Winter 2024 Newsletter (NR006-24as)

[LSPD Media Relations]

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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

NR006-24as

February 1, 2024

Winter 2024 Newsletter

Los Santos: As we start to bid farewell to the cold winter days, transitioning from the icy grasp of winter into a milder early spring, the Los Santos Police Department heralds the coming of Spring with the release of yet another quarterly newsletter.

Throughout the winter months, the Los Santos Police Department expanded its workforce by bolstering its ranks with new recruits. This deliberate effort aimed to fortify the Department's capabilities and enhance its ability to serve the city effectively. The influx of fresh talent has brought diverse skills and perspectives, contributing to our dynamic personnel set.

As the winter winds subsided, the Department found itself rejuvenated, a robust and cohesive team ready to address the challenges ahead. The increased employee count reflects a commitment to community safety, positioning the Los Santos Police Department as a healthier and stronger city-wide force.

The Los Santos Police Department welcomed the return of dedicated individuals after periods of absence. Notable among the returning officers were Police Officer III Hector Mayfield, Police Officer II Leo Larson, Police Officer II Guilherme Tavares, Police Officer II Peter Stanford, Police Officer Matthew Barret, and the Ace of the Skies himself, Jordan Woka. Their reinstatements marked a return of seasoned professionals, each contributing unique skills.

Additionally, a wave of talent arrived from the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department, as officers like Police Lieutenant Charlie Wilkinson, Police Officer II Heath Tegans, and Police Officer II Emerson Lugo switched from desert sands to the bustling metropolis. The returnees and transfers collectively strengthened the Department, embodying a renewed commitment to serving the city's citizens.

Index:

• Page 2: Promotions and Reinstatements
• Page 3: Winter Spotlight: Leo Larson
• Page 4: Welcoming A New Deputy Chief
• Page 5: Traffic Enforcement Gets A Boost
• Page 6: Where Are They Now?
• Page 7: Department in Pictures
• Page 8: Truth Unveiled: A Murder Mystery Game
• Page 9: Credits

Sincerely,

Deputy Chief Dezzy Bala
Director, Office of Support Services
Los Santos Police Department

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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 2

Promotions and Reinstatements

There was a flurry of promotions and reinstatements in the winter season. The snow arrived with two substantial promotions for Deputy Chief Elizabeth Sanchez and Deputy Chief Victor Einhart, who were both promoted to the incredible position of Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Elizabeth Sanchez will remain in her capacity as the Commanding Officer, General Operations Bureau. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Victor Einhart will continue his responsibility as the Commanding Officer, Special Operations Bureau.

Secondly, there was an additional change to the Staff Officers. Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar was promoted to the prestigious position of Assistant Chief. With this, he will continue serving as the Director, Office of Operations.

Furthermore, there were some significant reinstatements this season. Police Captain Alex Schill has returned to the team and a warm welcome. After accomplishing his goals as a Captain in the Sheriff's Department, he decided to return to his home, the LSPD. He now resides as Police Captain I at the Mission Row Patrol Division as Patrol Command. We warmly welcome Captain Schill and express our appreciation for his continued dedication to the Department.

A significant promotion within the Command Officers team occurred recently as well, as Commander Steve Smyth stepped up from his previous position of Police Captain III into the position of Police Commander. After his recent transfer from the Sheriff's Department, we are glad to see the new Commander thriving already!

Commander Smyth, a seasoned law enforcement professional, brought back a wealth of knowledge in police command and organization from his stint at the Sheriff's Department. Notably, he has orchestrated a remarkable turnaround in the Training Division, introducing a series of regular and informative trainings that have significantly enhanced the skills and readiness of our officers.

A key player in the command structure before his departure, Commander Smyth has returned with an upgraded leadership style, refining and fortifying the Division's organizational framework. Beyond that, he has breathed new life into a division previously limited to necessary functions only, infusing it with additional value and dynamic activities.

Commander Smyth's resolute demeanor, coupled with his strong opinions and undeniable passion for his chosen area within the Department, marks a new era of excellence and innovation within the Los Santos Police Department and we're all excited to see what lies ahead for the Commander.

