The Ventura County Sheriff's Office ( VCSO ), also sometimes known as the Ventura County Sheriff's Department ( VCSD ), provides law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of Ventura County , California , as well as several cities within the county. The cities that Ventura County Sheriff's Office provides police services for are Camarillo , Fillmore , Moorpark , Ojai , and Thousand Oaks .
58-657: The mission of the VCSO is stated by it to be: "We, the members of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, are committed to safeguard the lives and property of the residents of Ventura County and respond to public concerns in a manner which promotes neighborhoods free from the fear of crime." The Office of the Sheriff for Ventura County began in February 1873, with the election of Sheriff Frank Peterson. What began as
116-499: A rate (the enlisted term for rank) and rating (job, similar to a military occupational specialty (MOS) in other branches). The full title (most commonly used ) is a combination of the two. Thus, a master chief petty officer with the rating of fire controlman would properly be called a master chief fire controlman. Each rating has an official abbreviation, such as FC for fire controlman , FT for fire control technician , and STS for sonar technician, submarines . When combined with
174-516: A Search and Rescue exercise. Sergeant Tom Collins died on October 25, 1975, when the helicopter he was flying crashed into the Santa Clara riverbed. Tom started the helicopter unit for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office in 1971. Prior to working for the department, he flew helicopters for the Navy. As a Naval Lieutenant, Tom was the youngest commissioned officer at that time. Deputy Peter Aguirre
232-474: A duty to collect taxes and catch horse thieves has evolved significantly as the county has changed and grown. Seventeen other Sheriffs have held the Office of the Sheriff since 1873. The administration of justice (and more criminals going to trial rather than the dispensing of "frontier justice") became more sophisticated during the late 19th century. Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin , who was elected Sheriff five times,
290-552: A group of hikers at Sespe Creek. Chico was stranded in a stalled rescue tractor in the middle of the river and was washed off the top of the tractor with 10 other victims. There was one survivor. Two days, earlier, Chico saved a party of 12 school girls and 2 adults. He was stationed at Lockwood Valley. Detective Donald E. Haynie was shot and killed June 5, 1970, while attempting to make a narcotics arrest in Fillmore. Haynie and three other plainclothes sheriff's narcotics agents entered
348-471: A master chief is a white eagle with spread wings above three chevrons . The chevrons are topped by a rocker (arc) that goes behind the eagle . Two inverted silver stars (a reference to the stars used on the sleeves of line officers) are placed above the eagle. Between the arc and the top chevron is the specialty mark of the enlisted rating. This is used on the service dress blue, dinner dress blue jacket, and dinner dress white jacket uniforms. On other uniforms,
406-597: A misunderstanding, and the father was released. Donald served as a military policeman in the Army. He also enjoyed hunting with fellow officers and spending time with his family. In October 1973, Lieutenant Harvey A. "Hank" Varat, a 14-year law enforcement veteran, was on a search and rescue training exercise in the Santa Susanna Mountains when he was bit by a tick and infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever . He died four days later on October 20, 1973, from
464-468: A murder suspect. Among his many accomplishments, McMartin was known for bringing the first automobile, a 1906 Urea, to law enforcement usage in Ventura County. Deputy Donald Gregory was killed instantly on September 9, 1951, when the patrol car his partner was driving hit a telephone pole. An unidentified wrong way driver caused the collision on Highway 118 near Simi Valley. Donald was a veteran of
522-404: A party of 12 school girls and 2 adults. He was stationed at Lockwood Valley. Detective Donald E. Haynie was shot and killed June 5, 1970, while attempting to make a narcotics arrest in Fillmore. Haynie and three other plainclothes sheriff's narcotics agents entered the house of a suspected drug dealer. The suspect's 78-year-old father shot Haynie once in the chest. The shooting was determined to be
580-584: A roadblock on Casitas Pass Road. The suspects in a $ 150 liquor store robbery shot Patten to avoid being caught. The three suspects were caught in Bakersfield six days later and prosecuted. Bryce graduated summa cum laude from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and was a full-time history teacher at Ventura High School. His students described him as a teacher with whom they liked to work. He donated many hours to improve his patrol skills, and served
638-556: A single unit. There are 15 force master chief positions in the Navy: A fleet master chief petty officer ( FLTCM ) is a master chief who again has virtually the same responsibility as command master chiefs, but for larger fleet commands. There are four fleet master chief positions in the Navy: There exists one post that is unique – Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON, pronounced MIK -paw- UNN ). The holder of this post
