WWW.LSSD.SAGOV.US Los Santos County Sheriff's Department News Release September 19th, 2023 "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" Sheriff Bobby Kirk |
- The Department Welcomes Its First Civilian Employee
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- The Sheriff's Information Department aims to serve the public through public outreach to all citizens of San Andreas. The responsibility of making these articles published to you, our valued citizens, comes from challenging work to gather and compile information for public release. Recently, the Department has taken on further responsibility to better its outreach and transparency, employing its first-ever civilian hire.
We are incredibly pleased to welcome Mr. OJ Wood to the Sheriff's Department! Joining as a Public Relations Specialist, Mr. Wood will be available to assist in aiding the Sheriff's Information Division in various ways. His insight and assistance will be invaluable in assisting not only this Division but the department as a whole and fine citizens of San Andreas in publishing releases, announcements, updates, and contributing to other media-related activities.
Mr. Wood's insight and background working for the San Andreas State Government is beyond compare. For over a year, Mr. Wood single-handedly built up the Public Relations Department from a one-man operation to include almost a dozen workers in different roles and divisions. Given his background, Mr. Wood will greatly boost our already robust division, adding additional daily support and insight that cannot otherwise be obtained from sworn deputies. The Sheriff's Department is delighted to have Mr. Wood as part of the team, and we welcome him as a tremendous asset to support the division's operations.
We were lucky enough to get in contact with Mr. OJ Wood to ask him about his past experiences and aspirations for the future:
When did you first begin working for the city, and in what capacity?
Public Relations Strategist Oj Wood
- I came to the State of San Andreas in June 2022. From there, I decided that I wanted to help people throughout the city. I decided to apply for Los Santos Emergency Medical Services. I found a passion while working here and wanted to develop my knowledge further. I was a trained firefighter and was one of three to assist with the powerplant explosion of August 2022. With the support of Assistant Chief Emilia Thalmer, I became the interim head of BLS around October 2022. I was offered a position at the San Andreas State Government shortly after, and I decided that I would pursue my career in Public Relations at the SASG.
When did you begin your work for the San Andreas State Government?
- I began working for the San Andreas State Government at the beginning of August 2022; I started as an intern under Solomon Cobb. He was a great director and let me develop and learn key skills while working in Public Relations. In September 2022, I had to leave the state due to a family illness. After returning, Solomon Cobb stepped down as the Public Relations Director, and the position was made public. I decided to apply, and it all carried on from there.
What were your main functions when working for the San Andreas State Government?
- My main function while working at the San Andreas State Government was to oversee and run the Public Relations Bureau. This entailed a lot of different taskings. As you can imagine, my primary job was interacting with the citizens of Los Santos to support and listen to their needs, queries, concerns, and suggestions. I built my own team which had strengths in different areas, and brought in experts to assist in events. We would host monthly events for the city and take feedback from the public on board and use this to try and implement changes. I worked closely with Weazel News and believe we developed a positive working relationship with each other. Weazel News was not the only department or company we worked closely with and developing these relationships assisted with the day-to-day functioning of the city. I loved my job, however, after nine months, it began to take a toll, and I just stopped enjoying the role and the position. I made the decision to step down, and it was one of the hardest things I have ever done, but I believe that I can make more of a difference elsewhere.
Have you started work elsewhere? If so, what are your current goals?
- Truthfully, if you asked me what were my goals two months ago. I would have had a different response altogether. After doing a job for nine months, it is extremely hard to come up with a specific goal all I know is I want to make a change in this city and show people that we can make a difference. I believe this opportunity at the Los Santos Sheriff's Department will allow me to do that and
I believe in constantly learning and developing skills so with that being said I have just been employed by the Judicial Branch as a Prosecutor. A lot of people are probably thinking, why? And I believe in self-development. I have had my bar license for over nine months, and I have never used it. I want to sit and develop my own knowledge of the penal code and constitution that will allow me to understand the state in a more in-depth view. This will hopefully allow me to make a difference even further.
What is your most fond moment working with the Sheriff's Department so far?
- My fondest moment while working closely with the Sheriff's Department would have to be a recent interaction. They had an internal event, and while I was invited, they made me feel welcome. They all have unique personalities and make you feel a part of their family even if you aren't an officer. Since then, I have developed positive relationships and made new friends.
Why did you want to come work for the Los Santos Sheriff's Department?
- After resigning from my government position, I was contacted regarding an opportunity within the Sheriff's Department. This role struck me as a distinct and enticing prospect. I recognized that it aligns perfectly with my aspirations. In this role, I would have the privilege of working closely with friends and contributing to the State of San Andreas. The Los Santos Sheriff's Department has an exceptional team of individuals, and the overall working environment appears to be positive and exciting.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
- I am a bit of a workaholic, if anyone who has worked with me knows. However, I do like to spend time fishing down at the pier or Lake Vinewood. I find it relaxing and peaceful and sometimes that's what you need after a hectic week.
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- For Information, Contact:
Communications Assistant Dave Spencer
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
(909) 531-3461 - [email protected]
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
(909) 596-1688
