Riverside County Sheriff's Office

Remembering K-9 Windy- End of Watch July 25, 2019

K-9 Windy, passed away on July 25, 2019, after contracting an illness while tracking in the desert area of Riverside County in May of 2019.

K-9 Windy began serving with her handler in May 2014, at 7 weeks old. Throughout her career, she patrolled countless miles across Riverside County, helping to locate suspects, solve crimes, and reunite family members. Her exceptional tracking abilities led to 50 documented finds and numerous investigative leads, earning her a stellar reputation throughout the Inland Empire and among surrounding law enforcement agencies.

K-9 Windy’s dedication and remarkable skills made her an invaluable member of our team. Her legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the community she so faithfully served.

K-9 Windy, you will never be forgotten.

After a combined total of 66 years of dedicated service, it's time to cherish every moment and enjoy life to the fullest!

🌟 𝙎𝙚𝙧𝙜𝙚𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝘾𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞 𝘿𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚, 18 years of service.
🌟 𝙈𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙄𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙜𝙖𝙩𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙍𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙨𝙤𝙣, 27 years of service
🌟 𝙍𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙫𝙚 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙮 𝘿𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙙 𝙍𝙞𝙚𝙙𝙚𝙡𝙡, 21 years of service

Thank you for your years of service and commitment to RSO & our community. Wishing you all a well-deserved, 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗬 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧! 🚓🎉

When Science Technology Engineering Math (STEM) comes together with Law Enforcement & Public Safety (LEAPS) for a learning lab!

This incredible program allows students to see firsthand how the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office uses STEM to protect & serve. These future innovators are destined to make our equipment better and more advanced.

Southern California Residents!!!! Come out if you can alongside the route!

50 years ago today, Deputy Edward Michael Schrader was shot and killed while responding to a family disturbance call.

This morning, family, friends and co-workers gathered for a memorial ceremony to commemorate his courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting others.

On this 50th anniversary, we reflect on the ultimate sacrifice made by Deputy Schrader. His selfless service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Remembering Deputy Edward Michael Schrader - EOW: July 11, 1974

Deputy Edward Schrader was hired by Riverside County Sheriff on February 20, 1973 and was assigned to the Elsinore Station.

Deputy Schrader attended the Riverside Sheriff’s 55th Basic Academy in the fall of 1973. He received numerous commendations from citizens while employed with this department.

On July 11, 1974, Deputy Schrader responded to a family disturbance call in Rancho California. A man and wife were arguing over custody of their children. The wife called the Elsinore Station for assistance. When Deputy Schrader arrived, he talked to the wife about the disturbance. Deputy Schrader was informed by a neighbor that the husband (suspect) was hiding. When Deputy Schrader tried to locate the suspect, he was "surprised" by the suspect. The suspect eventually got Deputy Schrader’s gun and shot him. Deputy Schrader was killed instantly.

Deputy Schrader was survived by his wife. They did not have children. Deputy Schrader was also survived by his parents, one brother and two sisters.

Congratulations to Lieutenant Mike Moulton on graduating the 290th session of the FBI National Academy!

The FBI National Academy is a professional course of study for U.S. and international law enforcement managers nominated by their agency heads because of demonstrated leadership qualities. The 10-week program—which provides coursework in intelligence theory terrorism and terrorist mindsets, management science, law, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, and forensic science—serves to improve the administration of justice in police departments and agencies at home and abroad and to raise law enforcement standards, knowledge, and cooperation worldwide.

L-R: Undersheriff Don Sharp, Lieutenant Mike Moulton and Sheriff Chad Bianco

Today, the Lake Mathews Station command staff presented their 1-year anniversary commemorative planks & challenge coins to Sheriff Bianco and his Executive Team.

The Lake Mathews Station became operational in March of 2023, thanks to the vision and leadership of Sheriff Bianco and his Executive Team. The vision of adding this new patrol station wouldn’t have been made possible without the support from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and Riverside County CEO, Jeff Van Wagenen.

