Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" Monthly Press Release November 1st, 2025 |
- Welcome to the November 2025 Edition of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department Monthly Press Release. As the year winds down, we reflect on change, progress, and continued dedication to “A Tradition of Service.”
This month, Sheriff Walter shares his vision for the future, alongside key promotions and staff highlights.
We proudly recognize Master Deputy Ava Behr as Deputy of the Month and Deputy Lucas Laney in the Spotlight.
Take a moment to explore our updates, achievements, and a few laughs in the Question of the Month.
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- Greeting citizens of Los Santos,
Sheriff Ian Walter
As we wind down 2025 and welcome the cooler weather, it's a wonderful time to pause and appreciate the season. Embrace the beautiful fall colors and "fall-sy" treats—think all things pumpkin (coffees, ciders, pies!), apples, and gingerbread. We also approach the holiday of Thanksgiving, a perfect time for all of us to reflect on the people and things in our lives for which we are most grateful.
This month, we continue the legacy of the Sheriff's Department, and also begin a new chapter. October brought significant changes to law enforcement in our county, with transitions in leadership both at the Police Department and The Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department saw the departure of four members of its executive staff: Sheriff Bobby Kirk, Undersheriffs John Wallace, Harry Payne, and Assistant Sheriff Steve Smyth. As your newly appointed Sheriff, I again express my deepest gratitude to all four for their tireless hard work and dedication to the citizens of this county and state. Now, we look to tomorrow and the future of the agency.
While October was a month of transition, November is set to be a crucial milestone for the Sheriff's Department. Things have stabilized, and I have met with my Executive Staff to begin charting a new course forward, starting with a look at the current structure of the department and ways we can possibly change the structure for the leaders of tomorrow. This work has already begun, and I plan to continue to work closely with my executive staff to impart some of the changes that I believe will continue to carry this department forward. I understand you all are eager for specifics, but as these decisions are currently in the deliberation phase, I cannot make any specific announcements yet, but I anticipate more information will be coming at some point during the month of November.
I have met with the Chief of Police, and we have shared ideas and collaborate in ways that we can work as better partner. I will soon be reaching out to other sister agencies who come into contact and work very closely with my deputies to see where we can improve and better relationships for the benefit of the citizens of this state.
I want everyone to know that as your Sheriff, I will continue to work hard to ensure the level of service provided by the Sheriff's Department is exemplary, as we continue to deliver "A Tradition of Service" into tomorrow.
Sheriff Ian Walter
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- Good evening,
Undersheriff Wiley Reno
I'm proud to be addressing the department for the first time as your Undersheriff. Moreso, I am proud to be working alongside my longtime colleague - Sheriff Ian Walter. Sheriff Walter and I have, for years now, worked alongside each other in a variety of assignments. Most recently, I worked under Sheriff Walter in the Administrative Services Bureau, where we led a stable command of the bureau for our tenure.
Although I am, like all of us, sad to see our previous leadership go, I am excited for what the future holds for us. My goal is that the department sees the same stability that Sheriff Walter and I have previously achieved. As well, I hope that the department can be assured that we hear your concerns - all of your concerns, and have every intention of addressing them through our leadership.
Undersheriff Wiley Reno
- Ava Behr became a Deputy Trainee in September of 2024 and quickly rose through the ranks, reaching Master Deputy by March of 2025. During her time with the department, she has been very active in both K9 and SEB. She and I (Mason Ross) joined SEB (known as SED at the time) around the same period and went through our training sessions and probationary period together. We’ve both leaned on each other during challenging times, but Ava has always been a light that shines brightly within the department.
Master Deputy Ava Behr
I’m proud to announce her as our Deputy of the Month! SID Command sent her a few questions to help everyone get to know her a little better, let’s see what makes Ava, Ava.
What is your favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD?
My favorite thing is my fellow deputies, both two and four legged. Knowing, and having it proven, that you can trust your fellows with you life, and the bonds forged in the line of duty is something you don't get with most jobs. I've gotten especially close with my SEB brethren and my dog Drama.
What is your most memorable moment while serving as a deputy for the LSSD?
