Loading

THE DETAIL NEWSLETTER MARCH 2023

COURTHOUSE DEPUTIES SAVE WOMAN'S LIFE WITH CPR

Body worn camera photo of deputies performing CPR on a woman who collapsed at the courthouse

It was a typical Monday afternoon at the Arapahoe County Courthouse. Deputies were wrapping up their lunch break around 1:30 p.m. and jurors were returning to court, when all of a sudden a 69-year-old female and prospective juror, collapsed outside the courtroom. Deputies were on scene within seconds. Sgt. Robert Chase was the first one there and quickly began CPR.

"You could tell the victim was unconscious. She wasn't breathing, she had no pulse and wasn't moving. It was very critical. I started CPR immediately. I got two cycles of compressions in and then Deputy Valdez took over and a rotation began of compressions and breaths," said Sgt. Robert Chase.
Body camera shows deputies continuing to administer chest compressions while another deputy prepares an AED

The deputies used a bag valve mask on the victim to help with her breathing. An AED was also applied but didn't call for a shock. After several cycles of compressions, there was a small positive sign -- the return of a faint pulse.

After 10 minutes of chest compressions by sheriff deputies, South Metro Fire Rescue arrived to take over. Paramedics gave the victim an IV and a breathing tube and deputies watched as miraculously, the victim started moving and coming around!

South Metro Fire Rescue paramedics work on the victim while sheriff deputies stand by
"They (South Metro Fire Rescue) told us we did a great job with CPR and they really praised our agency. They told us because we started so quickly, that's likely what saved her life -- the immediate medical attention we rendered. They were very thankful for our efforts," said Sgt. Chase.

CPR is a requirement for all deputy sheriffs. Once a year, they must be tested and recertified. Deputies say it's nice to see their training pay off.

"It sounds weird to say, but this couldn’t have happened at a better place," said Deputy Sarmad Jumaah. "The fact that so many deputies were there, just seconds away, and we had medical supplies and equipment at our disposal. We were set up for success."
Medical supply kits are readily available at the courthouse for immediate use
Bag valve masks for breathing are also available for deputies to use, if needed.
"As cops, we often see the worst things, so when you can help someone out and make that person's life instantly better, it's a good feeling. We don't get that opportunity very much," says Deputy Marc Herriman.
"People think our only job is to catch bad guys and take them to jail, but we're first responders too. We're here to serve and protect our community. To be part of the team that saved this woman's life and see this successful outcome is a big deal." says Deputy Michael Gentry.
Deputy Sarmad Jumaah and Deputy Daniel Donohue watch over other deputies performing CPR

Two of the victim's relatives returned the next day to thank the deputies for their efforts. The victim herself is still recovering in the hospital and is expected to survive. Her relatives say she too wants to thank the deputies in person. South Metro Fire Rescue is also planning a ceremony in the coming weeks to recognize the deputies for their heroic actions that day.

"People who don't have a pulse, don't usually come back to life. This was a level of teamwork that's hard to describe," said Deputy Landon Desautels.
Some of the 19 deputies on the life-saving team. Left to right: Sgt. Robert Chase, Deputy Marc Herriman, Deputy Michael Gentry, Deputy Sarmad Jumaah, Deputy Landon Desautels, Sgt. Christopher Chernault, Lt. Geoffrey Maisch

INMATE GRADUATES JAIL PROGRAM WITH MEMORIES OF DEPUTY CONGER

A poster of Deputy Kraig Conger who passed away in December, hangs in the hallway of the ADMIT program where he supervised Alternative Sentencing clients

Life wasn't always easy for Jason Martinez, 49. He used to sleep in abandoned apartments for months at time. Last year, when he was convicted on weapons and drug charges, he asked the judge to place him in Arapahoe County's ADMIT program instead of sending him to prison. The judge obliged. Martinez applied for the program and got accepted.

