Message from Sheriff Ed Gonzalez:
The past nine months have shown us that compassion and empathy can save the day. We have witnessed countless displays of neighbors helping neighbors and overwhelming support from our community for front-line workers.
During this challenging year, the term “essential worker” took on a whole new meaning – from our medical personnel and corrections workers who helped us avoid a potentially catastrophic outbreak in the county jail to the grocers that kept our families and communities fed. We are deeply moved by how everyone – health care workers, students, teachers, postal workers, first responders, and community members – rose to the occasion every day.
Just this week, we received more toy donations from members of our extended Sheriff’s Office family to reach deserving children in our community. Ms. Torres has partnered with PetSmart since 2010 to donate stuffed animals during the holiday season to police agencies in our region. More than 180 cuddly teddy bears, lamas, and unicorns will bring comfort to those in need. Ms. Torres is the mother to two detention officers, one of them a cadet in our Basic Peace Officer Course, and a mother-in-law to a sergeant. The stuffed animals will go to Operation Blue Sleigh led by deputy wives Victoria Viruette and Perla Dabbraccio. The two women joined forces after hearing about the many children their husbands encountered throughout their daily shifts. The initiative provides our deputies with gifts to hand out to these children, lifting their spirits, spreading holiday cheer, and building a strong bond between them and our deputies. If you’re interested in making a toy donation or learning more about this great cause, click here.
The compassion and resilience that so many in our community have shown this year is inspiring. As we celebrate Christmas and the holiday season, I just wanted to pause and express my gratitude for your support.
Some of our teammates will work through the holidays, sacrificing time spent with their loved ones. Our job never stops, and I’m grateful for those who serve and protect our residents with honor and courage.
I hope everyone enjoys time with their loved ones. We’re so grateful for your readership and partnership and wish you and yours a restful and joyous holiday!
