Congratulations to AMS’ November 2018 Employees of the Month! We are very pleased to recognize Layal K., Javier E., Ana T., Rogelio D. and Aurora G.
AMS Fulfillment employs several hundred people, in warehouse and HQ facilities located in Valencia, CA. Each month supervisors at our facilities nominate individuals who are doing an outstanding job for the clients. The months of November and December are especially busy for AMS employees and we are grateful for their outstanding efforts.
With appreciation for all, we are pleased to recognize the following outstanding Employees of the Month:
Layal K., Account Support (March 2018)
HQ Admin: 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Layal is a hard-working, smart employee with a very positive and happy energy about her. She is kind to everyone she works with and has a great rapport with all departments. Layal has done a great job learning various AMS accounts and is always eager to help where she can. She arrives ready to work every morning and never fails to finish the tasks presented to her. She has the great ability to stay calm under any situation and is a pleasure to have on the Client Services team. “
Javier E., General Warehouse (June 2018)
HQ Warehouse: 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Javier has been a great addition to our receiving team. He is always willing to work and go the extra mile in all of our different tasks. He always comes to work ready to learn and is always is willing to help not just in our department but in all other departments. Javier is respectful and has a good relationship with his peers. He is a pleasure to work with and has a great future ahead of him in this company. Excellent employee and team-mate.
Ana T., General Warehouse (January 2017)
WIL1: 28936 Ave Williams
Ana is an excellent worker. She has 100% commitment to do the job correctly and in an efficient way the first time. She always has a positive attitude that spreads across to other AMS co-workers. We appreciate her commitment to her work.
Rogelio D., Inventory Lead (July 2016)
WIT2: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
Rogelio is always willing to go the extra mile to help the team and assist other employees. He is flexible with his schedule and is always willing to take on any project big or small. Rogelio always comes to work positive and ready to complete all of his work, and it’s a pleasure to have him as part of our team.
Aurora G., General Warehouse (February 2011)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott
I’ve seen Aurora work very fast in her order picking, scanning and packing. She follows orders well and she is always on time as well as stays late if we need her to. She is a hard worker and I like having her on our team. Aurora is a team player.”
* * *
In the fulfillment industry, dedicated employees are vital to the company’s success. At AMS we often feel like a family. So it is with the spirit of family and the spirit of the holidays we offer a sincere Thank You! No matter which department or which task our outstanding employees are honored for, we know they are the reason that AMS succeeds so well and continues to grow.
Another great turnout for the 12th Annual SCV Sheriff’s Foundation & Search and Rescue Golf Tournament fundraiser, held on September 17th at the Oaks Club Valencia.
The tournament has become quite an AMS Fulfillment tradition as many of their key vendors, associates and clients participate in the event, while the AMS associates also play an important role in gathering raffle gifts, arranging the sign printing, making the gift bags and so on.
At the event, golfers were treated to a full breakfast, BBQ Lunch, and Dinner along with an Opportunity Drawing. The greens at The Oaks were in perfect shape on what turned out to be a beautiful, although very hot, day for golf. Once again, the tournament was graced with the Laker Girls who mingled with the golfers, taking photos and signing autographed photos. But the biggest award for everyone is that a record $40,000 + will now go to our SCV Sheriff’s Station, and Search and Rescue Team, for the purchase of lifesaving, law enforcement equipment and volunteer training.
The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, was formed in 1984 by local citizens. Their intention was to assist local law enforcement and station volunteers in a tangible way, purchasing equipment and crime prevention materials, as well as raising funds to help community service programs at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. AMS CEO, Ken Wiseman, is president of the Foundation.
The Santa Clarita Valley Search & Rescue Team is a volunteer group formed to assist the Sheriff of Los Angeles County in search and rescue operations or any other governmental agency, upon request. They also promote wilderness recreation safety for the people of the community. The SCV Search & Rescue Team, of which Ken Wiseman is a member, works under the direction of the SCV Sheriff’s Station.
Regarding the success of the tournament, Ken said, “This event goes a long way in showing our Deputies and SAR volunteers just how important they are to this community.”