After her recent promotion to Sergeant II in the summer, Lieutenant Rija Luigi has already achieved her next promotion! Achieving the rank of Police Lieutenant I due to her extraordinary work ethic within the Department. She will take over as the Assistant Commanding Officer of the Field Training Division.

Another familiar face recently reinstated; after a short break away from the Department, Police Officer Leo Larson decided to return. Since his return, he has not only gotten a promotion to Police Officer III, but was appointed to a command position with the Traffic Enforcement Division, given his dedication to the Department.

Police Officer Jordan Woka, a dear member of the team who previously resigned, has also decided to return to the Department. We extend him a warm welcome and are very excited for him to take WOKA-1 (our airship) out for a patrol.

Lastly, the following officers managed to pass the Field Training Program this season! Murphy Azalea, Owen Moore, Ramon Cerbach, Billy Meener, Laurant Conrad, Hannah Koch, Virgil Tydeborne, Dymond Cole, Alaska Hawthorne, Mick Wegman, Adam Williams, Elijah Allen.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 3

Winter Spotlight: Leo Larson

The Media Relations Division strives to provide some valuable insight into the intricate internal lives of those in the Los Santos Police Department. As such, every quarter, a page of the newsletter is dedicated to an officer who has contributed to the never-ending progression of LSPD. For the Winter Newsletter, the Media Relations Division is has chosen to feature Police Officer III Leo Larson.
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Officer Larson's journey with the Department is full of ups and downs. Nevertheless, it fully highlights the values our featured officer strives for the most - perseverance and tenaciousness. First joining the Department as a Cadet on July 14, 2020, Officer Larson has, in total, had six ventures as an officer, with the last, and, hopefully, final one, starting on November 11th of 2023, when he was reinstated as Police Officer II.

His biggest achievement, however, came on New Year's Eve, December 31st of 2023, when he got promoted to Assistant Commanding Officer(ACO) of Traffic Enforcement Division (TED) following deliberations by his direct supervisors and Office of Chief, a feat that lower ranking officers do not usually achieve.
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Officer Larson is not only the ACO of TED, but also teaches young pilots in the Air Support Division, how to safely navigate the skies of San Andreas. This further proves his dedication to the Department.

Aiming to highlight Officer Larson further, an interview was conducted in order to gain more insight into his personal thoughts about his legacy as a Law Enforcement Officer.

Hello everybody! My name is Leo Larson, I work with LSPD, primarily enforcing traffic with the Traffic Enforcement Division. I also highly enjoy Field Training Division, aiding in upcomers, wanting to join the Department, as well as Air Support Division, which is a phenomenal change of pace from being a ground support unit. I also host a couple events that are unrelated to Law Enforcement, but those are more so to assist those, that are less fortunate.

We have also asked Officer Larson what he thinks sets him apart from his fellow officers and what future aspirations or goals he is striving to achieve,

I just try to keep things lighthearted [...], keeping things friendly, even dealing with people who don't want to deal with you, because You don't want to ruin people's day, I guess keeping things light-hearted has always been my goal. As for goals, my current goal is to try and get Police Officer III+1 badge, which I hope will happen with due time. My other goals are to stay as consistent as possible, I know paperwork wise consistency is my main thing, which I always strive to improve upon. Outside, of that, ACO is my primary goal, making sure I can provide my aid in every single way possible, make it so my CO has as little responsibilities as possible. Other than that, once STP opens, I definitely intend to once again partake in the STP program and progress to Department Supervisor, not only Division Supervisor.

Officer Leo Larson perfectly encompasses the main values of LSPD: consistency, tenaciousness, and true grit. We only hope more officers will follow this example.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 4

Welcoming A New Deputy Chief

This season, a new member was invited into the Staff Officers. Due to his hard work and relentless dedication Deputy Chief Einhart acquired this position. After many years of dedicated service to the Department, this is a well-deserved promotion.

The newly appointed Deputy Chief joined the Department in late February 2019, rising through the ranks by showing hard work and dedication. Striving through promotions, showing his hard-working attitude. Just 2 years later, he achieved the rank of Police Captain and, with it, was the Commanding Officer of the Metropolitan Division. Due to his determination, the Division flourished, becoming what we all see it as today. A short while after reaching this massive feat, the Deputy Chief got yet another promotion, acquiring Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Bureau, where he still proudly and effectively works to this day.