During the live Board of Supervisors meeting, Lake Mathews command staff, along with Sheriff Bianco & Undersheriff Sharp presented each Board of Supervisor; District 1 Supervisor- Kevin Jeffries, District 2- Karen Spiegel, District 3- Chuck Washington, District 4 V. Manuel Perez & District 5- Yxstian Gutierrez with an encased commemorative challenge coin.

🎨✨ Drumroll, Please! 🥁✨
We are thrilled to announce the winners of our Drawing Contest, whose amazing artwork was featured at our 2024 Awards Ceremony! 🌟🖌️

🏆 Kelly Lewis - Technical Skill
🏆 Sienna Lopez- Theme Representation
🏆 Eydee Rivera- Storytelling
🏆 Kinsley Parker - Detail and Accuracy
🏆 Brielle Buelna - Creativity/Originality

Congratulations to the winners! A huge thank you to everyone who participate! There is so much talent here in Riverside County & your fantastic creations have amazed us all.

Thank you! 🎉🖼️

Our offices & station lobbies will be closed tomorrow, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. 🇺🇸

Business will resume as usual on Friday, July 5.

This 4th of July, leave the fireworks to the professionals. 🇺🇸🎇

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department has compiled a schedule of the various fireworks shows throughout Riverside County, including times and locations. Swipe through to find the show nearest you!

Congratulations to Sergeant David Greenwalt on his graduation from the prestigious Sherman Block Leadership Institute (SLI). SLI is a comprehensive eight-month leadership course designed to enhance leadership and personal growth with an emphasis on ethical decision-making. 👏

📸 L-R: Captain Northrup, Lieutenant Iemsisanith, Sergeant Greenwalt and Assistant Sheriff Hall

For Feature Friday, we’re shining the spotlight on two of our Sheriff Service Officers (SSO).

These dedicated SSO’s work tirelessly behind the scenes in logistics to ensure our deputies and staff have everything they need to serve our community effectively and safely.

Thank you to all our SSO’s that help keep RSO running smoothly, everyday. We appreciate you!

RSO welcomes more laterals and promotes 3 employees today! Please join us in congratulating the following personnel!

Sergeant Phillip Lorton
Supervising Facilities Project Manager Ana Loera-Gutierrez
Public Information Supervisor Scott Miller
Deputy Jose Campos
Deputy Ramesis Rivera-Medrano
Deputy Coty Wadley
Court Deputy Manuel Alfaro
Correctional Deputy Keren Arredondo
Correctional Deputy Brittany Aldana
Correctional Deputy Juan Hernandez Luevan

After a combined total of 123 years of service, they are headed to their final assignment......RETIREMENT!

🌟 Sergeant Michael Shacklett - 27 years of service
🌟 Correctional Deputy Timothy Ross- 29 years of service
🌟 Captain Lisa Christian (Mc Connell) - 33 years of service
🌟 Sergeant Wallace Clear - 34 years of service

Thank you for your years of service and commitment to RSO & our community. Wishing you all a well-deserved, happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement!

Remembering Deputy Randy Robert Lutz – EOW: June 22, 1989

Deputy Randy Lutz was employed with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for three years. He was hired in April of 1987, assigned to Riverside Patrol. He was later assigned to the Norco Motorcycle Patrol in June 1989.

Deputy Lutz attended the Police Reserve Academy at Fullerton College and received his POST certificate in June 1981. He began his law enforcement career in 1982 with the California State Police. In 1983, he joined the San Jacinto Police Department and in 1987, joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

In 1986, he was named Officer of the Year in San Jacinto. In 1988, Deputy Lutz was nominated for Peace Officer of the Year for his role in the aftermath of the gunshot wounding of a fellow Riverside Sheriff’s Deputy.

While patrolling the Norco area on June 22, 1989, Deputy Lutz came upon slow/stopped traffic. Deputy Lutz swerved into the center lane to avoid the traffic jam. After swerving into the center lane, Deputy Lutz collided with a pickup truck. He was killed instantly.