Significantly, the event gave tribute to fallen officer, Deputy Arthur Pelino, who was killed in the line of duty on March 19, 1978. In his honor and memory, a $2,000 scholarship was presented to the Hart Union High School District representative, Susan Reynolds, to be shared with four excelling students.
AMS joins the organizations in offering thanks to the major sponsors, and the many, many others who have lent their support to the success of the tournament. Many of the sponsors of the event have been supporting the Foundation and the Search and Rescue Team for all eleven years.
For participation in this event next year, either as a sponsor or a golfer, please contact Ken Wiseman, SCV Sheriff’s Foundation President, at [email protected].
Thank You to Sponsors: Global Trade Marketing/Ziglift, Sun Valley Paper Stock, Inc., Six Flags Magic Mountain, AMS Fulfillment, Vance Wealth, Coyle Reproductions, Numatic Engineering, Santa Clarita Studios, Pape Material Handling, California Resources Corporation, Auto Dealers Association of Santa Clarita Valley, Merchants Bancard Network, Augusta Financial, Accurate Freight, International Airport Centers, PPOA/Professional Peace Officers Association, Musella Group/Chiquita Canyon, City of Santa Clarita, Exact Staff, Crissair, Santa Clarita Studios, Cliff Wong, Citizens Business Bank, Wolf Creek Brewery, Princes Cruises, Bruce & Gloria Fortine, Steve & Debbie Leach, StayGreen, Dominie Luxury, Cigar Clientele, James Forsyth, Doug Sonderegger, NLFL/National Lift Fleet Leasing & Sales, Boston Scientific, Corben Optometry, Kaisee’s Bookkeeping Service, Coast To Coast Computer Products, DHL eCommerce, Brightview Landscape.
On November 11th, millions of Americans take time out to honor veterans of military service, and AMS management and employees join in this time of recognition. We, like many other Americans, realize that military service can be a great benefit to an individual, with training, bonding and experience that strengthens and empowers a young man or woman for life. On the negative side, military service can also involve a sacrifice of health and wellbeing along with other unanticipated challenges.
As we become aware of critical issues that veterans face after discharge from service, we look for ways to help members of the military who are returning to civilian life, and their families and communities. For most citizens, the desire to help is a natural outcome of honoring our veterans.
According to a report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA), some of the greatest issues that veterans face are suicide prevention, the effects of trauma, involvement with the justice system, housing and homelessness, and economic and employment challenges.
It is understood that combat can cause loss and fear, and injuries surely take an emotional toll on not just the service member, but on the extended family and the community. The physical handicaps due to injuries sustained in combat can include disfigurement, amputation, and scarification.
We have all heard the reports that approximately 22 veterans end their life by suicide every day. Most of these veterans were diagnosed as having a mental health condition. SAMSHA lists the psychological effects as PTSD, survivor’s guilt, depression, and inclinations towards substance abuse/addiction.
We also know that due to mental health and substance abuse issues, veterans can and do become involved in the criminal justice system. Thankfully the courts do recognize the interconnection between criminal justice and behavioral health care for veterans, and these connections can be kept in mind in order to bring about true justice.
Reports also indicate that around 10% of homeless people are veterans. Among this group, three out of four experience mental and/or substance use disorders. About one fifth of veterans in substance use treatment were homeless. These facts are painful to see, but they are also circumstances that we as citizens and employers can seek to change.
One of the biggest challenges faced by service agencies is helping homeless and vulnerable veterans find and keep good jobs. This is where our employment practices and workforce development comes into play.
With the assistance of partners in the community, AMS has opened the door to hire and train veterans, individuals who are homeless, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with criminal justice involvement. This is not something we do to our detriment. The rewards of hiring with the intention of a social enterprise are great, in that we benefit ourselves with top notch employees, and we benefit our community with prosperity.
On this Veterans Day, 2018, we honor the veterans in our employ, and all men and women who took service to their country on their shoulders. Rather than looking toward government as the exclusive source of a solution for veterans, we recognize that business and community working together can have the power to change things for the better for our Vets.
