Latest news with #DeputyDanielChavira
CBS News
22-05-2025
- CBS News
LA County Sheriff's Department to exceed $500 million in overtime pay, Luna says
LA County Sheriff expects more than $500 million in overtime pay this year LA County Sheriff expects more than $500 million in overtime pay this year LA County Sheriff expects more than $500 million in overtime pay this year The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is on pace to have a record amount of overtime spending, surpassing last year's mark of nearly $500 million. "Our employees are working more overtime," Sheriff Robert Luna said. Concerns have been raised after Deputy Daniel Chavira died in a multi-car crash near Santa Clarita. The 21-year-old's union said he was going home after a double shift at the North County Correctional Facility. Investigators have not determined if fatigue played a factor or caused the crash. However, Luna acknowledged that deputies at the detention center averaged about 56 hours of overtime a month over the last four years. He added that the Eaton and Palisades fires required deputies to work more hours. "Because we are under multiple settlement agreements and consent decrees that we've had for years, there are specific requirements for staffing," Luna said. Since the pandemic, the number of staffers leaving the department has outpaced those joining. "There are about 13,000 people in custody right now," ACLU attorney Melissa Camacho said. "Before COVID, there were 17,000. So, I think there is a question: What was the staffing level at 17,000? What is it at 13,000? Were there adjustments made." In 2022, the department had more than 9,500 sworn members. However, that number had dropped to just over 9,000 by the end of 2024. Luna said it's difficult to retain deputies when other departments offer better pay and bonuses. Despite that challenge, he said recruitment has increased by 30%. "I want to reduce mandatory overtime by 20%," Luna said. In a letter to the Board of Supervisors, Rosemead's Mayor Margaret Clark expressed her concern about the number of overtime hours deputies are subjected to. "We have seen firsthand the physical and mental fatigue our deputy sheriffs are experiencing due to excessive overtime demands," she wrote. "Many of them work nearly 100 hours of overtime every month." Luna said he implemented a moratorium on new county contracts to manage the workload. The department has also expanded its wellness programs to help deputies deal with stress.
CBS News
20-05-2025
- CBS News
Off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy killed in multi-car crash in Santa Clarita identified
The 21-year-old off-duty Los Angeles County Sheriff's deputy who was killed in a multi-car crash in Santa Clarita has been identified as Deputy Daniel V. Chavira, authorities say. Chavira died after being airlifted from a three-car crash on San Francisquito Canyon Road south of Dry Gulch, Saugus, the California Highway Patrol said. Four other people were taken to the hospital by ambulance. Deputy Daniel V. Chavira joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in May 2024 and was assigned to the North County Correctional Facility. Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department The sheriff's department said that Chavira joined the department in May 2024, after graduating from Academy Class 476 and was assigned to the North County Correctional Facility. "He is survived by his father Rodrigo Valencia, his two brothers, Rodrigo Valencia and Deputy Rene Valencia-Chavira, who works at Lancaster Station, and his wife Deputy Crystal Valencia, who works at San Fernando Court," the sheriff's department said. "His sister Detective Nancy Alcaraz and her husband, Deputy Martin Alcaraz, who both work at Palmdale Station." It is unclear how the crash occurred, and the CHP is continuing to investigate the incident. "We are heartbroken by the tragic loss of one of our own, who was taken from us far too soon," said Sheriff Robert Luna in a statement. "Our Deputy dedicated his life to the service and safety of others, both in and out of uniform. His commitment to public safety was not just a job—it was who he was. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and all who knew him." A procession was held for Chavira Monday night in Santa Clarita. Several agencies lined the streets, paying their respects to the fallen deputy.
