on the fire.
Good job by Sheriff's Office STARR 3 helicopter crew which responded to a grass fire near its hangar at Buchanan Airport in Concord on Saturday. STARR assisted with numerous water drops to contain the spread of the fire. No injuries or property damage.
Thank you to all Contra Costa residents for pulling together during this challenging time. For anyone who has concerns about possible violations of the Health Officer order to shelter in place, please contact the Sheriff's Office non-emergency line at (925) 646-2441.
1) Due to continuing civil unrest, ongoing disturbances and sporadic looting of businesses, all Contra Costa residents are encouraged to remain indoors today, June 1st from 8:00 PM until tomorrow, June 2nd at 5:00 AM. There is currently NO countywide curfew order.
During a swearing in ceremony yesterday I administered the oath of office to the Sheriff's Office graduates from Class 192. They are now officially Deputy Sheriffs. Congratulations and welcome to the Sheriff's Office and law enforcement family.
On Wednesday, Sheriff's Office detectives presented to DA's Office the case involving the person who ran down a deputy & officer in Blackhawk on Sunday. DA's Office formally charged Eduardo Carrillo with 3 counts of attempted murder of a peace officer. Bail upped to $3 million.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day - thank you to the dedicated and hardworking men and women of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office who serve the public 24/7. I also appreciate the many community members for their ongoing support of the Sheriff's Office and staff.
A Happy Thanksgiving from all of us here at the Office of the Sheriff. We are thankful for the support from the community. I am grateful for my outstanding sworn and professional staff who serve the county with dedication and pride.
Great job by Deputy Sheriffs augmenting Lafayette and Orinda patrols. Deputies found occupied stolen vehicle, followed it to Oakland and did a traffic stop. Driver arrested for felon in possession of firearms, stolen vehicle and parole hold. Thanks to Oakland PD for the assist.
On behalf of the men and women of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, we send out deepest condolences and sympathies to the family of fallen Sacramento County Deputy Sheriff Adam Gibson, our brothers and sisters at Sacramento County Sheriff's Office and community.
Kudos to the Golden State Killer/East Area Rapist task force for making an arrest in this case dating back the 1970's. You never gave up and now victims and their families will hopefully get some closure, answers and justice.
Welcoming the 192nd Basic Academy Class to the Law Enforcement Training Center. The recruits, who represent agencies in the area, just completed orientation. Thank you for choosing a career in community service and public safety.
Good job by Sheriff's Office STARR 3 helicopter crew for rescuing a hiker at Black Diamond Mines yesterday. The hiker, suffering from heat exhaustion, fell on steep terrain and held onto a fence to keep from falling further. The victim was short hauled by STARR 3 to an ambulance.
On this National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, thanking all Contra Costa Sheriff's Office staff of all ranks & classifications, sworn and professional, for their daily dedication, hard work and sacrifice in protecting and serving the community. We are proud to be of service!
Nice job by Deputies who responded to bank robbery in Alamo yesterday. They located and stopped suspect vehicle. Three arrested, all booked on multiple felony charges including robbery.
We are saddened about the death of Davis Police Officer Natalie Corona who was shot and killed while handling a traffic accident. She was a young officer who completed the academy last year. Our hearts go out to the family, department and community.
Nice job by Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs in locating and arresting the suspect in what turned out to be a homicide case in Montalvin Manor on Sunday night. The suspect was booked into jail on a murder charge. Bail is set at $1 million.
Good work by Sheriff’s Office homicide detectives and crime lab staff in solving the 1996 murder of Priscilla Lewis. They identified the suspect and filed the case with the DA's Office which formally charged Danny Lamont Hamilton with murder along with numerous enhancements.
(1/2) On behalf of the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office, our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the Uvalde, Texas school shooting victims. Our thoughts are also with the community and first responders.
For those who don't know the suspect in the killing of Newman Police Officer Ronil Singh was arrested. According to the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, 32-year-old Gustavo Perez Arriaga was arrested this morning in Bakersfield. He will be charged with homicide.
1) Health officers of Santa Clara, San Mateo, Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin and San Francisco Counties issued an order requiring residents of these counties to shelter at their place of residence unless they are working for an essential service or accessing essential services.
The Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff today remembers Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies. On August 13, 2015 Deputy Francies drowned in Lake Tahoe while trying to save a friend. We stand with his family and friends and will never forget his sacrifice and service.
4) It is important to note there are many exemptions to the order. For example, persons may still leave their homes to shop for groceries, buy gas, visit a bank, go to a doctor’s appointment, care for another, etc.
Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team is in Butte County to assist public safety agencies with searches in fire ravaged areas. Thank you for your service and dedication.
Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Muir Station organized a bike rodeo event at Riverview Middle School in Bay Point last Saturday. More than 400 bicycles were given to Bay Point children. Thank you to the donors and community members who assisted.
Our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Dominic Vaca who was shot and killed yesterday by a motorcyclist after a pursuit in Yucca Valley. Thank you for your service.
Today marks the 10th anniversary of the end of watch for Martinez Police Sergeant Paul Starzyk. Your sacrifice will never be forgotten. You and your family will always be in our hearts and minds.
Orientation day for 191st Basic Academy class at the Sheriff’s Office Law Enforcement Training Center. They begin a new chapter in their lives, one of community service and public safety. The recruits represent several agencies in the area.
Check out this cool picture from Sheriff's Office STARR helicopter on patrol over Contra Costa County last night. It shows the streak of light over the Bay Area. Experts determined it was a meteor.
Kudos to Contra Costa Sheriff's Office SWAT team members for their performance at the recent Alameda County Sheriff's SWAT Challenge. They earned 1st place in the Top Gun event, 2nd in physical fitness and 3rd in overall competing teams. Congratulations and good job!