Deputy Randy Lutz was survived by his wife and his two daughters. He was also survived by his parents and one sister.

Exciting morning at RSO! Sheriff Bianco appoints new executive staff and promotes nine department members.

𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝘼𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙣𝙩 𝙎𝙝𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙛𝙛
Zachary Hall

𝘼𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝘿𝙚𝙥𝙪𝙩𝙮
Michael Koehler
Michael Bianco
Kenneth Reichle

𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣
Steven Favero
Sarah Mack
Justin Rowan
Alan Northrup

𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙇𝙞𝙚𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙣𝙩
Jesse Martinez
George Acevedo
Caleb Curtner
Tommy Mix
Justin Hill

Lead with excellence, enjoy your new assignments & congratulations to you all!

💙💙💙

Of course we won an Emmy, we're RSO!

Please join us in congratulating our very own Amy Brazao-Cartas and Monica Salib of the RSO Media Information Bureau for winning an Emmy in the Crime and Justice category for their project, Operation Intercept!

Operation Intercept aims to address online predators in Riverside County.

A big thank you to Sheriff Chad Bianco and Undersheriff Don Sharp for their leadership and attendance at the ceremony to support our team!

We are RSO Proud!

Click the link below to watch Operation Intercept:
https://youtu.be/5nqB1IeY5zI?si=6ey0B7yXFus4qSk4

We're incredibly proud of everyone who represented RSO at the United States Police & Fire Championships!

Special shoutout to all the champions and medalists! You all crushed it!

The United States Police & Fire Championships (USPFC) is an Olympic-style competition featuring athletes from law enforcement, fire fighters and officers from corrections, probation, border protection, immigration, and customs from across the country. This event aims to promote fitness, foster camaraderie among the different groups of law enforcement, reduce stress, and enhance professional abilities.

Our Human Trafficking Team recently visited Ben Franklin Elementary School to present three students with challenge coins and signed letters from Sheriff Bianco for their excellent presentation.

Linda, Grayson, and Madilyn presented on Human Trafficking at the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Exhibition on Global Problems.

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to making our community better!

David Lopez Espinoza is a person of interest in a homicide and is wanted on an outstanding felony warrant for an unrelated robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information about this investigation or Espinoza’s whereabouts is encouraged to contact Riverside Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit Investigators R. Deanne or K Farag at 951–955–2777. Anyone who sees Espinoza or knows his immediate whereabouts should call 9–1–1.

Full Press Release
https://www.riversidesheriff.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=5570

After 28 years of outstanding service to the County of Riverside, George Gemberling, Assistant Director of the Sheriff’s Project Management Office (PMO) has joined the ranks of ‘Happily Retired.’

The Sheriff’s PMO Division is responsible for all Planning, Architectural-Engineering Design, and Construction relating to any improvement, expansion or maintenance of its 2.2 Million square feet of Sheriff’s facilities and George was integral to this Division’s operations and success.

George has officially ‘left the building(s)’ that he helped build and maintain.

Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life. Enjoy your well-deserved rest and relaxation.

The work week may be only half over for most of us, but for these two, it's forever weekend vibes from now on! 🏝🎉

🌟 𝐂𝐨𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐭. 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐲 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐝- 𝟮𝟰 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲
🌟 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐈𝐧𝐯. 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐮𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐫- 𝟮𝟴 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Congratulations on your retirement! Wishing you all the best in this new chapter of your life. Enjoy your well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Our Mounted Enforcement Detail (M.E.D.) & members of the Mounted Posse competed against agencies from across the state in the annual Western States Mounted Officers Association (W.S.M.O.A) Trail Trials Event. Sgt. King, Cpl. Myers, Dep. Dyer & Reserve Dep. Frey took 3rd place overall!

Summer Mackenzie (Hemet Posse) - 1st in the Speed Event & 2nd in the Individual.
Tina Frey (Hemet Posse)- 3rd in the Individual
Jolene Fuentes (Lake Elsinore Posse)- 3rd in the Speed Event

Congratulations to all & way to represent RSO! 👏