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SDSO SAR Desert Training: Borrego Springs - August 2010 |
Many people ask me how did I get involved with the Sheriff's Department as a Reserve Deputy? This project actually began in the winter of 2007 when I applied to the SDSO Search And Rescue Academy which started January 2008. The SDSO SAR Academy is a four month long training program which covers a wide variety of topics including First Aid/CPR, Land Navigation, Radios/Communication, K9 Operations, Court Room Testimony, Helicopter Operations, Orienteering, Disaster Response and Physical Fitness. The PT component is an timed 8-mile cross country hike/run in full uniform with a 20 pound pack NOT including your water. The current unit record is held by one of Old Town Plaza's very own - Dan Rodriguez of Select Law Group in Suite A-245. Dan, or "D-Rod" as he is known in the unit, completed the qual hike in just under 1 hour 24 minutes. I finished second in 1 hour 26 minutes. The SAR Academy holds classroom sessions every Tuesday and Thursday night from 1830-2130 and every other Saturday from 0800-1700.
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Tech Rescue Ropes Training Rappelling Tower - GREAT FUN! |
Swearing-in ceremony at SDSO with my Academy Classmates |
Desert training in Borrego Springs is another mission set we take on in SDSO SAR. About ten days ago we tested a new uniform for SAR - the Desert/Hot Weather Uniform. Designed primarily for hot weather environments, many samples were acquired and tested for deployment with SDSO SAR. The winning uniform consists of a Columbia Tamiami II shirt (khaki), Under Armour Generation II Tactical Pants (desert sand), REI Sahara Nomad Cape Hat (khaki boonie hat optional), Oakley SI Assault Boot (desert), Oakley SI Assault Gloves (desert), Oakley Assault A-Frame Goggles and an SDSO-issued traffic safety vest for situations requiring high visibility. Overall, the Desert/Hot Weather Uniform exceeded our expectations. In particular, the Oakley eyewear, gloves and boots were locked-on and delivered the performance, quality and innovation I've come to expect from Oakley products in general. The Under Armour Gen II Tactical Pants were also a home run. I'm quite happy we have an opportunity to deploy products from companies who value the service and sacrifice of our fighting men and women in uniform. I tip my hat to them all.
SDPD Quad/ATV Training - August 2010 |
Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a luncheon hosted by the Honorary Deputy Sheriff's Association. Sheriff William D. Gore was the keynote speaker. It was a terrific event where Sheriff Gore shared some of the fantastic success stories from our department that have been made possible by the visionary leadership of some of our local leaders. In particular, I was encouraged by Sheriff Gore's remarks concerning SDSO's focus on finding and deploying effective cutting edge technology to enhance public safety and the effectiveness of the Department as an innovative law enforcement organization.
Stay tuned to LeaseOldTown.net for more stories about Intermarket Investment Group giving back to the great community we call San Diego. I would encourage anyone reading this to find a way to help out in your community - there are so many ways in which just a small amount of effort on our part will go a long way in helping others in ways we may not even be aware. Your willingness and desire to help are more valuable to your community than you might realize.