Funeral services and procession for Corporal Kevin Mooney of Moraga PD took place this afternoon. He also served with the Sheriff's Office for 21 years and as a member of the US Marine Corps. Thank you for your dedication and service to your community, county, and country.
We mourn the passing of two Riverside County Deputy Sheriffs - David Werksman and Terrell Young - due to complications from COVID-19. Our deepest sympathies to the families and our brothers and sisters at the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.
Suspect in vehicular homicide near Buchanan Field Airport identified, taken into custody and charged within six days of the incident. Anthony Buscemi is facing 2 felony charges - gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and DUI causing injury. Bail set at $300K.
A new module for inmates who have mental illnesses has opened at the Martinez Detention Facility as part of our jail modernization. Now, inmates who have mental illnesses will have a dedicated housing unit for treatment, programming, and services, in addition to healthcare.
National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Thanking all members of the Office of the Sheriff for their service and sacrifice in serving our communities.
Once STARR 3 cleared the pursuit, it was able to direct ground units to the location of the suspect vehicle where the laser was discharged. Deputies arrested and booked the suspect for discharging a laser at an aircraft and probation violation. A green laser was recovered.
Congratulations to Sheriff's Office LETC Basic Academy Class 188 which graduated last week in Walnut Creek. The 54 graduates represent 16 law enforcement agencies in the Bay Area. Good job! I am proud of all of you!
Contra Costa Deputy Sheriffs will be assisting Walnut Creek PD with downtown patrols this holiday season. This high visibility deployment from the Sheriff’s Office will help keep businesses, shoppers and residents safe.
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I urge DA Becton not to retry this case. I also urge her to take down the posts on her reelection campaign social media where she touts this prosecution.”
Nice work by Sheriff's Office Deputies and Detectives. Two burglary suspects in custody days after being identified. They were arrested during a burglary. They are linked to numerous burglaries. DA filed felony charges against them.
Thank you to the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team for responding to Butte County to assist following devastating wildfires. The team consists of highly trained volunteers dedicated to helping agencies in need. The team is in place for a 3-day mission.
Sheriff's Office recently hosted a Bike Rodeo in Bay Point. More than 500 bikes/helmets given away to children. A great turnout by the community. Thank you to all of the sponsors who partnered with us to make this event a success.
Remembering Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies. 3 years ago today, Deputy Francies, with family/friends in Lake Tahoe, drowned while trying to rescue a friend he thought was in distress. We remember Deputy Francies as a member of our family and for his dedication and heroism.
On behalf of all of us here at the Contra Costa Sheriff's Office - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone. Please know my staff are working 24/7 to help keep our communities safe. Wishing you a warm, joyful, and safe holiday season.
Administered the oath of office to the 20 Sheriff's Office graduates from Law Enforcement Training Center Class 190 which officially graduated today from the more than six month long basic academy. Congratulations to all graduates and welcome to the law enforcement family.
Annual Bay Point Holiday Party organized by the Sheriff's Office. More than 1,200 toys given to children and over 700 dinners served last Saturday. Thank you to our many partners and donors for making this event our biggest ever!
Great job by Sheriff's Office helicopter STARR 1, which provided an outside assist during pursuit. STARR 1 located suspect who fled and tried to evade arrest. It is hard to get away once the "eye in the sky" is above.
Contra Costa County lifted the countywide curfew order
effective as of 1:00 PM today, June 4, 2020. Please note that this does not affect any city curfews that remain in effect.
The California Peace Officers' Memorial ceremonies are usually held this week in Sacramento. This year's ceremonies were cancelled because of the pandemic. We still recognize and remember all of the officers who died in the line of duty in service to their communities.
Deputies and detectives identified a suspect hours after a bank robbery in Alamo. Suspect apparently robbed two other businesses in the county. Fairfield PD detained her after detectives tracked her to Fairfield. She was later arrested and booked into jail. Nice job by all.
Congratulations to Sheriff's Office Law Enforcement Training Center's 189th Basic Academy Class which finished last week. Unfortunately we could not hold a graduation ceremony because of COVID-19. I am proud of all of you and welcome to the law enforcement family.
Today we remember Contra Costa Deputy Sheriff Carlos Francies. In 2015, Deputy Francies drowned in Lake Tahoe trying to rescue a friend he thought was in distress. He served the Sheriff's Office for 3.5 years. Deputy Francies will never be forgotten. Thank you for your service.
Our heartfelt thoughts today are with the Martinez Police Department and family of Sgt. Paul Starzyk who was killed in the line of duty 11 years ago today. His sacrifice and service to the community will never be forgotten.
On behalf of the men and women of the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, our deepest condolences to the family, colleagues, and friends of the two El Monte police officers shot and killed in the line of duty today.
Just a heads up that County Health Officers in the Bay Area will soon be formally announcing an extension of the stay-at-home order from April 7 to May 3.
Contra Costa is working with other county health officers to extend the current stay-at-home order from April 7 to May 3. Details will be announced in the next day or two
A little later, STARR was overhead during a pursuit and directed Deputies to the suspects who foot bailed. Later STARR rescued another hiker. These incidents show STARR's versatility. The Sheriff's Office STARR helicopter is a tremendous asset for Contra Costa County.
Good job by Sheriff's Office detectives in Crockett homicide case. Suspect was identified and arrested in about 14 hours. Thanks to Fairfield PD for the assist. Suspect booked into jail for murder; no bail.
Condolences to family, the department, and community. Ventura County Sheriff's Office Sgt. Ron Helus was killed in the line of duty responding to an active shooter. He will never be forgotten.
Today we mourn the loss of Sergeant Ron Helus who gave his life serving the community. Please keep his family and the families of the victims in your thoughts and prayers.