We asked the Chief of Police for her opinion on the promotion:

Deputy Chief Einhart is a staple in the development and consistency of the special operations of the Los Santos Police Department. Einhart is a strong, stable leadership figure in a Bureau that otherwise faces constantly changing, unstable, and hectic challenges in their field operations. Deputy Chief Einhart presents composure and stability and has established himself as such through his tenure with the Metropolitan Division and the Special Operations Bureau. He has my full faith as the Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Bureau, and I am elated to have him serve as a Deputy Chief.

Here is what Captain Gareth Longford had to say about the influence that Deputy Chief Einhart has had over the command team and more specifically the Metropolitan Division.

I was very pleased to see Deputy Chief Victor Einhart's promotion from Commander. He has been a figure of inspiration, not only for me, but for all of us who work under him within the Metropolitan Division. I would say that for those who work directly with Deputy Chief Einhart, he is most known for his specialised wisdom with regards to running and developing a division such as D Platoon (SWAT), a wisdom that I strive to achieve every day. To all others within the LSPD and even the City of Los Santos, he is known best for his impenetrable stoicism and his admirably hard-set predisposition for the accurate upholding of the Law. If "To Protect and to Serve" was to be personified, it would take shape as Victor Einhart, and for that, he is well deserving of this promotion.

We congratulate Deputy Chief Einhart on this well-deserved appointment within the Department, and wish him the best of luck.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 5

Traffic Enforcement Gets A Boost

There has recently been a big change within the Traffic Enforcement Division. As part of an overhaul, the Division has seen many new additions and expanded its place in the Department. With this overhaul came a couple of new additions to Command positions. Police Officer Leo Larson took the opportunity after recently re-instating and was promoted to the ACO of the Division. We asked Officer Larson a few questions about the opportunity he has been given:

"Why do you believe that you got this role?"

I would like to believe that I deserved the role of Assistant Commanding Officer of the Traffic Enforcement Division. I have been a part of the Los Santos Police Department for a long period of time and my primary focus has always been Vinewood Traffic Division, turned TED [Traffic Enforcement Division]. Through my stents of employment, I hope I have showcased my dedication and determination. All divisions that I join, I want to thrive and be better off than what it was before I joined. Aiding in whatever ways I can. Being granted ACO of TED, solidifies my ability to truly make a difference and make real change in making the Division as good as it can be.

"What effect do you believe these recent changes will have on the Division?"

There has been a handful of changes within the Traffic Enforcement Division and more will come. The Commanding Officer and Assistant Commanding Officer positions have shifted many times within the last year. Philo Marks and myself filling these roles is another occasion of these moves. We shall do our best to hold onto these positions, as I know I will hold onto it for dear life. Traffic enforcement has been the focal point of my career and reaching this height has only magnified my intent to stick around.

The Traffic Enforcement Division has been flourishing to start the new year as we had to open extra callsigns to fit in new members, nearly to the point that another group of 10 callsigns will follow suit. Gaining the Gauntlet Hellfire, which is accessible, multiple past traffic officers were reinstated along with a plethora of applications. Who doesn't enjoy new toys but time will tell. Time will tell and show for who joined for traffic reasons and who applied for the extra vehicle.

There are additional changes that will be made within TED, but those will be announced at a later point in time. Out-of-date information, formats, and whatever else needs to be adjusted. As well as a few implementations that need to be further discussed

"Do you have anything you would like to say to the public about these recent changes?"

I would like the public to know that traffic has and will continue to limit dangerous behavior on the roadways. As our number of members increase, our out reach and eyes with assist in the reduction of traffic infractions. That in mind, the Los Santos Police Department and the Traffic Enforcement Division are only a call away.

After several years with no changes, a new training program has also been introduced. This change saw significant changes in the way that officers learn. With the new structure, Officers will undergo several sessions to learn about different equipment and traffic enforcement methods.
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The new training program also introduced new roles for members of the Traffic Enforcement Division, such as Traffic Training Officers, similar to Field Training Officers. Officers will have to apply for the position after advancing in the division. Traffic Training Officers will be able to train new recruits joining the Division while qualifying for a promotion to the next division rank.

