YCSO HONORS THREE LONGTIME VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE RETIRED

Published on June 20, 2024

In what Sheriff David Rhodes called a “big loss”, three long-time volunteers have retired from the agency.

Al Cornell served almost three decades in volunteer Search and Rescue (SAR), Michael Vitek was a SAR volunteer for more than 20 years, and Tom Garasha spent more than 10 years as volunteer Chaplain. All three were honored by YCSO at a ceremony June 20, attended by agency command staff and several others, including Volunteer Services Coordinator Dennyse “Dee Dee” Loll. Vitek said one reason they had all served long term as volunteers was the “high quality of the people who work for YCSO, especially Dee Dee.” She in turn commended those retiring for being instrumental in the training of many other volunteers who came after them.

Vitek said one of his fondest memories was the search for a little girl in Cordes Lakes years ago, where she was found safe, curled up with her dog to keep her warm, after being out all night in below-freezing temperatures.

Garasha, who spent 14 years with Phoenix PD before joining YCSO, said the hardest thing for him was the tragic loss of deputies like Sgt Rick “R Lo” Lopez and Sgt Tommy Tieman. “I took 275 ride-alongs over the years to earn the trust of the deputies, and I love cops. The Sheriff’s Office has been a real blessing in my life”, he said.

Cornell commended the agency for “a great relationship between all departments, especially in recent years.” Chief Deputy Jeff Newnum told the men, “I am sad to see you go. This is a big loss as far as service to the community.” Chief Newnum went on several SAR missions with the retiring volunteers.

Sheriff Rhodes, who has 30 years with YCSO, said he had just started his tenure in search and rescue when he first met Vitek and Cornell. “This is a big loss because when you were needed, you were always there. I appreciate immensely what you have done for us, and you will always be part of the YCSO family”, the Sheriff said.