Los Santos County Sheriff's Department

NEWSLETTER

VOLUME I MARCH / APRIL 1997 COUNTY OF LOS SANTOS

To the men and women of the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department, and to the residents of Los Santos County whom we proudly serve — It is with great humility and deep pride that I assume the office of Sheriff of Los Santos County. I do not take lightly the trust that has been placed in me by this community, and I intend to honor it every single day.

Before I speak of what lies ahead, I must first acknowledge the man whose shoes I now step into — Sheriff Steve Rhys. Sheriff Rhys gave this Department years of dedicated leadership, steady hands during difficult times, and a standard of professionalism that will not soon be forgotten. On behalf of every deputy, every civilian employee, and every family member who stood beside them through it all — thank you, Sheriff Rhys. Your legacy is woven into the fabric of this Department.

I am also proud to announce that Richard Weisberg will serve alongside me as Undersheriff. Richard brings with him an extraordinary depth of experience and an unwavering commitment to this Department.

Together, we will build on the foundation that has been laid before us. During my term, I am committed to two priorities above all else. First, we will maximize our efforts to combat gang violence across Los Santos County. The communities of this county deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods, and we will dedicate every available resource toward that end. Second, I intend to significantly strengthen and expand our Special Enforcement Bureau.

SEB represents the highest level of tactical capability this Department has to offer, and it is my belief that investing in its people and its resources will pay dividends across every aspect of our operations.

To every member of this Department — I am honored to serve alongside you.

The Los Santos County Sheriff's Department is proud to announce the promotion of Captain Thomas Whittaker to the position of Commanding Officer of Ganton Station, effective this month.

Captain Whittaker is no stranger to the challenges that define Ganton Station. Having served in the area for a significant portion of his career, he brings firsthand knowledge of the community, its needs, and the unique operational demands placed on the deputies who patrol it day in and day out. Those who have worked alongside him describe a leader who leads from the front, holds himself to the same standard he expects of others, and genuinely cares about the wellbeing of both his deputies and the residents they serve.



Ganton Station is one of the highest call-volume districts in the county. Gang activity, violent crime, and fast-moving incidents are a daily reality for the men and women assigned there. Captain Whittaker inherits a station with strong bones and hardworking deputies — and by all accounts, he is exactly the kind of commanding officer the assignment demands.

Sheriff Bratton personally congratulated Captain Whittaker on his appointment, stating that the promotion reflects not only his years of service but his demonstrated ability to lead under pressure.

The Department wishes Captain Whittaker every success in his new role.

The Los Santos County Sheriff's Department is actively seeking qualified candidates to compose Class 292 of the Deputy Sheriff Trainee program. This recruitment drive represents one of the Department's most significant hiring efforts in recent memory, as the new administration under Sheriff Bratton looks to strengthen patrol resources across all stations and specialized units.

Candidates who successfully complete the application and selection process will be enrolled in the Sheriff's Training Academy at Biscailuz Center, East Los Santos, where they will undergo a comprehensive six-month training program covering physical conditioning, law and procedure, firearms and tactics, emergency driving, and final evaluations.

The Department is seeking individuals of strong character, sound judgement, and a genuine commitment to public service. Prior law enforcement experience is not required.

Those interested in applying are encouraged to submit their Preliminary Background Application at the earliest opportunity. The Training Bureau will be processing applications on a rolling basis for the duration of the current recruitment drive.

Sheriff Bratton has made it clear — the doors of this Department are open, and Los Santos County is hiring.

In one of the first major command appointments of the new administration, Undersheriff Richard Weisberg has named Captain Travis Bates as the new Unit Commander of the Special Enforcement Bureau.

Captain Bates' appointment signals a clear statement of intent from the incoming Sheriff — SEB is a priority, and its leadership reflects that. Known within the Department for his tactical acumen and calm under fire, Captain Bates has spent the better part of his career in high-stakes enforcement environments. His colleagues describe him as methodical, demanding in the best sense of the word, and deeply invested in the development of the deputies under his command.

The Special Enforcement Bureau serves as the Department's primary tactical unit, responding to barricaded suspects, hostage situations, high-risk warrant services, and other incidents that exceed the capabilities of standard patrol. Under Sheriff Bratton's stated vision, the Bureau is expected to see expanded resources, enhanced training opportunities, and a broader operational mandate in the months ahead.