If you have been walking around the city recently, you have most likely seen new Traffic Enforcement Division vehicles patrolling the streets. These two vehicles were recently introduced specifically for the Traffic Enforcement Division. The first new addition is a version of the Caracara 4x4, which has gone through testing recently, and following positive feedback, it has been decided to add it to the traffic fleet. Secondly, a Gauntlet Hellfire interceptor has been made available exclusively for the Traffic Enforcement Division, and can be operated by a number of qualified Traffic Officers.
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Following these recent changes, the Division has seen significant growth, with many new members joining and going through the training program. This will expand possibilities within the Department and help in the safekeeping of our great city. As a Department, we look forward to seeing how this division will evolve in the future.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 6

Where Are They Now?

For the winter of 2024, this segment features Deputy Sheriff III Valkyrie Winger from the Los Santos County Sheriffs Office. Deputy Winger recently transferred out of the LSPD, and we wanted to catch up with him and inquire about his current position and duties. Deputy Winger joined the LSPD in July 2022 in Academy #219, before achieving the rank of Police Officer I a month later. He continued his hard work throughout his time, achieving multiple promotions along the way. Another turning point in his career was joining the Metropolitan Division early in 2023. Here, he would continue his duties and hard work for a couple of months, ensuring the safekeeping of everyone in the city by doing a magnitude of SWAT duties. Unfortunately for us, he requested a transfer to SD shortly after and has been thriving there ever since.

After getting in touch, we asked him a couple of questions on different subjects that could be of interest. Here is what he had to say:

"What inspired you to become an Officer at the LSPD?"

I, much like many others before me and surely many after me, grew tired of the rampant crime that plagued the City of Los Santos. I felt after my life of service in the Army as a Military Police Officer, I could come to the Police Department and use my skills to help assist the fine men and women in blue protect the citizens of Los Santos.

"Why did you make the decision to move up north?"

When I first moved to the city, I had actually applied to the Sheriffs Department and failed their physical fitness examination. I suspect too many sweets after I got out of the Army was the suspect there. But while I was in the city I became friendly with the local law enforcement and applied to LSPD after getting myself back in shape. Since then, I was honestly tired of all the traffic and the congestion of the city. That and the smog the industrial area produced. So I decided I needed a change of pace, and some fresher air and went to go work up north.

"What are you currently doing at LSSD?"

Currently, I am working on most of the same things I did at LSPD. I am a part of the Special Enforcement Detail, the K9 unit with K9 Noodles by my side, the field training unit, and I just recently was accepted as an application handler. I am also currently working on learning more disciplines with my K9 to expand both her and my knowledge in the field, and I am in the process of getting my helicopter training completed so that I can be Blackstar certified so I can fly SED around the country when needed.

"What was your favourite aspect about the LSPD?"

My favorite aspect of the LSPD was the comradery. There wasn't a single soul in there that would not give you the shirt of their back, or a place to stay if you needed it. It was all one giant family to me.

"Who and what do you miss the most?"

I miss running with METRO. I will not lie there. They were my first introduction to the civilian side of SWAT. The feeling of family within that unit was more than anything else. The brotherhood was real. Also, I miss having heart to heart talks with Detective Dale Ashcroft. That man has taught me so many life lessons, and he has a heart of gold.

"Finally, what would it take to get you back into the Department, if anything?"

I recently talked to (Deputy Chief) Bala about this at High End actually! Currently, Captain McJohnson at the LSSD is giving me loads of free icecream. So I would say an effective tradeoff would be more sweets, and maybe that POIII+1 would put me in the mindset of transferring back.

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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 7

Department in Pictures

Throughout the last few months, the Department's photographers have captured key moments in the Departments operations. Here is a round-up of media for public viewing.
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Police Academies
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Officers in Action
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Event: Community Trick or Treat
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Event: 2023 Los Santos Police Department Awards Ceremony
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Event: Interdepartmental "Lincoln" Awards
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Thanks to Police Detective I Coral Lafleur and Police Detective I Mark Snow for their contributions.
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 8

Truth Unveiled: A Murder Mystery Game

It was a warm summer evening in the bustling city of Los Santos, where the glitz and glamour of the wealthy blended seamlessly with the grit and danger of the criminal underbelly. But underneath this facade of extravagance and chaos, a sinister event was about to unfold. The murder of a prominent figure within the Los Santos Police Department sent shockwaves through the city, leaving its residents bewildered and terrified.

