Behind the Star

The sudden, unexpected loss of a loved one is a most difficult time for family members, friends, and loved ones of the deceased. When that loss is the result of a criminal act, suicide, or violent accident the tragedy becomes unbearable. OCSO Victim Advocate Koreen Baker talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Victim Advocate Squad and its role assisting crime victims or family members who have lost a loved one through violent act or unforeseen accident.

Orange County native Captain Joe Carter oversees more than 110 deputies in Sector I in Northwest Orange County. Carter, who has been with OCSO for 30 years, talks with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about community policing, how the agency has changed since 1990 and why he loves his community.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Reserve Unit is made up of more than 70 volunteer deputies. A Reserve Deputy has the same "police power" as a full-time Orange County Deputy Sheriff. OCSO Reserve Chief Deputy Ross Wolf talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Reserve Unit and why it's beneficial to the agency.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Cold Case Team is tasked with solving cases that, for whatever reason, have gone cold over the years. Corporal Dave Nutting and Det. Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the difficulty of solving cold cases and what OCSO is doing to bring justice to victims and their families.

The wellness program at the Orange County Sheriff's Office works with employees in many areas of wellness, including fitness, nutrition, stress management, weight management and finances. Senior Wellness Analyst Valerie Reed talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the variety of classes, programs and events OCSO offers its employees.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office has more than 2,200 vehicles, from patrol cars to motorcycles. Fleet Management services and repairs many of those vehicles. Acting Fleet Supervisor Bob Jewell talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how his team keeps OCSO on the road.

Coronavirus and COVID-19 has dramatically changed life in America. At the Orange County Sheriff's Office, Lt. Bill Bartlett oversees Emergency Management and Homeland Security. Bartlett talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the agency is responding to Coronavirus, how it trains for a pandemic and what OCSO is doing to keep deputies safe.

The Orange County Sheriff's Office Agricultural Crimes Unit is tasked with protecting domestic animals and livestock in the county. Sgt. Al Giardiello and Master Deputy Drew Risser talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of the unit and what happens when someone is accused of animal cruelty.

Behind the Star host and OCSO Storyteller Jon Busdeker passes the mic to Deputy Christian Marrero for this special episode. Marrero, a Public Information Officer, interviews Busdeker about the role of the OCSO Storyteller, how he finds stories to profile and how Busdeker ended up at the agency.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to answer submitted questions from civilians and law enforcement officers of the Orange County Sheriff's Office.