Captain Bates addressed his new unit shortly after the appointment was confirmed, keeping his remarks brief and characteristic of his reputation — direct, purposeful, and focused entirely on the work ahead.

The Department congratulates Captain Bates and looks forward to what his leadership will bring to one of its most vital units.

The Los Santos Sheriff's Department is proud to recognize Lieutenant Timothy Mendez as a recipient of the Exemplary Service Award. This award is presented to personnel who demonstrate an unusual degree of individual initiative resulting in notable achievement, and Lieutenant Mendez has proven himself to be a shining example of exactly that.

Lieutenant Mendez has been a cornerstone in the development and establishment of the Training Bureau, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to ensuring that the bureau was built from the ground up with structure, purpose, and efficiency in mind. From its earliest stages, he took it upon himself to lay the groundwork that would allow the bureau to function effectively, working tirelessly to put the right systems and processes in place. His vision and hands-on involvement during this critical period were invaluable, and without his efforts, the Training Bureau would not be where it stands today.

Beyond the establishment of the bureau, Lieutenant Mendez has continued to distinguish himself through his unwavering commitment to its administrative operations.

It is with great pride that the Los Santos Sheriff's Department presents Lieutenant Timothy Mendez with the Exemplary Service Award. His service is a testament to the values this department holds dear, and he serves as an inspiration to all those who wear the badge. We thank him for his continued dedication and look forward to seeing the lasting impact of his contributions for years to come.

The Los Santos County Sheriff's Department is proud to recognize the following personnel who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the highest standards of law enforcement service. These promotions reflect not only the individual achievements of each recipient, but the collective strength of a Department that believes in developing its people from within.

Sheriff Daryl Bratton personally extended his congratulations to each of the following members upon confirmation of their promotions:

• Captain Thomas Whittaker — Ganton Station
• Captain Travis Bates — Special Enforcement Bureau

• Lieutenant Timothy Mendez — Training Bureau
• Lieutenant Francis Stevenson — Operation Safe Jail

• Sergeant David Bernal — Operation Safe Streets Bureau
• Sergeant Andreas Thanakos — Ganton Station

• Deputy Sheriff Dennis Razman — Ganton Station

The Los Santos Sheriff's Department is honored to present the Tradition of Service Award to retired Commander Alexander Wright. This distinguished award is reserved for those who, even in retirement, continue to embody the values and mission of this department, and Commander Wright is without question a most deserving recipient.

Commander Wright's career with the Los Santos Sheriff's Department was one defined by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the communities he served. He served with distinction as the Unit Commander of Ganton Station, where he took on the immense responsibility of leading one of the department's most demanding assignments.

Rising through the ranks, Commander Wright went on to serve as the Commander of the Central Patrol Division, one of the most prominent and operationally significant roles within the department. In this capacity, he was responsible for the oversight and direction of an entire division, coordinating the efforts of multiple stations and ensuring that the department's mission was carried out with professionalism and integrity.

It is with the utmost pride and gratitude that the Los Santos Sheriff's Department presents Commander Alexander Wright with the Tradition of Service Award. His career stands as a testament to the finest traditions of this department, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations of deputies who follow in his footsteps. The department thanks him sincerely for a lifetime of service and for continuing to represent everything this organization stands for.

The Los Santos Sheriff's Department is pleased to officially announce the establishment of the Operation Safe Streets Bureau Gang Enforcement Teams at Ganton Station. This marks a significant and deliberate step forward in the department's ongoing commitment to combating gang-related criminal activity and restoring safety and order to the communities within the station's jurisdiction.

The Operation Safe Streets Bureau, long recognized as one of the department's most vital enforcement arms, has been tasked with addressing the persistent and complex challenges posed by gang activity throughout the county. The expansion of Gang Enforcement Teams into Ganton Station reflects a direct and focused response to the needs of the community and underscores the department's resolve to ensure that no neighborhood is left without the dedicated resources necessary to confront organized criminal elements head-on.


The primary mission of the Gang Enforcement Teams is clear — to identify, monitor, and suppress gang activity through proactive enforcement, intelligence-led operations, and close coordination with other law enforcement agencies and departmental bureaus. Operating under the framework and standards set forth by the Operation Safe Streets Bureau, these teams will work diligently to disrupt gang networks, remove dangerous individuals from the streets, and create an environment in which the law-abiding residents of Ganton can live free from the fear and violence that gang activity brings.