The first time nailing the jump onto the water tower during training. It was so hard for me to get and I missed it many times before being able to land it. Always a rush.
Was there a career setback you faced that you later realized was an advantage?
Yes, I made a mistake that potentially could've been pretty bad. Luckily some supervisors caught it and pulled me aside for a talk and we discussed they why it was so important not to make that mistake. Definitely one I won't be making again and I can leverage that knowledge into an advantage for my future trainees so they won't make it either hopefully.
What goals do you have for your tenure within the Sheriff's Department?
I'm feeling out my progression in the department as a whole. I want to contribute more to K9 and SEB, there's some certifications I need in the latter still, and maybe I could become an instructor in K9. I have discussed with a few people the possibility of trying for supervisor but I'm still undecided.
What advice do you have for someone new to the department?
For trainees: Go on sierra patrols between your FTS so you can apply what you've learned and digest it before taking in more, and don't be afraid of radio calls. Also, ride with as many different deputies as you can to get a well rounded experience.
For new deputies: Keep up with your paperwork, even the optional stuff. Go on ride alongs with different divisions/bureaus to find good fits.
Is there a quote that motivates you?
"Shots?" - TAC 1
- This is Deputy Laney’s second time serving with the department. He originally joined in 2023 but was discharged for not completing his training. In March of 2025, he decided to return, and since then he’s been hard at work, joining RED (Recruitment and Development) and finding new ways to contribute.
Deputy Sheriff III Lucas Laney
However, Lucas has truly found his calling in the sky as a First Pilot within our highly competitive Air Support Division. His dedication and drive have made him stand out among the team. We wanted to learn more about what makes him “tick,” so we sent him an email to see what goes on in his mind.
What is your favorite thing about being a deputy at the LSSD?
My favorite thing about being a deputy at LSSD is flying the helicopter and witnessing a view that most people don't get the opportunity to see. The County and the city are very beautiful from above and I believe that everybody needs to experience this breathtaking view once in their lifetime.
What is your most memorable moment while serving as a deputy for the LSSD?
There are a lot of memorable moments that happened during my duration as a deputy sheriff. One moment that stands out was when I have received an E-mail from Staff Sergeant Hugo Hernandez about a commendation that I have received from Assistant Sheriff Oscar Black. It was because of a sequence of events where I have managed to give clear callouts on 3 back-to-back pursuits that lasted for about an hour or so. This moment made me feel visible in the department as I have never received a personal commendation before.
How has your perspective on law enforcement changed since you first joined?
It has drastically changed as I have witnessed first-hand how stressful things can get. But witnessing my collegue deputies professionally deal with intense situations and learning from them made me realize that everyone is a human being and sometimes we have to go easy on others because everyone had bad days.
How do you hope to make a lasting impact within the LSSD?
Something that I have been trying to do is ensure trainees are treated the same way as I was treated when i first joined LSSD, with open arms and big smiles. I would like to help shape future sheriff deputies into human beings that have compassion but are also very professional and willing to assist anyone with the best of their capabilities.
What advice do you have for someone new to the department?
As someone who struggled with processing information during my trainee period. Please don't be afraid to ask questions, whether it is a simple question or a very complex one. All of us can provide you with the answer you're looking for. We're all here to help each other out and ensure that the community is in its best form.
How has serving with the LSSD shaped you as a person?
It has definitely turned me into a more sympathetic person, but provided me with the confidence that I have been lacking beforehand. And while most of my time I spend flying in the Helicopter, my usefulness as a ground unit has never been doubted, and for that I thank the LSSD and all the sheriff deputies that were a part of my growth.