In the fulfillment industry employees are much more than human resources. Fulfillment employees directly serve the company’s clients, making their efforts vital to the growth and success of the business.
Each month the supervisors within AMS’ Valencia CA, City of Santa Clarita facilities nominate, as Employee of the Month, a person whose work has been outstanding. The nominations and supervisor comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized deserves Special Thanks!
It’s our pleasure to recognize the following Employees of the Month for October: Kathy B., Joovany G., Ana M., Pablo S. and Mariela M.
I would like to nominate Kathy B. from Client Services. Kathy gives her all to her clients and becomes part of their business. She has had some clients that can be challenging personalities but she always seems to please them. She cares about the people she works with, her clients and the company. Kathy is funny, serious, professional and a partner to AMS and her clients. Thank you Kathy for the hard work you do for the Client Services team and for AMS!
Joovany is reliable, dependable, honest, loyal, trustworthy, a leader, intelligent, a great communicator and very much deserving of Employee of the Month honors.
Ana M., Receiving Lead (November 2005)
SCO3: 27801 Avenue Scott
Ana is the Quality Control Lead for one of our valued clients. She works directly with the clients’ staff onsite and offsite. Her QC inspections are always exactly what our client is expecting which has lead to zero orders being rejected by their customers. We have received numerous emails thanking Ana for the great job she is doing. She also takes on any other QC projects that our other clients may have and always delivers great results.
Pablo S., General Warehouse (January 2017)
WIL1: 28936 Avenue Williams
I nominate Pablo for October Employee of the Month. He is an excellent co-worker. He has 100% commitment to do the job correctly and he is fast and efficient. Pablo always has a positive attitude and it spreads across to other co-workers. He takes the initiative, accepts all challenges and carries out additional responsibilities. His attitude is bar none. Pablo is a key team player in Williams and we appreciate his commitment to his work.
Mariela M., Shipping Clerk (December 2008)
WIT2: 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
Mariela has the knowledge of all processes. She has great attendance and a positive attitude. I can always count on Mariela to get the job done!
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No matter which department they work in, which task they do, or which location or warehouse we find them in, our outstanding employees are the reason that AMS succeeds so well and continues to grow. Employees of the Month recognition is meant to be a sincere Thank You from the entire AMS Fulfillment Family! You are the reason for our success!
SCV Means Business, the official podcast of the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation. President and CEO Holly Schroeder interviews business leaders in the SCV community in order to highlight the ways that businesses make a difference in the community.
Recently Holly interviewed Ken Wiseman, CEO of AMS Fulfillment. Ken talked about the growth of AMS into a full 3PL servicing the needs of 62 companies, in 580,000 sq. feet of warehouse space with over 300 employees. In this interview Ken and Holly discuss the ‘Amazon effect’ and direct-to-consumer shipping and the expansion of AMS to the East Coast.
Ken goes on to talk about AMS’ innovative workforce development, how AMS is using the power of partnership to meet logistical challenges, and why the company decided to become a Certified B Corporation. He explained the AMS philosophy and mission statement, and how this mission naturally led to becoming a social enterprise (B-Corp), joining the ranks of only 2,300 businesses in the world that are committed to operating ‘For the world’. Ken reveals the long-term benefits of investing in employees in the way that AMS has invested, through training and education.
Members of the SCV Community recently came together for an inspiring annual event, the SCV Heroes Banquet, to benefit the L.A. County Fire Department Foundation, and the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation. The Banquet was organized by the Human Ummah Foundation (HUF) of Newhall, California. HUF is a highly regarded community organization comprised of individuals and families of the Muslim faith. In attendance were Sheriff’s Foundation Chairman, Captain Rob Lewis, President, Ken Wiseman, his wife, Betty-Lou, along with other Board members, Neil Fischer, Bruce Fortine, and his wife, Gloria Mercado-Fortine.
As in past years, HUF planned the Heroes Banquet as a means of highlighting the work of First Responders, and showing their appreciation for these heroes. The event began at 5:00 p.m., with a bazaar for the adults and children to enjoy, with raffles and booths with clothes, jewelry, art and Ramadan decorations, face painting and henna, plus a photo booth. Hors d’oeuvres included samosas, kebabs, pastries and other delicious foods unique to the culture.
