Message from Sheriff Engram
People often ask us what it’s really like to work at the Sheriff’s Office. What happens behind the scenes, why deputies make the decisions they make, how they respond to dangerous situations. I’d like to share some personal insight. At the end of February, two of our deputies jumped into the cold, swift-moving water of the Russian River to save someone. They nearly died, but their heroic actions saved them. They acted quickly without thinking of themselves, only of their duty to save her from drowning. This sense of duty is at the core of the Sheriff’s Office culture. This is what we do. I am extraordinarily proud of these two deputies: Sgt. Lawson and Deputy McCready.
The emotional impacts of this call are reverberating throughout the Office. We nearly lost two people who are closer to brothers than coworkers. We are processing the fear and sobering reminder of the dangers of this job.
Then just a week later, four of our deputies were injured in an officer-involved shooting. Three of the deputies were treated and released from the hospital. The fourth sustained a head injury and is in critical, but stable, condition.
I invite you to watch this month’s video to learn more about first responder job impacts and what we are doing to support our people. Our sense of duty to take care of our community should extend to each other.
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We Need Your Help with a Cold Case
Skeletal remains of a woman were found by hikers off Pine Flat Road near Healdsburg in 1993. We couldn’t identify her due to the extent of decomposition, and the case went cold. With advances in DNA technology, she was recently identified as Robin Fay Hedrick. Robin was born in 1953 and lived in Vallejo, CA. She was last seen in Vallejo in February 1992. Now we’re asking for your help so we can solve her suspicious death. If you knew Robin or have information about her life, contact our Cold Case Unit at 707-565-2727 orsheriff-coldcase@sonoma-county.org.
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Deputies Rescue Woman from Russian River While She Fought Them
On February 25, dispatchers received a 911 call that a child was in the Russian River and being swept downstream. Deputies responded and found a person struggling to stay afloat in the middle of the river. Ultimately, two deputies went into river to rescue this person, who turned out to be a woman. Our partners at Sonoma County Fire District then rescued the woman and the deputies via boat. The woman fought deputies throughout the rescue and subsequently fought emergency medical personnel. Thankfully, both deputies are okay despite the harrowing circumstances. “In line with our culture of service over self, Sergeant Lawson and Deputy McCready heroically risked their lives to save someone,” Sheriff Eddie Engram said. “They exemplify what it means to be a Sonoma County deputy sheriff.”
Deputies Involved in Shooting After Being Fired at by Suspect
Shortly after midnight on March 4, dispatchers received multiple calls of a man brandishing a rifle in western Santa Rosa. The suspect lead deputies on a pursuit, stopping to shoot at them and they exchanged gunfire. Ultimately, he crashed his car. Four deputies were injured in the incident. Three of the deputies were treated and released from the hospital. The fourth sustained a head injury and is in critical, but stable, condition. The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Santa Rosa Police Department is investigating this incident in accordance with the Sonoma County Law Enforcement Chiefs’ Association Fatal Incident Protocol. More information, including bodyworn camera footage, will be released as soon as it’s available.
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Now Hiring in IT!
When you join the Sheriff’s Office, you become part of a strong work family dedicated to serving the people of Sonoma County. We’re now accepting applications for a Department Information Systems Coordinator. This person will prioritize and manage Information Technology (IT) projects, implement new technology, and address IT project needs. We’re looking for someone with significant IT project management experience, including substantial experience acting as a technical lead. This person should also be a strong communicator with excellent prioritization skills and the ability to collaborate with our team.Earn up to $135,892 annually with excellent benefits. Apply by March 14, 2024.
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AB 114 Funding Available
The Sonoma County AB 114 panel welcomes all community-based programs, government entities, and schools to apply for funding pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 11489. This panel uses asset seizure monies to fund evidence-based programs designed to combat drug abuse, divert gang activity, and provide positive intervention programs for high-risk elementary and secondary school-age students. To apply, contact Maria Galvan-Lopez at 707-565-8848 ormaria.galvan-lopez@sonoma-county.org. Applications are due by April 5, 2024.
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