Deputy Jarrett Kurimay, a 16-plus year Orange County Sheriff’s Department veteran, was named Mission Viejo Police Services’ 2011 Employee of the Year. He will be recognized by the City Council with other top City and Orange County Fire Authority employees on February 6.
Deputy Kurimay’s strong work ethic and commitment to the City has earned him the respect of his peers, supervisors and community members. He and his K-9 “Kilo,” an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois/Dutch Shepherd mix, have faithfully served the citizens of the Mission Viejo for the last 4 ½ years.
Known as a “hard-charger” who makes the most out of every day, Deputy Kurimay is an exceptional patrol deputy and outstanding K-9 handle. One of only two K-9 deputies in South Orange County, Deputy Kurimay is also called upon to help neighboring cities when in need. Out of the 120 deployments so far this year, this dynamic duo took part in more than 70 narcotic searches, 16 K-9 demonstrations and three criminal arrests, which included two dog bites from Kilo. The dog, who was born in Holland, joined the Sheriff’s Department when he was nearly 3 thanks to a donation from the Mission Viejo Elks Lodge. Since covering Mission Viejo, he has located stolen property, hidden evidence, weapons and mass quantities of narcotics. He’s also responsible for roughly $1 million in cash seizures.
Active in the community, the two also take part in countless demonstrations and activities in the City including Walk Against Drugs, Tip-a-Cop, National Night Out, elementary school assemblies, Boy and Girl Scout meetings and City Hall tours.
“Jarrett takes great pride in his current assignment and enjoys working for Mission Viejo Police Services,” said his supervisor Sgt. Sandra Kirsch. “He has a mature, approachable demeanor that reflects positively on the Sheriff’s Department and the City of Mission Viejo, which is why he has been chosen by Police Services as this year’s Employee of the Year.”