The bazaar was followed by a catered dinner and presentations from the SCV Fire and Sheriff’s Department Chiefs, community leaders and leaders of HUF. Dinner guests learned about how the heroes respond during an emergency, and they also learned how their donations are used by the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation. Zara Dhar, Salma Metwaly and Asad Yazdani served as emcees for the evening, and Rehan Wani lead the Pledge of Allegiance.
Ken Wiseman, President of the Sheriff’s Foundation, wrote the following in his thank you message to the HUF Board:
“This innocence and simplicity seemed to be with us throughout this evening. The event’s stated purpose of thanking First Responders was clear; the organization’s mission of community involvement radiated throughout the event. Children were beaming as they looked at the vehicles or saw the helicopter circling above. Adults beamed too, as we got to be up-close and personal with those that look after our safety. We were in good fortune when so many uniformed First Responders were with us, smiling and snapping photos. Saturday night, we were together in fellowship and there was peace in Santa Clarita.”
The Sheriff’s Foundation is deeply appreciative of the generous HUF families for helping us in our efforts to assist the SCV Sheriff’s Station in purchasing equipment, supplies and training for Deputies and Volunteers. In organizing the Heroes Banquet, HUF is supporting our Sworn Officers, station administration, Civilian Volunteers, Explorers, the Search & Rescue Unit and Reserve Deputy Programs.
On behalf of the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation, our deepest condolences go out to HUF for the recent passing of Ayub Dhar. He was a greatly valued member of the HUF organization and the Sheriff’s Foundation. His warm personality, his energy, his very presence will be profoundly missed.
Recently AMS Fulfillment announced an Employee Extra Curricular Donation Program, where AMS donates $100 each month to up to three employees participating in a non-profit organization, either themselves or as sponsors of a child.
Oftentimes there are fees associated with participation in a non-profit, for items such as uniforms or equipment, travel costs, trips, training camps, creative projects and so forth. AMS’ employee donation program is intended to assist in meeting the cost of participation.
As a Certified B-Corporation, AMS strives to meet the highest standards of performance for our community, environment and employees. Employees of B-Corps take pride in their company’s efforts, and employees of AMS are no different. We are pleased to support our employees in their efforts to better the community and the world.
In September AMS donated $50 to Valencia High School Lacrosse and $50 to Valencia High School Medical Science Academy to sponsor Veronica L., AMS’ Billing Coordinator. The contribution helps to cover fees associated with participation of her stepdaughter, Mia, in her Lacrosse team and in the Sports Med Academy. The academy has several fees throughout the year for competitions, certifications and a class trip to Italy in the summer.
In the month of October AMS has donated $100 each to Zuleika G. and Olivia M. in Client Services to support their competition October 20th, 2018. They participated in their first Girls Gone RX competition to raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness through Brightpink.org, a non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women. AMS’ donation will help raise awareness for young women, and we are pleased to support these efforts.
Betty-Lou Wiseman, Executive Vice President of Client Services and HR, is the executive overseeing AMS’ Community partnerships. She works closely with employees as AMS participates in several holiday giving programs, donating toys for the Sheriff’s Department drive, holding a rummage sale, donating to the Domestic Violence Center – these are a few of the things that AMS employees are eager to do for the community.
About the AMS Donation Program, Betty-Lou said, “It is always so heartwarming to see our employees putting their heart and time and energy into benefitting others, and AMS is more than happy to support them by assisting with some of the costs.”
When a company becomes a B-Corporation, they make a commitment to be a force that is ‘Good For the World’. Of course there are a number of ways to be ‘good for’ the world. AMS excels in workforce development and hiring practices, environmental practices, and in many more ways.
Employees of B-Corps take pride in their company’s efforts, and employees of AMS are no different. In order to support employee efforts AMS has created the Employee Extra Curricular Donation Program. Each month AMS donates $100 to up to three employees who are participating in a non-profit organization, either by working with the organization themselves or sponsoring a child.
