Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff

TRAFFIC SAFETY: Our deputies want to make sure everyone stays safe on or near our roads, especially during inclement weather. Please slow down and avoid distracted driving! Deputy Cazola recently visited Sunnyslope Elementary School in Hollister to share top traffic safety tips with students, including: 1. Look both ways before crossing the street 2. Hold hands with an adult 3. Use sidewalks when walking 4. Look for cars, even at crosswalks 5. Never run across the street 6. Don’t play near the street 7. Wear bright or reflective clothing 8. Learn traffic signs and signals 9. Wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter 10. Avoid distractions like smartphones WEIGH IN: What UNSAFE actions have you seen on the road? #sccso #Deputy #deputysheriff #traffic #trafficsafety #educationmatters #BeSafeOutThere #safetyfirst

EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE: We are proud to recognize Deputy Amy Cepe for her outstanding contributions to the Santa Clara County Office of the Sheriff. With her exceptional skills, knowledge, and leadership, Deputy Cepe has been instrumental in creating and implementing meaningful training programs for our team. Recently, she was honored with the County of Santa Clara Employee Excellence Award for her work in the COVID Unit and the Custody Use of Force Team. Through her efforts, she has helped ensure compliance with current laws and the Custody Bureau’s consent decree, which plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accountability. Deputy Cepe has also helped with the development of key training courses, including those for the Custody Academy, in-service trainings, and the Sheriff’s Protective Services Officers' Academy. Her attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and dedication makes her an invaluable asset. Thank you, Deputy Cepe, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #EmployeeExcellence #sccso #deputy #SheriffsOffice #Leadership #Training #PublicSafety #SantaClaraCounty

SOUTH COUNTY ARREST: On Monday afternoon, just before 2 p.m., our Rural Crimes Unit responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in unincorporated Gilroy. Deputy Lopez found an unoccupied truck along El Matador Drive and initiated a search. Inside, he discovered a sawed-off shotgun and ammunition. The owner of the truck soon returned to the scene and a records check revealed he was under a Gun Violence Restraining Order. Deputy Lopez arrested the man who’s now facing several felony charges related to the illegal possession of firearms. This arrest highlights how our Rural Crimes Unit is focused on addressing firearms-related incidents and keeping the community safe! #ruralcrime #sccso #deputysheriff #deputy #Gilroy #southcounty #santaclaracounty #safety #protectandserve

MARKING A MILESTONE: Ms. Vivian celebrated her 100th birthday earlier this month! Deputies Chuck, Vargas, and Perez surprised her at Sunny View Retirement Community in Cupertino. They gifted her an embroidered Sheriff’s Office blanket, flowers, and a challenge coin. Vivian is officially a centenarian! Congratulations and Happy Birthday! ?????? #centenarian #CentenarianCelebration #birthday #happybirthday #sccso #deputysheriff #community

Our K-9 Unit was out in the community earlier this week, sharing safety tips and giving demonstrations. The students and staff at Pacific Point Christian Schools in City of Gilroy welcomed the team. It was a great day! #k9 #k9unit #sccso #deputysheriff #gilroy #k9demo #dogsofinstagram #lawenforcement

SHOWING SUPPORT: It was Senior Night at Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill last Friday. Most football players had mom and dad escorting them across the field during the welcoming ceremony. But sadly, Senior Noah lost his father, Correctional Deputy Troy Reynolds last year following an unexpected medical emergency. In Deputy Reynolds’ absence, a crowd of fellow deputies, friends, and family members rallied around Noah, showing their love and support as they filled the field with smiles and encouragement. This is the power of community. Noah, your dad would be so proud of you! #support #community #seniornight #fridaynightlights #football #morganhill #sccso #unitedwestand

UNSUNG HEROS: This week we celebrate our hardworking records and support personnel! These dedicated professionals work behind the scenes to keep our communities safe and connected. Their attention to detail and commitment to excellence is invaluable. Happy Law Enforcement Records & Support Personnel Appreciation Week! Want to unleash your potential and join us? Visit: www.GOSHERIFF.org and click on professional careers! #LERecordsWeek #AppreciationPost #ThankYou #BehindtheScenes #Dedication

HAPPY RETIREMENT: Denise Smith has proudly worked as the Fleet Maintenance Coordinator for the Sheriff’s Office and will officially retire this Wednesday. Since 2013, she’s been assigned to the West Valley Patrol Division where she has kept our vehicles and equipment running smoothly. Her career began in 2002, as a Santa Clara County Parks Ranger. By 2005, her love for cars took her down a new service path in County of Santa Clara Fleet, which allowed her to advance. Denise has been known as the “Swiss Army knife,” always ready with a solution and a smile. Her impact and dedication have been felt by many. Thank you, Denise! We wish you the very best in this next chapter. #Retirement #DedicatedService #sccso #WestValleyPatrol #EndOfAnEra #CommunityImpact

HAPPY VETERANS DAY: We proudly honor all veterans, both past and present, for their selfless service to our nation. Thank you for your bravery, sacrifice, and dedication. We salute you today and every day. And to the members of the Sheriff's Office who continue to serve and protect our communities -- your commitment does not go unnoticed. #veterans #VeteransDay #veteransupport #VeteransDay2024 #sccso #DeputySheriff

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: Deputy Corrin Swenson is the 2024 winner of the Mindy Zen Award for extraordinary service and support to victims of domestic violence. Deputy Swenson has been a staple in the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Court Security Division for nearly her entire career. She is currently assigned to Departments 66 and 72 at the Family Justice Center, both of which deal with domestic violence civil restraining orders. She goes the extra mile making sure victims understand the legal process, directing them to the appropriate resources, ensuring the perpetrators don’t harass victims in any way while in court, and is very vocal when she suspects a victim needs more advocacy and services caused by chronic or severe abuse. She’s appreciated by Judge Blecher and Judge Yew, involved attorneys, court staff, advocates, victims, and her sergeants alike. Congratulations, Deputy Swenson! Thanks for all you do for others! #sccso #deputy #court #Congratulations #awardwinning