"This program was so uplifting to me. Everyone in a position of authority has such a huge heart. I never trusted cops before. When I saw a cop, I wanted to run. Now I see them and I want to embrace them. It's people like Mr. Conger who saw the good in us. He fought for me and wanted the best for me. I've never experienced that," said Jason Martinez.
Deputy Kraig Conger

Deputy Kraig Conger passed away on December 28, 2022. For 14 years, he worked hard to make the ADMIT program a success and make a difference in the lives of those who were part of it. ADMIT stands for Arapahoe Diverts Mentally Ill to Treatment. It's a sentencing option for offenders to receive mental health and substance abuse treatment as part of their sentence. Martinez met Deputy Conger in the program and soon began to confide in him.

"He helped me with family issues and so much more. He was someone to talk to beside my therapist. We used to joke a lot. He was so encouraging. I made it a point to say hi to him every single day," says Martinez.
Martinez hugs his son and grandson. Since joining the ADMIT program, he has restored relationships with many of his family members.

Those in the ADMIT program called Conger 'Big C.' He was larger than life, a gentle giant, who loved to talk and share stories. He also wanted to see everyone succeed. The staff and clients adored him so much, no one can bear to take his name off the door to his office.

"When the sergeant asked me to step in temporarily and take Conger's place, I said, of course, without a doubt. We can't let the clients down, they need us," says Deputy Stephanie Sullivan.
Deputy Stephanie Sullivan presents a certificate to Martinez upon completion of the program.

Deputy Sullivan, or "Mama Bear" as they call her, has been filling in, overseeing the ADMIT program since Conger's passing. Martinez says they couldn't have picked a better person for now -- he says Sullivan is firm but kind, with a heart of gold.

As Martinez finally graduates after six months in ADMIT, he's hopeful his life will continue to improve. He happy to report he's off drugs, has his own apartment now and his family life has been restored. He credits all of it to the ADMIT program and the deputies who devote their lives to helping others.

Deputy Stephanie Sullivan (left) and Lt. Rob Hedrick (right) at Martinez's graduation
"I will never forget Deputy Conger. He impacted a lot of lives and he will be truly missed."

SHERIFF BROWN RECOGNIZED BY GOVERNOR POLIS

Sheriff Tyler Brown was acknowledged by Colorado Governor Jared Polis during his recent State of the State Address after the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office received a grant to hire and recruit new deputies. One of Governor Polis' top goals is to improve public safety and make Colorado one of the top 10 safest states to live within the next three years.

Watch on C-SPAN or click the video below and scroll to 1:02 to watch Governor Polis talk about the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

VOLUNTEERS HELP DEPUTIES SOLVE CRIMES

When Stephanie Howarth went through the Sheriff's Office Citizens Academy in October 2021, she knew she wanted to get back into law enforcement after years of being a stay-at-home mom. She wasn't sure how to go about it, until the instructor informed her there were volunteer opportunities in the Investigations Unit.

Stephanie Howarth confers with Investigator Antonio Hernandez about financial crimes
"I loved the Citizens Academy, I thought it was amazing learning about what goes on in all areas of the sheriff's office. That's what sparked my interest in volunteering here. This is the line of work I enjoy," says Stephanie Howarth.

Howarth used be an investigator herself. She did federal background checks for those seeking national security clearances. That is, until she became a mom and decided to stay home and raise her kids. She has her Master's Degree in Forensic Science and also worked in a Public Defender's Office. Her father was a District Attorney and a Superior Court Judge. Now that her kids are older, Howarth was itching to get back to work. Last year, she joined the sheriff's office as a part-time volunteer working in financial crimes.

Stephanie Howarth reviews cases assigned to her
"Working here does more for me than for them. It's such a challenge and a nice break for me from being at home all the time. I love to help people and that's why I do it," says Howarth."

There are currently two volunteers who work in financial crimes. When they're assigned to help with a case, such as identity theft, fraud or a scam, they'll review the case, contact the victim, educate and help them or just be a sounding board.

