Valenzuela Ojai Deputy Of The Year
Deputy Sara Valenzuela
School resource officer, Nordhoff graduate chosen by coworkers
By Lenny Roberts
As a rookie officer assigned to the sheriff’s Ojai substation a decade ago, Sara Valenzuela took control of a potentially life-threatening situation when a suspect got the better of her field training officer during a physical alteration. The suspect was jailed on felony charges, and Valenzuela immediately earned the respect of her fellow officers.
That respect has carried over into a generation of deputies unaware of that incident.
Last week, Valenzuela, 35, was named Ojai’s Deputy of the Year by her coworkers, and will be formally honored May 29 by the Kiwanis Club at The Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Ventura.
“I’m honored that I was selected by my peers, and appreciate the vote,” Valenzuela said.
Valenzuela’s desire to make law enforcement a career was solidified when she was hired as an Ojai Police Department cadet, working with longtime dispatcher/office manager Bonnie Dohrn. After Dohrn‘s death in 1995, Valenzuela was accepted into the Sheriff’s Academy while juggling her duties in the U.S. Army Reserves.
Following the obligatory stint in the custody division, Valenzuela began her patrol duties in the Ojai Valley, but later opted to go to the Camarillo substation after being selected as the Sheriff’s Department’s first female motorcycle officer.
Valenzuela returned to Ojai in 2008 after being selected by the Ojai Unified School District as Nordhoff High School’s resource officer — based at the school from which she attended. She will return to patrolling the Ojai Valley until the fall semester, provided funding issues are settled for the on-again, off-again position, and is hopeful of returning to the campus where she graduated in June 1992. “Absolutely. I enjoy working with these kids,” she said.
Ojai Police Department Administrative Sgt. Maureen Hookstra called Valenzuela, “an invaluable liaison between the school district and the community,” adding Valenzuela is currently implementing the first Explorer Scout Post in the Ojai Valley.
Recent recipients of the station award include Dave Sparks, Joe Preciado, Scottie Baugher, Jason Anderson and Chris Loes.
Congratulations, Sara! You deserve it.
Nordhoff Teacher
19 May 09 at 7:59 pm
A true mentor for our youth!
Ojai teacher
19 May 09 at 9:33 pm
Congratulations! You have always worked hard and it is nice to know that your peers have acknowledged your great work ethics!
Ojai Girl 73
20 May 09 at 8:38 pm
I Meet Sara during an incident with my daughter and friend, which was a crime scene in ventura on 5/21/09 she was very nice and helpful. I would say an asset to the Sheriff’s Department. During the several hours of the investigation she was nice, calm and kept me calm. Thank You. I thank its great that you get honored.
Parent of three
22 May 09 at 9:46 pm
Blah Blah Blah. She got the job because her buddy “vouched” for her and got this award because her buddy “pushed” for it. Her peers, those who actually see her true work ethics, did not get a fair vote and quite honestly, it was fixed. Shame on you Sara, you may have your friends fooled but your peers aren’t. The kids, yes the kids that you “protect” don’t have respect for you because you run away from the issues with them that need to be addressed. Yes, late to respond to this and why am I wasting my time? Time to go for a run. You should try it too. Anything could help!
Eunice
20 Oct 09 at 6:41 pm
The Mexican Trailer Park Association of the Ojai Valley
es muy feliz.
President Calderon
20 Oct 09 at 8:21 pm
Sounds like you didn’t get the promotion you wanted.
Anon
20 Oct 09 at 8:52 pm
For your information the kids love and respect Sara
Parent
20 Oct 09 at 8:54 pm
Eunice- Sara is liked by the majority of the student body. The kids who didn’t like her, usually were the trouble makers who didn’t like any type of authority. She is actually very well liked by her peers as well, and is one of the best SRO’s Nordhoff has had. And for the little comment you made that she needs to run…. I’m sure she can kick your a** blind folded. Don’t be so quick to judge.
NHS Graduate
20 Oct 09 at 11:19 pm
congratulations Deputy Valenzuela – Ojai is lucky to have you!
kudos
21 Oct 09 at 7:51 am