SECTION 10
#1732773152302696-512: A traffic collision when the mentally ill prisoner Mendenhall was transporting grabbed the steering wheel and directed the car into oncoming traffic. Earl served as a policeman for the City of Ventura prior to working for the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. He served in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps. Deputy Chester "Chico" Larson drowned on January 20, 1969, while attempting to rescue
754-528: Is a senior non-commissioned officer in many navies and coast guards, usually above some grade of petty officer . Master chief petty officer ( MCPO ) is the ninth (just below the rank of MCPON) enlisted rank (with pay grade E-9) in the United States Navy and United States Coast Guard , just above Senior Chief Petty Officer (SCPO). Master chief petty officers are addressed as "Master Chief (last name)" in colloquial contexts. They constitute
812-513: Is also known as the "Angel on horseback." Deputy Robert D. Bornet, a 10-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, was killed on November 6, 2006, in a traffic accident while attempting to stop a motorist for a vehicle code violation. Bornet was in uniform and driving in his personal vehicle when the accident occurred. Bornet also served 19 years in the United States Navy earning the rate of master chief petty officer . Robert
870-469: Is appointed by the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) to serve as the most senior enlisted member in the Navy. The MCPON adds a third star above the rating insignia described earlier, and all three stars are gold (silver on the gold foul anchor collar device). Likewise, the rating specialty mark is replaced by a gold star. As of September 2022, James Honea is the current MCPON. The Master Chief Petty Officer of
928-633: Is as follows: Senior Deputy insignia is 2 chevrons the same color as Sergeants 34°16′10″N 119°12′35″W / 34.26941°N 119.20973°W / 34.26941; -119.20973 Edmund Guy McMartin The Ventura County Sheriff's Office ( VCSO ), also sometimes known as the Ventura County Sheriff's Department ( VCSD ), provides law enforcement for the unincorporated areas of Ventura County , California , as well as several cities within
986-785: Is being phased out for the SIG Sauer P320 9mm with the XCarry grip and a SIG Sauer red dot optic installed. Ammunition Speer Gold Dot 9mm 147gr JHP. As of September 2020 the Ventura County Sheriffs Department uses the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV as their primary patrol vehicle. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began in 1971. In 2009, the Ventura County Fire District entered into a cooperative agreement in which
1044-624: Is survived by his wife Vicki; and their four children, Katie, Leslie, Daniel, and Christopher. Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko, an 11-year veteran, was killed on October 28, 2014, while concluding a traffic stop on the 101 freeway at the Lewis Road off-ramp, in the Californian city of Camarillo. At approximately 1:15 am, Deputy Kostiuchenko was returning to his marked patrol vehicle when a second vehicle, driven by 25-year-old Kevin Hogrefe, struck
1102-596: The Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks on the night of November 7, 2018, at approximately 11:25 pm. 11 other people were killed by the shooter. Search and Rescue Team Member Jeffrey "Jef" Dye died on February 2, 2019, when he was struck by a vehicle on the center median of the I-5 Freeway near Gorman. Jef Dye was actively trying to rescue victims from a previous unrelated car accident when he
1160-609: The Aviation Unit became a joint venture between the Fire District and Sheriff’s Office. The Fire District contributes funding and staff to the operation. The unit has grown from one Bell 47 to the current fleet of four Bell UH-1 helicopters, three Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters (soon two to be converted to the Firehawk helicopter), and one Bell Long Ranger . This unit is the only public safety aviation unit in
1218-530: The Coast Guard (MCPOCG) is appointed by the Commandant of the Coast Guard to serve as the most senior enlisted member in the Coast Guard. The MCPOCG adds a third star above the rating insignia described earlier, and all three stars are gold (silver on the gold foul anchor collar device). Likewise, the rating specialty mark is replaced by a gold shield. As of 2023 , the current master chief petty officer of
SECTION 20
#17327731523021276-543: The Korean War. He started with the Sheriff's Department in May 1949, and served the community of Thousand Oaks. Reserve (Auxiliary) Deputy Bryce Patten was shot and killed on August 19, 1960, while working a roadblock on Casitas Pass Road. The suspects in a $ 150 liquor store robbery shot Patten to avoid being caught. The three suspects were caught in Bakersfield six days later and prosecuted. Bryce graduated summa cum laude from
1334-453: The University of California, Santa Barbara, and was a full-time history teacher at Ventura High School. His students described him as a teacher with whom they liked to work. He donated many hours to improve his patrol skills, and served the children in the community as a Boy Scout Troop Leader. Bryce was survived by his wife, Diane, and their children, Charles, and Lucinda. Deputy Earl Mendenhall died on June 15, 1961, from injuries received in