Volunteer Laura Morales gets briefed on a case by Investigator Cristin McDonald
"There's an enormous amount of financial crimes and scams committed on a daily basis. As investigators, we have a lot on our plate working the criminal side of these cases. Knowing we have these two volunteers we can depend on to take the time to work with our victims, help them put their lives back together and prevent more harm from happening, is invaluable," says Cristin McDonald, Financial Crimes Investigator.

If you'd like to volunteer at the Sheriff's Office, click the button below to see what's available.

HOW RILEY GOT HIS NAME

By Deputy Adam Nardi, School Resource Officer

SRO Deputy Adam Nardi and his dog Riley

On February 10, 2023, I woke up and immediately felt a sense of anxiety. I went to see my 6-month-old black Lab, Riley and saw his tail wiggle, looked into his beautiful brown eyes and pet his glossy jet black fur. I immediately felt a sense of relief. I knew today was going to be a better day than February 10, 2016 when I responded to a call that changed my life.

I was on patrol working the graveyard shift. It was early in the morning and I was looking forward to getting off of work and going to sleep. I was filling my car with gas when a call came in of a woman screaming at the Woodhaven Apartments on E. Harvard Ave. near S. Quebec St. in Arapahoe County.

Homicide scene. Courtesy: Denver Post

I arrived within minutes, walked into the apartment and witnessed a scene I'll never forget. In it, a sweet, precious, 6-year-old Cherry Creek student named Riley, was found murdered at the hands of his father.

Riley Johnson, 6, was murdered on February 10, 2016

I was numb. I put on a persona and told people I was okay, but on my way home, I pulled over on the side of the road and cried. As the days went on, I continued to tell everyone I was okay, even though I wasn’t. After a few years on patrol, I knew I needed a change, so I decided to become a School Resource Officer. I never wanted to see another kid lose their life. Being an SRO turned out to be just the change I needed.

In 2021, the Cherry Creek School District agreed to allow a therapy dog to be used in their schools to help bring comfort to kids. I was fortunate and blessed to become the handler.

When it came time to choose a name, I named that handsome little dog Riley, after the little boy who was murdered by his father. Riley has helped me to heal from that horrific call in 2016 and has helped to honor a precious little boy that was taken too soon.

IT'S OFFICIAL. Our Sniper Team is one of the best in the country! This elite team was presented with its national certification from the American Sniper Association. Only 25 sniper teams in the U.S. have achieved ASA certification, and the ACSO is the only one in the State of Colorado. The team has been working on its certification for more than eight years. "I know this was a daunting task and something you guys took very seriously. I wanted to make sure this program sets itself apart from others across the country and that was done, so congratulations to all of you," said Sheriff Tyler Brown. The job of a police sniper is to enter high-stress situations to protect innocent victims and save lives. Our snipers train 250 hours a year, which exceeds the national standards. Read all about our sniper team HERE.

JOIN US AT THE POLAR PLUNGE

Help us raise money for Special Olympics Colorado

The Sheriff’s Office is once again participating in the Polar Plunge on Saturday, April 1 at the Aurora Reservoir. The event is open to the public and is so much fun to watch.

It's always held during the winter when brave souls run into the icy water despite the low temperature. The participants raise money for Special Olympics Colorado. The proceeds provide year round sports training and competition for special needs athletes.

If you can't or don't want to take the plunge, you can still come out and show your support, make a donation or even volunteer your time. You'll receive a FREE t-shirt to wear to show your pride and support for Special Olympics Colorado.

This is a great family event and everyone is welcome, so please invite your friends, family and neighbors and support our team! Just click below and look for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office.

Scan this QR code to sign up!
A secret admirer dropped off some Valentine's Day gifts for Rex and Riley.️‍ These handsome fellas were so excited for their new toys and treats. A huge thank you to our community for always thinking about our pups!