Ada County Sheriff's Office

This past week, Sheriff Clifford, Chief Deputy Hessing, several of our deputies, and members of our Honor Guard had the opportunity to attend National Police Week in Washington, D.C., to honor and remember those who died in the line of duty. The week began with our team welcoming Sheriff Clifford and Chief Deputy Hessing as they completed the 250-mile plus Police Unity Tour bike ride alongside more than 2,000 other riders. They rode in honor of fallen Deputy Tobin Bolter. Our Honor Guard also had the privilege of participating in a cordon to welcome family members of fallen law enforcement officers whose loved ones were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers’ Memorial Wall this year. In addition, they helped escort family members to their seats for the candlelight vigil. Later in the week, Honor Guard members had the honor of standing watch alongside the memorial wreath at the center of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. The entire week served as a sobering reminder of the lives forever impacted by these losses and the importance of remembering those who gave their lives protecting our communities.

Congratulations, Academy #261! Throughout the last 19 weeks, this group has worked side by side studying for tests, training defense tactics, shooting at the range, and learning material that will give them the foundation for a successful career in law enforcement. This academy group was one of the largest we have had in recent years, with 23 recruits! For the Ada County Sheriff’s Office, there are five deputies going to patrol, twelve going to the jail, and one joining our transports team. We continued our partnership with the Caldwell Police Department and had five officers successfully attend our academy as well. This academy would not be possible if it weren’t for our phenomenal training cadre. They put in all the work behind the scenes to ensure recruits have everything they need. Their dedication plays a critical role in preparing the next generation of law enforcement professionals. We’re proud of each of you and look forward to the impact you’ll make serving the community!

Last week, Dispatcher Cassie Owens hung up her headset and stepped into the retirement sunset after 30 years of service. Cassie started her dispatch career at the ACSO in 1996 after dispatching for three years in the Twin Falls area. Her move to Ada County happened on a whim—she received a teletype that the ACSO was hiring, decided to test, and the rest fell into place. Cassie spent nearly 20 years on the dispatch floor as both a dispatcher and trainer before becoming our full-time training coordinator. She played a huge role in building our internal dispatch academy. Her biggest passion was developing new dispatchers: taking someone brand new, teaching them the ropes, and watching them grow into confident dispatchers. Cassie was on shift the night Boise Police Officer Mark Stall died in the line of duty. At the time, mental health support for dispatchers wasn’t really a focus—but Cassie is glad to see how much that’s changed over the years. One of her favorite special assignments was working the Western Idaho Fair. (Fun fact: we have a dedicated team of deputies and dispatchers who handle security throughout the duration of the fair.) This August would have marked Cassie’s 30th year working it. She also loved special events including the 'old' River Festival, the 'new' Boise Music Fest, and really any special event that brought the large crowds together. When asked what she’ll miss most, Cassie didn’t hesitate: “the people.” It’s a close-knit group that knows how to have fun, even when things get intense. When chaos hits, they come together---they know their why, and they get it done. Cassie, you’re leaving with a wealth of knowledge and a legacy that will stay with us for a long time. We’re going to miss you!

Behind every seamless event, meeting and organized calendar is an administrative professional making it all happen. We are grateful to the people who manage the details, solve problems, and keep us all on track every day. Happy Administrative Professionals Day!

Join us for our annual symposium to learn from and collaborate with community partners on how to make Ada County a safer place to live, work, and play for people with disabilities. Registration is free, but you will need to register below!

Last week was National Property and Evidence Professionals Appreciation Week! Our Property and Evidence Team consists of one supervisor and seven technicians who manage and track more than 85,000 pieces of evidence for the Ada County Sheriff's Office (including Kuna Police, Star Police and Eagle Police) and Boise Police. As our community grows, so does their workload. Evidence retention can span years—or decades. While some items are held for 1–2 years, serious cases and cold cases may require indefinite storage. In fact, some evidence in our care dates back to 1972. From careful documentation to secure storage and proper disposal, this team plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of cases and supporting the justice system. Thank you, ACSO Property & Evidence team, for the essential work you do behind the scenes every day!

April is Second Chance Month—a time to recognize the role opportunity and support play in helping people rebuild after involvement in the justice system. We’re proud to highlight three teams making it possible. Our Programs Team provides programming, resources, and case management inside the jail. Our Alternative Sentencing Team helps people stay connected to family, work, and community while still being held accountable. Our Reentry Team supports the transition back into the community and works to remove barriers to long-term success. Second chances don’t happen on their own. They’re the result of consistent, often unseen work—by dedicated professionals and by the individuals putting in the effort to move forward.

Meet our Health Services Professionals! Within the Ada County Jail, there is a dedicated team of health professionals who provide a wide range of medical services to inmates. Supporting this effort is a small administrative team of four employees who coordinate critical behind-the-scenes functions. This team oversees medical billing to external partners, manages the transfer of medical records to providers, and ensures inmates’ pertinent medical histories are obtained while they are in custody. With an average daily population of over 1,000 inmates with varying medical needs, coordinating care is essential. The team schedules outside medical appointments and arranges for X-ray and ultrasound technicians to provide services within the facility. In addition, the team provides mental health case management services for inmates who need assistance with resources upon release. This includes developing discharge plans and ensuring that particularly vulnerable individuals have a housing plan in place before leaving custody. From managing medical records and billing to coordinating appointments and planning for successful reentry, their efforts play a critical role in supporting inmate well-being. Their dedication helps keep the jail system running efficiently and supports better outcomes for those in custody and those who are recently released.

Last week, the Star Driver’s License location celebrated its one-year anniversary! Jasna, Tiffany, and Amber have worked hard over the past year issuing license renewals, processing new Idaho residents, and issuing permits and new driver’s licenses, which is their favorite part of the job. Since the office opened, the team has issued permits and licenses to over 3,000 new drivers! City of Star Mayor Chadwick, Sheriff Clifford, Chief Deputy Hessing, and Administrative Services Bureau Director Chris Saunders stopped by the office to extend their appreciation. We appreciate the team’s continued commitment to serving our community—thank you for all that you do!

Earlier this week, Deputies Jeremy Byington and Wilbur Stover were presented with a Lifesaving Award for their actions in helping save a man who collapsed at a local restaurant. Deputies Byington and Stover arrived on scene quickly, performed CPR, and used an AED to deliver a life-saving shock before Fire and EMS arrived. Thanks to their swift response and teamwork, the man regained a pulse—demonstrating the critical difference immediate action can make.