1392-461: The VCSO and served as a Deputy for over two years. Peter was reportedly admired by fellow deputies for his compassion and ability to deal with people. Sheriff Carpenter described Peter as a "terrific officer with a bright future." Senior Deputy Lisa Whitney was killed on August 12, 1998, in a traffic accident when a driver failed to stop at an inoperative traffic light in Ventura. Lisa was Officer of
1450-402: The Ventura County Sheriff's Office in 1971. Prior to working for the department, he flew helicopters for the Navy. As a Naval Lieutenant, Tom was the youngest commissioned officer at that time. Deputy Peter Aguirre was shot and killed on July 17, 1996, while responding to a domestic call in the City of Ojai. The suspect was also shot, but survived and was prosecuted. Peter started as a cadet with
1508-406: The Ventura County Sheriff's Office. He served in World War II with the U.S. Marine Corps. Deputy Chester "Chico" Larson drowned on January 20, 1969, while attempting to rescue a group of hikers at Sespe Creek. Chico was stranded in a stalled rescue tractor in the middle of the river and was washed off the top of the tractor with 10 other victims. There was one survivor. Two days, earlier, Chico saved
1566-446: The Ventura County Sheriffs Department uses the Chevrolet Tahoe PPV as their primary patrol vehicle. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit began in 1971. In 2009, the Ventura County Fire District entered into a cooperative agreement in which the Aviation Unit became a joint venture between the Fire District and Sheriff’s Office. The Fire District contributes funding and staff to the operation. The unit has grown from one Bell 47 to
1624-670: The Year in 1996. Her strong work ethic gained her the position of investigator with the Major Crimes Unit after serving only eight years as an officer. Whitney was a member of the Mounted Patrol Unit, the Mounted Honor Guard, and a certified trainer throughout California. Whitney is also known as the "Angel on horseback." Deputy Robert D. Bornet, a 10-year veteran of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office,
1682-436: The children in the community as a Boy Scout Troop Leader. Bryce was survived by his wife, Diane, and their children, Charles, and Lucinda. Deputy Earl Mendenhall died on June 15, 1961, from injuries received in a traffic collision when the mentally ill prisoner Mendenhall was transporting grabbed the steering wheel and directed the car into oncoming traffic. Earl served as a policeman for the City of Ventura prior to working for
1740-435: The commander of a fleet or a force command to serve as their senior enlisted adviser. These two ranks are equivalent and their insignia is also the same—a master chief rating badge with two gold stars above the eagle and a gold star for the rating insignia. A force master chief petty officer ( FORCM ) is a master chief who has virtually the same responsibility as command master chiefs, but for larger force commands rather than
1798-502: The commanding officer and the enlisted ranks, serving as the senior enlisted leader . In this capacity, the CMC assists the commanding officer in issues of quality of life, discipline, training, and morale. On submarines, the equivalent of a CMC is called the chief of the boat or "COB". The CMC insignia has a silver star in lieu of the enlisted rating insignia between the rocker and the top chevron. Fleet and force master chiefs are appointed by
Ventura County Sheriff's Office - Misplaced Pages Continue
1856-455: The cornerstone of county policing is the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and county residents. Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin died on August 20, 1921, when he and Oxnard Township Constable W.E. Kelley were killed in the line of duty while attempting to arrest a murder suspect. Among his many accomplishments, McMartin was known for bringing the first automobile, a 1906 Urea, to law enforcement usage in Ventura County. Deputy Donald Gregory
1914-570: The county and provides support for all local and state law enforcement and fire service agencies in the county. The missions vary between law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression missions. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office's rank structure is as follows: Senior Deputy insignia is 2 chevrons the same color as Sergeants 34°16′10″N 119°12′35″W / 34.26941°N 119.20973°W / 34.26941; -119.20973 Master chief petty officer A master chief petty officer
1972-434: The county. The cities that Ventura County Sheriff's Office provides police services for are Camarillo , Fillmore , Moorpark , Ojai , and Thousand Oaks . The mission of the VCSO is stated by it to be: "We, the members of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office, are committed to safeguard the lives and property of the residents of Ventura County and respond to public concerns in a manner which promotes neighborhoods free from
2030-531: The current fleet of four Bell UH-1 helicopters, three Sikorsky UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters (soon two to be converted to the Firehawk helicopter), and one Bell Long Ranger . This unit is the only public safety aviation unit in the county and provides support for all local and state law enforcement and fire service agencies in the county. The missions vary between law enforcement, search and rescue (SAR), emergency medical services (EMS) and fire suppression missions. The Ventura County Sheriff's Office's rank structure
