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Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office The Detail Newsletter - November 2021

FIGHTING CRIME WITH SCIENCE

It's been three years since the new regional forensic crime lab opened it's doors in Englewood. Since then, Mary Schleicher and her colleagues, have worked on nearly 6,000 cases, including both major and minor crimes.

"I enjoy using science to help solve crimes," says Mary Schleicher, Forensic Scientist.
Mary Schleicher, Forensic Scientist with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office chats with Tracy Montano, Deputy Director from the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.

The United Metropolitan Forensic Crime Lab (UMFCL) serves Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, the City of Aurora and the 18th Judicial District. The purpose of the lab is to analyze samples taken from crime scenes and try to match them to solve crimes.

"Our job is to figure out the answers to questions like: Whose DNA is it? Which gun fired the bullet? Whose fingerprint is it? Or, who wrote the note?" says Schleicher.
DNA Lab photo provided by UMFCL

Schleicher, who is employed by the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office has worked at the crime lab since it opened in September 2018. She joined after 20 years with the Colorado Bureau of Investigations.

Some of the high profile cases worked on at the crime lab include the case of Scott Allan Campbell, who was arrested for detonating bombs that caused two explosions in Aurora around Christmas last year and the fatal shooting at a Juneteenth party in Aurora.

"I like to say we keep the streets safe with science," says Schleicher.

To learn more about the crime lab, click the button below.

K-9 ROMAN REMEMBERED

In July, we shared the heartbreaking news that K-9 Roman had passed away after four years of service with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office. On October 28, 2021 we honored Roman's life and service with a memorial ceremony.

Sheriff Tyler Brown presents a flag to Deputy David Zimmerman, Roman's handler
"K-9s and their handlers are a vital resource to the sheriff's office and the community we serve. Roman was a beloved member of the sheriff's office and the Zimmerman family. He will always be remembered as playful and committed. These dogs are part of our family and leave a huge footprint on the families they live with," said Sheriff Tyler Brown.
K-9 Roman's ashes, collar and badge

Read K-9 Roman's full story in our July Newsletter HERE. Watch his tribute video below.

ACSO PARTICIPATES IN NATIONAL FAITH & BLUE WEEKEND

St. Isidore Catholic Church, Watkins, CO

Our sheriff deputies kicked off National Faith and Blue Weekend with the adorable kindergarten class at Our Lady Help of Christians Academy in Watkins. The day was all about partnering with the faith community and sharing what we do to help make our neighborhoods stronger and safer. The school was so excited to see us, they wrote all about their experience HERE.

Our Lady of Help Christians Academy, Watkins
Mounted Unit shows kids its police horses

The 2021 National Faith & Blue Weekend was held October 8 - 11, 2021. More than 2,000 events and activities were conducted across the country between law enforcement agencies and faith-based organizations.

The heart and mission of National Faith & Blue Weekend is that policing can only rise to the challenge of providing safety and equal justice if it has the collaboration of the people they protect and serve. Learn more Faith and Blue below.

BEHIND-THE-SCENES AT OUR PHOTO SHOOT

Honor Guard & Bagpipers

We wanted to share a few of our favorite behind-the-scene photos from our professional photo shoot currently underway at the sheriff's office. Soon, you'll be seeing some amazing images of each one of our special teams including:

  • SWAT Team
  • Bomb Squad
  • K-9 Unit
  • Traffic Safety
  • Mounted Unit
  • SROs
  • Hazmat
  • Negotiators
  • SORT Team
  • Drone Team
  • Wildland Fire Team
Arapahoe County Jail Special Operations Response Team (SORT)
School Resource Bike Team

Keep an eye out for our 2021 Annual Report and follow us on social media. We're excited to share new photos of all of our special teams with you, plus our patrol deputies, investigators, dispatchers, emergency operations, human resources, command staff and much more!

REX IS MAKING NEWS

When Deputy John Gray posted a new photo of his school therapy dog Rex to social media, he had no idea the response he'd get. Police K9 Magazine, the largest publication for K9 handlers, took notice and shared it with its 300,000 social media followers!

Then came even more interest. Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald, one of the featured veterinarians on Animal Planet's former reality show Emergency Vets, reached out to Deputy Gray to see if Rex could be on his new, local television show.

Fitzgerald is a board certified veterinarian who works at VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital and hosts a weekly television segment called "Animal House with Dr. Kevin Fitzgerald."

Look for the segment to air the morning of November 8 on KWGN-TV Channel 2.

MOUNTED UNIT MAKES CALENDAR COVER

Are you looking for a great holiday gift this year that will help a good cause? How about a 2022 calendar featuring our Arapahoe Mounted Unit on the cover! Get the Colorado Cowboy Calendar on presale now for less than $30 with proceeds helping the ARCH Program - Adaptive Recreation for Childhood Health at Children's Hospital Colorado. Click the button below to purchase.

PROTECT YOUR KIDS FROM ONLINE PREDATORS

Our School Resource Officers teach a variety of classes related to issues many teens and young children face. On November 10, 2021 at 6:00 PM, they're offering a class to help parents better communicate with their kids and protect them from online dangers. It's FREE and open to anyone who would like to attend. Please see details in the flyer below and click the button to sign up.

KUDOS FROM THE COMMUNITY