Oftentimes there are fees associated with participation in a non-profit, for items such as uniforms or equipment, travel costs, trips, training camps, creative projects and so forth. AMS’ employee donation program is intended to assist in meeting the cost of participation.
This month, AMS donated $50 to Valencia High School Lacrosse and $50 to Valencia High School Medical Science Academy to sponsor Veronica Lopez, AMS’ Billing Coordinator. The contribution helps to cover fees associated with participation of her stepdaughter, Mia, in her Lacrosse team and in the Sports Med Academy. The academy has several fees throughout the year for competitions, certifications and a class trip to Italy this summer.
Mia is in her senior year of high school at Valencia High (VHS). Beyond her intense class schedule as part of the Sports Med Academy, she also plays for her high school’s varsity lacrosse team and on an AYSO 19U team for Castaic (Region 1441).
Congratulations to Veronica for winning the donation! And kudos to Mia for her excellent efforts in athletics and in the Sports Med Academy. You’re a ‘go-getter’ and AMS is pleased to be on your team!
On Thursday, September 27, AMS held its 3rd Quarter Employee of the Month Luncheon at the AMS Learning Center. AMS’ CEO Ken Wiseman and President Jay Catlin hosted the catered lunch of grilled chicken, steamed vegetables, quinoa salad and delicious cookies for dessert.
After enjoying the meal, each one of the winners introduced themselves to the others, and talked about the work they do and what they enjoy about their job. Certificates were passed out and the nominating supervisor comments about the employee were read to the group.
Employee of the Month winners in July were Betty-Lou W., EVP Client Services; Teresa G., Returns Clerk; Linda E., Shipping Clerk; Keith E., Operation Manager, and Josue M., Shipping Lead. Their supervisor nominations are found in our July EOM blog.
August employees of the month were Samantha H., Sr. Administrator, Human Resources; Rosa B., General Warehouse; Carlos C., Inventory Clerk; Leonard L., Inventory Lead; and Charles F., General Warehouse. Read their supervisor nominations in our August EOM blog.
Congratulations to the AMS Employees of the Month for September 2018! We are very grateful to you for being outstanding members of our corporate family! Thank you Aurelio H., Kelly V., Lisa M., Edgar M. and Eric A.
Every month the supervisors in our various locations nominate a team member who has provided outstanding service to the clients, to their fellow team members, and to all of us at AMS Fulfillment.
The nominations and comments demonstrate that the individual being recognized deserves to be thanked and appreciated for not only doing a job well, but for caring enough to go above and beyond. Nominations are listed according to the location that the employee represents. All of the AMS locations are in Valencia, CA, city of Santa Clarita.
Congratulations the following individuals:
Aurelio H., IT (September 2002)
HQ Admin, 29010 Commerce Center Drive
I would like to nominate Aurelio for September Employee of the Month because he is always willing to help with anything he can. SCO3 would not be able to run a Sunday crew without Aurelio importing over the weekend. He is great at responding back to emails in a timely manner. He’s a great help to the Operations Team and I feel he deserves recognition for all that he does behind the scenes.
Kelly V., General Warehouse (November 2016)
HQ Warehouse, 29010 Commerce Center Drive
Kelly is a very essential part of the team. She is part time and the days that she is here she’s a joy to work with. She is always willing to be a team player. Kelly is always on time and always positive in getting the work done. Every time she enters the door she always has a smile on her face. She is always willing to help on anything. Kelly is very smart, kind and always respects her coworkers. She never says no.
Lisa M., General Warehouse (March 2018)
SCO3, 27801 Avenue Scott
I would like to nominate Lisa for Employee of the Month. She is always thinking and voicing her opinions about how to make improvements to the picking process. She actually wrote a six-page document on her own personal time on how a reset could help in one of our largest clients’ areas. She mapped out the entire strategy from beginning to end! Great job Lisa!