2088-583: The deputy, causing fatal injuries. Kevin Hogrefe, an alleged drunk driver, left the scene of the accident and was captured by additional deputies approximately 2 miles away at the Las Posas Road off ramp, after Hogrefe collided with a second vehicle, disabling his own. Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the VC Sheriff's Office, died on November 7, 2018, after he was shot while being the first law enforcement officer to engage an active shooter at
2146-480: The dispensing of "frontier justice") became more sophisticated during the late 19th century. Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin , who was elected Sheriff five times, was the first and only Sheriff killed in the line of duty while apprehending a murder suspect in 1921. Public hangings and bootlegging arrests gave way to police practices and procedures commonly recognized today. The modern era of Ventura County law enforcement began in 1959 with Sheriff William Hill. The 1970s saw
2204-596: The evaluation, fluid variables for criterion and other factors including but not limited to community involvement), and selection by a board of master chiefs. Similarly, senior chief petty officers and chief petty officers are chosen by selection boards. In the Coast Guard, advancement to master chief petty officer is done by competing in a single annual board. The board ranks all eligible senior chiefs using their career records. Master chief petty officers are then selected monthly from this prioritization list as positions become available. Petty officers of all grades possess both
2262-411: The fear of crime." The Office of the Sheriff for Ventura County began in February 1873, with the election of Sheriff Frank Peterson. What began as a duty to collect taxes and catch horse thieves has evolved significantly as the county has changed and grown. Seventeen other Sheriffs have held the Office of the Sheriff since 1873. The administration of justice (and more criminals going to trial rather than
2320-455: The fever. Varat helped develop the SWAT team, Deep-Sea Diving Team, and the search and rescue team. He is best remembered by his co-workers as his picture portrays, an organizer and an outdoors man contracted during a Search and Rescue exercise. Sergeant Tom Collins died on October 25, 1975, when the helicopter he was flying crashed into the Santa Clara riverbed. Tom started the helicopter unit for
2378-416: The genesis of community involvement programs like Community Orientated Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS), DARE and Neighborhood Watch. Today, the cornerstone of county policing is the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and county residents. Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin died on August 20, 1921, when he and Oxnard Township Constable W.E. Kelley were killed in the line of duty while attempting to arrest
Ventura County Sheriff's Office - Misplaced Pages Continue
2436-404: The house of a suspected drug dealer. The suspect's 78-year-old father shot Haynie once in the chest. The shooting was determined to be a misunderstanding, and the father was released. Donald served as a military policeman in the Army. He also enjoyed hunting with fellow officers and spending time with his family. In October 1973, Lieutenant Harvey A. "Hank" Varat, a 14-year law enforcement veteran,
2494-465: The insignia used for shirt collars and caps is the one that has become universally accepted as the symbol of the chief petty officer. This is a gold foul anchor (though sometimes the word "fouled" is used, the proper term is "foul anchor") superimposed with a silver "USN" (Navy) or a silver shield (Coast Guard). As on the rating badge, this is capped by two five-pointed stars, showing one ray down. Master chief petty officers are generally considered to be
2552-540: The line of duty. The sheriff is elected in the county general elections, and he subsequently appoints his three Assistant Sheriffs. The Assistant Sheriffs manage specific "services," or divisions, within the department. The standard issued handgun was the SIG Sauer P226 .40 S&W. In 2020 it is being phased out for the SIG Sauer P320 9mm with the XCarry grip and a SIG Sauer red dot optic installed. Ammunition Speer Gold Dot 9mm 147gr JHP. As of September 2020
2610-426: The new E-8 pay grade was titled Senior Chief Petty Officer and the new E-9 pay grade as Master Chief Petty Officer, with the first selectees promoting to their respective grades in 1959 and 1960. In the Navy, advancement to master chief petty officer is similar to that of chief petty officer and senior chief petty officer . It carries requirements of time in service, superior evaluation scores (based on rater giving
2668-456: The night of November 7, 2018, at approximately 11:25 pm. 11 other people were killed by the shooter. Search and Rescue Team Member Jeffrey "Jef" Dye died on February 2, 2019, when he was struck by a vehicle on the center median of the I-5 Freeway near Gorman. Jef Dye was actively trying to rescue victims from a previous unrelated car accident when he was struck. Jef Dye is the first Ventura County Search and Rescue Team Member to have been killed in
