Orange County Register
|
|
Congratulations and countless comments of appreciation continue to come in from all over California to the Orange County Traffic Officers Association who partnered with Dana Point Mayor LIsa Bartlett, Police and Deputies from throughout Orange County in what is believed to be the largest law enforcement tribute for the 4 Oakland Police Officers lost on March 21st. The highly successful “Cigar Night Classic” fundraiser for injured OC Motor Officers and the Oakland Police Officers Association was the culmination of 5 weeks of planning by The Orange County Traffic Officers Association. President and Orange County Sheriffs Deputy Brad Blakely helped organize a large contingent of OC Law Enforcement who attended the March funerals in Oakland attended by 21,000 peace officers. The Orange County Traffic Officer's Association, including Blakely and SJC Deputies Joe Cope and Thom Spratt were dedicated to finding a way to assist the the families of the four Oakland officers and officer's here in Orange County that were killed or injured in the line of duty. Blakely’s “dream team” brought together a remarkable coalition of talent and technicians that lead to remarkable backing by Sheriff Sandra Hutchens and her entire command staff, members of the Board of Supervisors, city mayors, judges, Santa Ana Police Chief Paul Walters, CHP Commanders, Council members, Deputy DA’s and local business owners. The most impressive backing was the heartfelt bi-partisan support by the OC legislative delegation in ASM’s Jose Solorio, Van Tran, Jim Silva, Curt Hagman, Jeff Miller, Chuck Devore, Mike Duvall and State Senators Lou Correa, Bob Huff and Tom Harman as well as U.S. Representative John Campbell. MVP appreciation acknowledgements went to ASM Duvall from the traffic officers at the event for his financial support, sponsor- item contributions, invites to the Choirboys (retired police motorcyclists) and coordinating the arrival of Oakland ASM Sandre Swanson. Governor Schwarzenegger and Califormia Attorney General Jerry Brown had to send 'apperance' regrets at the last minute due to legislative obligations in Sacramento. Special congratulations went to OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens who won not only the Chief’s Challenge’ as highest donor, but won over the 1,000 attendees with her appearance at the fundraiser after her personal political event in Newport Beach. Hutchens was joined by Assistant Sheriffs Mike James, Mike Hillman, and Jack Anderson and several OCSD Lieutenants at the Traffic Officers reception and graciously accomodated photos and handshakes from well-wishers, including Judge Lance Ito. Deputy Cope took top honors with advance sales to the event..personally raising $2000 in ticket sales while bringing in the events platinum sponsor in Gladiator Challenge along with restaurants, lawyers and local businesses. Cope was also influential in inspiring SJC city council members Sam Allevato and Tom Rhibar to attend the nights event to support this law enforcement charity. Mike Harrah, owner of Original Mikes Restaurant, who hosted the entire event, hospitality, staffing and food stations, was recognized at the formal presentation by Blakely who presented Harrah a signed and framed Litho of the Association’s artwork. A banner listing the 100+ sponsors was displayed in the VIP tent. Vintage Cigars provided cigar sales with proceeds going towards the memorial fund. Coors and Miller Beer donated 100% of their sales to the memorial fund. Over 70 gifts were raffled away, including large screen tv's, I-Pods, a hotel stay, Oakley watches, and numerous other sponsor gifts and products. The Orange County Traffic Officer's Association is also holding a seperate raffle for a 2009 Honda Motorcycle, which will be raffled off at the annual Motor Rodeo in October. The centerpiece of the night’s event was the tearful address Oakland Police Officer Andy Luty offered on the incredible lives, loves and living of Officer John Hege, and Sgts. Dan Sakai, Erv Romans and Mark Dunakin. Chris Dunakin, brother of Sgt. Mark Dunakin, was joined by his parents and family, and gave a rendering eulogy and grateful thanks to the family of law enforcement who will help the 9 orphans left behind in Oakland. Dunakin was joined by Oakland Officers Andy Luty, Jim Gordon and Jim Fisher in lighting the ‘eternal flame’ candlelight vigil in front of framed photos of the Officers. 4 shot glasses filled with Jack Daniels were displayed as part of the ‘warriors tribute’. Blakely presented each member of the Oakland Police Department with litho artwork, signed by the Association Board, as well as Chris Dunakin and his parents who attended and were introduced in front of the 1000 + attendees inside Original Mikes for the formal program. Brad Blakely closed the nights program with special recognition to Tonight Show host Jay Leno, who donated $5000.00 in support of the event. Unfortunately, Leno was unable to attend at the last minute due to scheduling conflicts. Donors can still send in any amount to honor the Oakland Officers and injured OC Motors by going to their website at OCTOA.org , to see the photo collage and check the opportunity to be sponsors next year. The OCTOA “Cigar Night Classic”, honoring heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice, helped bring closure to the Oakland Officers and their families and overwhelmingly showcased the caring and closeness of the OC Cops, electeds and community that help make this “legacy event” a classic in OC law enforcement history. |