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Community Car Deputy Comes Home To Serve
COMM CAR 1
San Joaquin County Sheriffs Deputy Adam Herrero enjoyed a meet and greet with some rural residents and members of the local Escalon Police Department when he was introduced as the new Community Car patrol deputy for the area. - photo by Marg Jackson/The Times

A member of the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department Patrol Division, Escalon High School alum Adam Herrero has been assigned as the new Community Car deputy for the local area.

He graduated from Escalon High School in 2003 and has been with the sheriff’s department for the past 10 years. He was introduced as the new deputy sheriff on patrol for the Escalon area at a barbecue meet and greet hosted at a home on Dahlin Road, in the rural area just outside the city, on Oct. 11.

There are ‘Community Cars’ in many rural areas that the sheriff’s department patrols and department officials said it provides a direct ‘point of contact’ for residents when needing to get in touch with authorities.

Herrero said he has worked in several capacities during his time with the San Joaquin department.

“I’ve been in Woodbridge, worked county patrol, worked at the Stockton Courthouse,” Herrero said. “The Escalon Community Car feels very good, it’s like coming home. I’m very excited and very proud.”

Herrero provided a brief overview of his service area and the duties he will undertake as the local deputy.

“Don’t be afraid to call,” he said. “You guys are the eyes and ears for us.”

Lt. Joe Petrino echoed the thought, noting that – especially in the rural areas – if people see anything suspicious, they can contact the Community Car deputy for assistance.

“It improves the quality of life,” said Sgt. Jayson Burk, one of the Community Car program supervisors.

Sgt. Brandon Riley, also a Community Car supervisor, said the program allows deputies assigned to a specific area to work within that community, building rapport and trust between residents and the sheriff’s department.

They also work in cooperation with the local police department and several members of the Escalon Police Department were in attendance at the barbecue.

For Escalon City Council member Ed Alves, the Community Car announcement was a welcome one.

“It’s good for the community, he’s from the area,” Alves said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Lt. Petrino added that the use of Community Cars in several areas around the county have been well received and can have a definite impact.

“There is a correlation between crime and community involvement,” he said.

The more citizens are aware of what is going on around them and the more they stay in touch with their deputy, he said, the incidents of crime are likely to go down.

 

Herrero reiterated that he will be visible in the area; and that he’s looking forward to patrolling the community where he grew up, helping to keep its residents safe and secure.