2726-462: The rate abbreviation (MC for master chief without rating), it produces the full rate designation, such as FCCM for fire controlman chief master (more commonly said as Master Chief Fire Controlman). It is not uncommon practice to refer to the master chief by this shorthand in all but the most formal correspondence (such as printing and inscription on awards). Mostly, though, they are simply called "master chief", regardless of rating. The rate insignia for
2784-407: The technical experts in their fields. They serve at sea and ashore in commands of all sizes. Some master chiefs choose to enter the command master chief petty officer program. If selected, a master chief receives additional leadership training and is assigned to a command as the command master chief (CMC). The command master chief is the senior enlisted person at a command and works as a liaison between
2842-482: The top 1.25% of the enlisted members of the maritime forces. Prior to 1958, chief petty officer was the highest enlisted rate in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Coast Guard. This changed on 20 May 1958 with the passage of Public Law 85-422, the Military Pay Act of 1958, which established two new enlisted pay grades of E-8 and E-9 in all five branches of the U.S. Armed Forces . In the Navy and Coast Guard,
2900-401: Was captured by additional deputies approximately 2 miles away at the Las Posas Road off ramp, after Hogrefe collided with a second vehicle, disabling his own. Sergeant Ron Helus, a 29-year veteran of the VC Sheriff's Office, died on November 7, 2018, after he was shot while being the first law enforcement officer to engage an active shooter at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks on
2958-428: Was killed instantly on September 9, 1951, when the patrol car his partner was driving hit a telephone pole. An unidentified wrong way driver caused the collision on Highway 118 near Simi Valley. Donald was a veteran of the Korean War. He started with the Sheriff's Department in May 1949, and served the community of Thousand Oaks. Reserve (Auxiliary) Deputy Bryce Patten was shot and killed on August 19, 1960, while working
SECTION 50
#17327731523023016-427: Was killed on August 12, 1998, in a traffic accident when a driver failed to stop at an inoperative traffic light in Ventura. Lisa was Officer of the Year in 1996. Her strong work ethic gained her the position of investigator with the Major Crimes Unit after serving only eight years as an officer. Whitney was a member of the Mounted Patrol Unit, the Mounted Honor Guard, and a certified trainer throughout California. Whitney
3074-462: Was killed on November 6, 2006, in a traffic accident while attempting to stop a motorist for a vehicle code violation. Bornet was in uniform and driving in his personal vehicle when the accident occurred. Bornet also served 19 years in the United States Navy earning the rate of master chief petty officer . Robert is survived by his wife Vicki; and their four children, Katie, Leslie, Daniel, and Christopher. Deputy Eugene Kostiuchenko, an 11-year veteran,
3132-415: Was killed on October 28, 2014, while concluding a traffic stop on the 101 freeway at the Lewis Road off-ramp, in the Californian city of Camarillo. At approximately 1:15 am, Deputy Kostiuchenko was returning to his marked patrol vehicle when a second vehicle, driven by 25-year-old Kevin Hogrefe, struck the deputy, causing fatal injuries. Kevin Hogrefe, an alleged drunk driver, left the scene of the accident and
3190-418: Was on a search and rescue training exercise in the Santa Susanna Mountains when he was bit by a tick and infected with Rocky Mountain spotted fever . He died four days later on October 20, 1973, from the fever. Varat helped develop the SWAT team, Deep-Sea Diving Team, and the search and rescue team. He is best remembered by his co-workers as his picture portrays, an organizer and an outdoors man contracted during
3248-445: Was shot and killed on July 17, 1996, while responding to a domestic call in the City of Ojai. The suspect was also shot, but survived and was prosecuted. Peter started as a cadet with the VCSO and served as a Deputy for over two years. Peter was reportedly admired by fellow deputies for his compassion and ability to deal with people. Sheriff Carpenter described Peter as a "terrific officer with a bright future." Senior Deputy Lisa Whitney
3306-406: Was struck. Jef Dye is the first Ventura County Search and Rescue Team Member to have been killed in the line of duty. The sheriff is elected in the county general elections, and he subsequently appoints his three Assistant Sheriffs. The Assistant Sheriffs manage specific "services," or divisions, within the department. The standard issued handgun was the SIG Sauer P226 .40 S&W. In 2020 it
3364-465: Was the first and only Sheriff killed in the line of duty while apprehending a murder suspect in 1921. Public hangings and bootlegging arrests gave way to police practices and procedures commonly recognized today. The modern era of Ventura County law enforcement began in 1959 with Sheriff William Hill. The 1970s saw the genesis of community involvement programs like Community Orientated Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS), DARE and Neighborhood Watch. Today,
#301698