Edgar M., General Warehouse (March 2018)
WIL1, 28936 Ave. Williams
I would like to nominate Edgar because he has shown he is capable of handling multiple tasks at once, knowing what to prioritize. He always has a positive attitude and is ready to work. He’s very willing to learn new things and to help out at other buildings when needed. Edgar is an outstanding worker and a great addition to the Williams team. He should be Employee of the Month because he exhibits great enthusiasm when entering the warehouse. He is always striving to do the best work. He gets along with all of his coworkers and his hospitality is contagious. He works well with others and makes sure he contributes to the success here at Williams. We are very appreciative of his hard work and dedication.
Eric A., General Warehouse (March 2018)
WIT2, 28624 Witherspoon Parkway
I would like to nominate Eric for September Employee of the Month because he is a very hard worker. Any time I need help I can rely on him. He never complains, is very respectful, organized, easy to communicate with and always open to learning new procedures. He deserves the honor.
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From the beginning of AMS to this day we value a close environment that takes note of and cares about the people who work here, their wellbeing, their safety, their education and training, and their job satisfaction.
Whether part of the management team, client services, technology, accounting, fulfillment operations, facilities, the warehouse team, taking inventory, answering the phone, training people, making decisions, doing payroll… our employees are our corporate family, and they are the reason for our success.
Today is the last day to register for the AMS River Rally Clean-up and Environmental Expo.
All AMS Employees, Friends, and Family are invited to come help clean a portion of the Santa Clara River… the longest free-flowing river and one of the last two natural river systems remaining in Southern California.
Be a part of the solution for a better environment by helping to preserve the river’s natural beauty and variety of wildlife. To date, thousands of volunteers have collected more than 436,000 pounds of trash and debris from the Santa Clara River and its tributaries!
Location: Wiley Canyon Road – Off the Via Princessa Bridge (East of Orchard Village Road)
Date: Saturday, September 22, 2018
Time: 8:00am – 11:00am
**Last Day to Register**: Thursday, September 20th. RSVP to [email protected]
RIVER RALLEY
Total
Mayra Juarez
HQ, Office
1
Taraya Gill
HQ, Office
1
Christy Gomez
WILL
6
Samantha Hicks
WIT, HR
2
Jenny Marquez
WILL
3
Rony Velasquez
HQ
1
Melanie Melendez
WILL
1
Teresa Goldman
HQ
1
Alicia Grassi
WILL
2
18
What to Bring: Volunteers should wear sturdy shoes (NO SANDALS), appropriate clothing for walking in the riverbed, sunscreen, a hat, and bring a reusable water bottle to help us cut down on plastic bottle waste. Participants will be provided with gloves, collection bags, and refreshments. Carpooling, walking, or biking are highly encouraged as parking space is limited. There will be a FREE bike valet and the bike trail runs right along the event location! Sorry, but NO PETS allowed.
FREE: Donuts and shaved ice will be provided, and at the end of the event each volunteer will receive a give-away gift as a thank you!
On August 28th the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation Board met for a training event organized by Captain Rob Lewis, Deputy Kevin Duxbury, Master Training Officer Deputy Michael Sellers and Lieutenant Diez. The training, which turned out to be an amazing experience, was held at the Pitchess Detention Center’s Weapons Training Range.
It was designed around providing the SCV Sheriff’s Foundation Board the opportunity to better understand the type of training our Deputies go through, and also to have a better sense of the responsibility and split second, life threatening decision making that our Deputies must face in their service to our communities.
The SCV Sheriff’s Foundation was formed in 1984 by citizens whose desire was to support local law enforcement in a tangible way. Over the years they have purchased equipment and crime prevention materials to assist the Civilian Volunteer, Law Enforcement Explorer and Reserve Deputy Programs at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
The Board members met in the visitor parking lot at the detention center, following Deputies Kevin and Fanny Lapkin into the jail where the range and training facility is located. They were met by the Range Deputy, Deputy Gregory Flores and Sergeant Waterman.
The members introduced themselves and give a brief history of their gun handling experience. Among the members were some with military experience, two retired LAPD Reserves, citizen gun owners, and a few that were admittedly new to handling guns.
The members were instructed on how to hold their weapon, gun safety, and then, for the first two hours, they fired live ammunition. They were shooting two types of handguns, and few rounds with an AR 47? (AR-15) They also used a non-lethal weapon that is in the clearance process for active use. Then it was time for the simulation drill.
