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Ask Anaheim Police Capt. Joe Vargas why he became a cop and he doesn’t hesitate: “My Dad.”

Capt. Joe Vargas and his father, Ret. Santa Ana Police Ofc. Jose Vargas

His father, Jose Vargas, was Santa Ana Police Department’s first Hispanic Affairs Officer and one of Orange County’s most beloved community leaders. He was credited with creating trust between the Latino community and the police department at a time “when police officers were to be feared,” his son said.

In many ways, Joe Vargas modeled his 30-year law enforcement career after his father’s. But when he retires in May, Joe Vargas will leave behind a legacy of police and community innovation all his own.

To read the rest of the profile, which was featured on the Orange County Register’s Web site and on the cover of the Anaheim Bulletin, click here.

Tags: Anaheim Bulletin, Orange County Register

Lt. Julian Harvey with survivors

So begins the bi-monthly Orange County Register/Anaheim Bulletin “Behind the Badge” police column. This installment highlights the Anaheim Police Department’s unique Survivor’s Academy.

To read the column, click here.

Tags: Anaheim Bulletin, Orange County Register

Last year was a big year for Anaheim Police Department veteran canine officer Cisko and his partner, officer Brian Bonczkiewicz.

The duo busted dozens of bad guys and seized more than $550,000 in drugs and drug money.

For their accomplishments, the American Legion honored Cisko, a German Shepherd, with the meritorious canine award and Bonczkiewicz with a similar award.

The awards lead the latest installment of the Orange County Register-Anaheim Bulletin’s bimonthly “Behind the Badge” column.

Read the rest of it here.

Tags: Anaheim Bulletin, Orange County Register