2003 Board of Directors confirmed
Sheriff Smith honored; Ruben Rasso chosen as Director of the Year

The RSA Board of Directors held its annual installation meeting on January 10, holding a day-long series of seminars for the 2003 Board members.

Throughout the day, the Directors heard from new Sheriff Bob Doyle, Concerns of Police Survivor's National President Linda Hintergardt-Soubirous, worker's compensation attorney James Cunningham, RSA Legislative Advocate Tim Yaryan, RSA Chief General Counsel Doug Olins, Supervisor Marion Ashley, Chief Legal Defense Counsel Mike Stone, and RSA Executive Director Darryl Drott.

Board members discussed important new legislation effecting law enforcement, trends in labor relations, and other issues they will likely face throughout the year.

The meeting wrapped up with a dinner reception at the Riverside Convention Center. Sheriff Smith was presented with a special RSA Lifetime Achievement award for his many years of service to the department.

Sheriff Smith turned around and surprised RSA President Pat McNamara with a Ten Year Directors ring for his years of service to the RSA.

A special presentation was also made to three deputies who faced life-threatening situations this year.

Deputies Bruce Blanck, David Kurylowicz and Anthony Aguirre each received a "Critical Incident" award.

Aguirre and Kurylowicz faced an unexpectedly dangerous situation on October 30 when they paid a visit to a house to check on a child. A man in the house, later identified as a known offender with a record of violence against peace officers, opened fire on the two deputies, wounding both. They were both able to get clear of the house while fatally wounding the suspect.

Deputy Blanck received his medal for facing an armed suspect in Moreno Valley. Blanck pursued the suspect of a botched robbery of a fast-food restaurant. The suspect lost control of his car and crashed, but crawled from the vehicle to escape. Blanck showed self-control and judgement in pursuing the armed suspect. Deputy Blanck held off firing on the suspect until the last moment, when the suspect fired at him. Blanck wounded the robber without sustaining injury to himself.

Director Ruben Rasso was selected as Director of the Year for his commitment to the association and its members.

The reception was attended by nearly 90 directors and VIP's.