At 8:00 PM, one-by-one, they entered a building called the Shoot House, in which officers in training search for ‘bad guys’, armed with simulation bullets. They had to walk into each room, where a person was waiting in ambush, and quickly decide whether or not to fire their weapon. One woman was holding a can – no weapon, don’t shoot; another person was holding a machine gun – weapon, so shoot! Split-second decisions!
They then entered a classroom with various sheriff memorabilia, quotes on the wall, proud Sheriff Insignias and other inspirational materials lining the walls. Dinner was served, and everyone dug in. Social time with our Deputies, fellow Board members, and training officers occupied the first half hour before getting down to business.
The Simulation
Board Member Ken Wiseman has written an exciting narrative, taking us with him as he enters the Shoot House:
The call was for a domestic dispute with at least one male armed. I was the first “Deputy” on scene and I could hear a burst of gunfire coming from the house. As I cautiously approached the house, I could see through the main door, down the hall, and in the shadow on the right, a man standing with a rifle against his chest. He appeared in and out of view as darkness, dim lighting, and shadows took turns with him. Then he disappeared.
The real Deputy that was putting me through this simulation was at my side, holding one of my belt loops, and speaking calmly and quietly to me. “Are you going to approach the house straight towards the door like this?” I shifted quickly to the left side of the door and closed in against the house. The Deputy, like my shadow behind me, urged me to enter the house. My MSP revolver was loaded with simuniton. The bullets looked real except the lead of the bullet was a brightly colored; actually a material akin to hardened detergent. The bullets shatter on impact, and later wash away.
The armed assailant I saw lurking in the hall was actually a Deputy armed with a fake gun and dressed in a suit that would protect him in the scenario if he were shot. The real Deputies go through these simulations, sometimes openly receiving return fire from the mock assailants. Some of the Deputies will show you the healed welts they received in their years of practice.
I entered the hall and cleared a room to the left, keeping a wary eye on the end of the hall and the door to the right where the assailant was last seen. First room was clear, and I moved to the second room. Light appeared, only where I pointed my gun, as the fixed light focused my attention on a widening circle of light, the center of which had the potential of being someone aiming back at me. As I peered into he room, there was a silhouette of a man pointing a gun at me. I shot 2-3 times at his chest.
Outside of the continued calm and mentoring voice of the training Deputy, I could hear my heart beats pounding in my chest. “Okay keep going, what do you do next?” Everyday responsibilities of being a CEO just don’t include situations anything like this. I turned and moved down the hall to turn into the room the armed man had disappeared into. “Finger off the trigger.” I was reminded. “There is no immediate threat.” I turned the corner. I didn’t shoot. The lady standing there looked like she was handing me a beer. I think in her fear she was holding it out like a shield. The finger off the trigger allowed me to evaluate the threat and not react.
“Now what are you going to do,” said my mentoring voice. “Continue clearing the house?” I said, half with authority and half with a question mark. “Have her get on the floor and put her hands on her head. She is still a threat.” The steel eyes of the female cut out stood in silence, only my imagination seeing her follow my instructions and get on the floor.
I continued past her and cautiously began to clear another room on the left. Another armed figure lurked in the corner. Bam, Bam, Bam – my finger dropped from the revolved chassis and hit the trigger. Silence then broke as a moving figure appeared in the adjacent room coming at me. I turned and 3 more shots rang out. The armed assailant slumped against and slid down the wall to a sitting position, gun laying across his lap. My mentor voice said, “He could still be alive, let’s move back now and keep an eye on him as we wait for back-up.” I slowly backed down the hall with my gun fixed on the last assailant.
Walking back to the staging area, Mike Delorenzo, fellow Foundation Board Member and President of SCV Studios, commented to me, “This was the most awesome part of our evening – I can’t imagine doing this for a living.” Focusing his comment to the two Deputies waiting with us, “I have so much more respect for what you guys go through in your job.”
Members of the SCV Community recently came together for an inspiring annual event, the SCV Heroes Banquet, to benefit the L.A. County Fire Department Foundation, and the 