Assistant Sheriff ► 
Sheriff
- Ian Walter
Assistant Sheriff ► 
Undersheriff
- Wiley Reno
Sheriff ► 
Sheriff's Commissioner
- Bobby Kirk
Undersheriff ► Sheriff's Commissioner
- John Wallace
- Harry Payne
Captain ► 
Commander
- Tom Brown
- Fillmoore Grayson
Staff Sergeant ►
Lieutenant
- Scott Pierce
Sergeant
- Hans Waltz (Reinstatement)
Deputy Sheriff III ► 
Investigator I
- Nicholas Rajcula
Deputy Sheriff II ► Deputy Sheriff III
- Miles Logan
Deputy Sheriff II
- Lue Washington
Deputy Sheriff I ► Deputy Sheriff II
- Kylar Carter
- Jackson Woods
- John Maverick
- Jay Alva
Deputy Sheriff Trainee ► Deputy Sheriff I
- Priest Jackson
- Kian Turner
- Josh Majiedt
Deputy Sheriff Trainee
- Edward Schzen
- Elara Quinn
- Freddy Kingfisher
- Huw Masons (Reinstatement)
- Deputy Availability
Executive Staff | 3 | 3.75%
Sheriff | 1
Undersheriff | 1
Assistant Sheriff | 1
Command Staff | 6 | 7.50%
Commander | 4
Captain | 2
Supervisor Staff | 13 | 16.25%
Lieutenant | 5
Staff Sergeant | 2
Sergeant | 6
Supervisor in Training | 0 | 2.50%
Corporal | 2
Investigator I | 0
Field Staff | 56 | 70%
Investigator I | 5
Master Deputy | 10
Deputy Sheriff III | 9
Reserve Deputy | 3
Deputy Sheriff II | 19
Deputy Sheriff I | 6
Deputy Sheriff Trainee | 4
Internal Patrol Paperwork
Arrest Reports | 160
Impound Reports | 15
Impound Release Reports | 8
Traffic Stop Reports | 34
Use of Force Reports | 1
Warrant Reports | 19General Statistics
Promotions | 17
Demotions | 0
Reinstatement/Transfers | 4
New Trainees | 3
Discharges | 17
Recruitment & Employment
Total Number of Applications | 7
Accepted Applications | 3
Pending Interview | 0
Pending Academy Graduation | 2
Denied Applications | 3
Number of Academies | 1
Field Training Division
Number of Sessions Conducted | 45
Active Trainees | 4
Passed Trainees | 1
Failed Trainees | 1
Internal Affairs Division
Received Reports | 5
Closed Reports | 5
Redirected Reports | 0
Active Reports | 1
Sustained (Disciplinary) | 2
No Misconduct | 1
Other | 3
Sheriff's Investigations Bureau
Crime Scene Reports | 9
Case Files Opened | 10
Robbery & Homicide Cases | 4
Vice Cases | 6
Active Case Files | 3
Cases Concluded | 25
Prosecuted Cases | 13
Not Resolved Cases | 11
Unfounded Cases | 0
Operations | 2
Interrogations | 2
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What’s one radio code you wish existed?
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- Commander Tom Brown
Code Brown - Taking a dump while on duty
Lieutenant Lief Helgarson
10-10 - Radio silence everyone stops yapping for 5 minutes
Lieutenant Cliff Derringer
10-69 - Sheriff Payne located in pursuit line. Vacate entire line and makeway.
Sergeant Sayaka Yukimura
10-1000 - For when you can't hear radio for when suspect is yapping about 1000 words a minute
Investigator Niko Reggal
I wish people who work undercover would have a secret backup code so they can call a backup over the radio without exposing themselves.
Master Deputy Mason Ross
I wish we had a discrete way to “oh my god, I need more units here now”
Deputy Sheriff III Jaiden Famingo
10-69 | For when you manage to get your cruiser upside down.. of-course; and it's only one number behind the radio code to call for backup, since clearly you'd need some in this situation!
Reserve Deputy Garret Groyce
10-69 (no explanation)
Deputy Sheriff II Jackson Woods
10-69 > deputy in danger ( not as big as the code 1)
Deputy Sheriff II Nate Banks
10-33, ''You're a higher rank than me but please stop talking.''
Deputy Sheriff I Josh Majiedt
10-50. Meaning if an officer is held hostage or unable to speak freely, they can say something like 12-R-15 to last, 10-4 im all good just 10-50 with a individual at Pillbox. whereby all units can respond and they wouldn't know this as its secretive.
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Commander Amelia Clark
Commanding Officer, Sheriff's Information Division
(909) 474-8130 — [email protected]
Master Deputy Mason Ross
Community Relations Manager, Sheriff's Information Division
[email protected]
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909