The victim, Deputy Chief Victor Einhart, was found dead in his office at the police headquarters. Einhart was well-known for his dedication to justice and his unwavering commitment to upholding the law. His colleagues regarded him as a true hero, and his death was an immense loss to the entire police force.

As news of the murder spread throughout the city, there were many speculations and rumors. People wondered what could have caused the death of such a respected and loved member of the police force. The investigation was given to Detective Philo Marks, who was known for his intelligence and attention to detail. Marks promised to solve this confusing case and bring justice to his fallen colleague. He quickly assembled a team of officers to assist him, including Captain Jessica Nash, Lieutenant Elise Cavallera, and Detective Samuel Martin.

The first step was to determine the motives behind the murder. The list of possible suspects was long, so the investigators started gathering evidence and interviewing people. They spoke to Deputy Chief Elizabeth Sanchez, who had a rivalry with Einhart and a strong desire for promotion. They also questioned Captain Eleanor Quinn, who often disagreed with Einhart on Department policies and procedures.



As the investigation went deeper, the team found hidden tensions within the Department. Assistant Chief Scott Dunbar was suspected of having an affair with Einhart's wife, which complicated the case. Deputy Chief Dezzy Bala was also under scrutiny for their troubled past with Einhart. However, new evidence arose and questioned the initial suspects. Deputy Chief Lex Roth became the focus of the investigation. He was highly intelligent and ambitious but harbored envy towards Einhart's success. It appeared Roth's motive was driven by a desire to prove his superiority.

The investigators prepared to question Roth due to the mounting evidence against him. However, another shocking event occurred. Police Captain Jaxon Nash, Jessica Nash's husband, was found dead in his own home. Initially ruled as suicide, the timing raised suspicions. The investigation took another unexpected turn, as a potential connection between the two murders emerged. There was a complex web of deceit and revenge that threatened the entire Department. The investigators realized there was a mole within their ranks leaking information and manipulating the case.

With limited time and eroded trust, Detective Philo Marks, Captain Jessica Nash, Lieutenant Elise Cavallera, and Detective Samuel Martin found themselves in a dangerous game. They had to uncover the twisted motives of the murders, identify the killer, and restore justice in Los Santos.



Who is behind these heinous crimes? Will you be able to solve the puzzle before it's too late? The answers lie hidden in the shadows of Los Santos, waiting to be revealed by you. One thing is for sure – the city will never be the same again.

To be eligible for a $25000 cash prize, kindly submit your response to Captain Alex Schill via the government website by March 20th.

(Please note: Although real officers from the Department are incorporated in the story, it is important to note that the events and stories portrayed in this piece are purely fictional.)
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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Los Santos Police Department
Los Santos, San Andreas

News Release

Page 9

Credits

Article Contributions

• Police Sergeant II Rija Luigi
• Police Officer II Xavier Morningstar
• Police Officer II Peter Macburry

Photography

• Police Detective II Coral Lafleur
• Police Detective I Mark Snow

Additional Revisions

• Police Captain I Alex Schill
• Police Sergeant II Rija Luigi
• Police Detective I Isabella Cavallera

I want to take this time to thank all those within Media Relations for their support and collaboration. Everyone listed above has been pivotal in getting this release together. The team has worked hard to compile this release, especially Officer Xavier Morningstar, who has gone above and beyond to assist with multiple articles this quarter.

With the new year, our division is growing and continuing to excel. I am delighted to work with my Divisional Command team, Sergeant Rija Luigi, and Detective Isabella Cavallera, for their continued assistance. They have worked extremely hard to compile a comprehensive year-in-review, which continues with this release and much more. We always look to improve ourselves and are excited about what will come!


Police Captain I Alex Schill
Commanding Officer, Media Relations Division
Los Santos Police Department
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69 Sinner Street • Los Santos • San Andreas • 90013
Emergency Hotline: 911 • Public Inquiries • Email: [email protected]
"to protect and to serve"
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