Deputies in Lake Charles, Louisiana
Status and Updates
Some of the photographs taken by the Ottawa County Sheriff Deputies while in Louisiana are now posted.
Please click on the link below:
The Administration of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is pleased to announce a public lecture on Thursday, November 17, 2005, at 7:00 p.m. at the Port Clinton Performing Arts Center.
This presentation will be made by the four Ottawa County deputies who served in Lake Charles and Cameron, Louisiana, assisting with hurricane relief – Captain Steve Levorchick, Deputies Tony Sedlak and Dave Regal, and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki. The deputies will have a PowerPoint presentation as they discuss their observations and duties while serving there.
Chief Deputy Randy Riedmaier will assist with the presentation. Sheriff Robert Bratton will make opening remarks. Captain of Operations Steve Levorchick will discuss the deputies’ duties in Louisiana during their 15-day deployment.
This will be a very informative presentation, providing a first-hand view of the destruction as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The lecture is free and is open to the public as there have been many requests for the deputies to speak to various service organizations.If there are any questions, contact Director of Administration Deputy Rhonda St. Clair at 419-734-6823.
The following is provided as a status report and update on the Ottawa and Lucas County Sheriff Deputies who are assisting in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This page will be updated daily, or as needed, so everyone will know how the deputies are doing, their assignments and progress.
(Click on map for more detail)
DATE: Sunday, October 02, 2005
Today those deputies selected for deployment from Lucas and Ottawa Counties met at the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. We provided a breakfast for the deputies and their families and other Sheriff’s Office personnel from Lucas and Ottawa Counties.
After the breakfast there was a briefing with the current information that had been received on Saturday, and we also reviewed the plan for emergency contacts, daily contacts, and how family members could reach their loved one should a family emergency arise. This lasted for about 20 minutes.
All deputies then checked their vehicles and equipment, gave interviews to the media present, and then departed at about 9:10 a.m. for their destination, Lake Charles, Louisiana, an approximate 1,200 mile drive taking 18-19 hours. Their anticipated arrival time is Monday, October 03, between 4:00 and 7:00 a.m. It appears that everything is in order, and we will await their daily updates.
It was agreed that Captain Levorchick would be the contact for the Ottawa County deputies. He has a special telephone number to make his daily reports. If he requires immediate contact, he will call Communications who will put him in contact with the appropriate individual.
DATE: Monday, October 3, 2005
On Monday, October 03, 2005, at 10:43 a.m., I received a telephone call from Captain Steve Levorchick. They had just arrived at Lake Charles, Louisiana, and he advised me of the situation and their duties.
The deputies arrived at approximately 9:30 a.m. this date. They stopped along the way at a rest area. They met with that Sheriff’s Office Assistant Chief, and he advised them of the following details:
Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki are going to be working the worst-hit area in Cameron. In that area they will be doing body recovery. A large number of bodies from cemeteries surfaced, and the bodies are being retrieved. They will be working with another group of individuals to gather the corpses.
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Dave Regal and the 4 Lucas County deputies will be conducting a security detail. They will work the midnight or dark hours with the support of a helicopter. There has been some looting and vandalism taking place, and they will form the response team to the locations where individuals have been identified.
The deputies have been asked to work 16-hour shifts. They were immediately welcomed and thanked by the deputies who have been working since the hurricanes hit. Many of the deputies have not even had a chance to assess their homes and personal property. The deputies will be housed at an old detention facility that is equipped with air conditioning and showers, and there are individuals there continually preparing food for the support personnel.
Captain Levorchick said the area is a total disaster. For miles on end, they are seeing things he could only describe as unbelievable. He will document with photographs what they are seeing.
He further stated that all personnel are fine, as are the vehicles. They will start their details later this afternoon, Monday, October 03, 2005. He will communicate with this office on a regular basis, and information will be forwarded to advise what is taking place. He stated that upon their arrival this morning, there were 12 deputies from Ohio. The original request was for 50. He did not know whether more would be arriving later, but he will keep an eye on that situation.
DATE: Tuesday, October 4, 2005
We received a voicemail update from Captain Steve Levorchick from Lake Charles, Louisiana today. He stated that they had just gotten in on Tuesday morning at 6:00 a.m., having been deployed at 3:00 p.m. on Monday.
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Dave Regal assisted with SWAT operations in Lake Charles. This consisted of curfew violations and looting. Arrests were made by the designated teams who are being supported by a helicopter with night vision-type equipment that can locate individuals. The enforcement of the curfew is strict, and they are taking violators into custody.
Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki are engaged in the recovery of bodies. They were out working the same timeframe, recovering bodies that have been washed out of cemeteries. It appears that this assignment will continue.
All deputies are tired as a result of the long hours and the heat. They are taking photographs in order to brief us upon their return.DATE: Wednesday, October 5, 2005
I received a telephone call from Captain Levorchick at 11:12 a.m. today, and he provided me with the following information:
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Regal are completing their duty at 6:00 a.m. They are assigned to 12-hour shifts at this time. Their night patrol covers Lake Charles, and they will be moving into the incorporated area of Cameron.
The only structure standing in the City of Cameron is the courthouse. They will be working 12-hour shifts, continuing night patrol. They initiate stops of all moving vehicles to determine why they are out after curfew. For the most part, it is being obeyed by the citizens in that area.
Last night on patrol they observed up to 200 alligators along their routes.
Their accommodations are comfortable, and they are able to relax there. There are showers available, and the meals are said to be great; so they are being taken care of very well. Anything they are in need of the home agencies are attempting to secure.
Deputy Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Sawicki recovered 9 bodies in caskets yesterday. One casket did break open. The remains are being taken to a location where attempts will be made to identify them, following which they will be reburied.
While on patrol, Deputy Sedlak shot and killed a poisonous snake that was close by. Upon removing one casket, they encountered a 7-foot alligator. There was a “standoff” while Deputy Sedlak covered the alligator while the other personnel secured the casket without incident.
The daytime temperature is 85-90 degrees, at night dropping down to about 75 degrees. They have developed excellent working relationships with other Sheriffs’ deputies from around the country who are also assisting. There is no question that this will be a long-term rebuilding and security detail. They have been going to various residents where local law enforcement personnel have been providing home-cooked meals for them.
Captain Levorchick stated that their duties will probably remain the same. If they wish to take a day off, there is no problem in their doing so. They are going to be taking more photographs today. Deputy Sedlak has taken over 100 pictures, and he will try to mail them out so we can post them on our web site.
There is no cost for the deputies for anything while they are there. The fuel is being furnished by the government for the vehicles.
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 2005
On Thursday, October 06, 2005, at 1:05 p.m., I spoke with Captain Steve Levorchick who is currently deployed with other personnel to Lake Charles and Cameron, Louisiana. He provided the following information:
Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki recovered 8 caskets and 5 vaults. This is extremely difficult and hazardous duty, and their workday lasted 13 hours. They located 6 more caskets but were unable to secure them and will be returning to do so. During this process, the vault has to be opened and the water drained. This is physically and emotionally challenging for the deputies. Tony and Jerry are the only two deputies working with local authorities to assist in this detail.
The deputies reported that they encountered several alligators close by, one approximately 10 feet in length. The alligators and water moccasins are present in varying depths of water.
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Dave Regal, SWAT team members, worked with the City police of Lake Charles last night. Their assignments were stepped up because vehicular traffic is now permitted. However, periodically vehicles are stopped at random to determine their purpose in being in the area. Curfew remains in effect for pedestrian traffic.
Last night there was a vehicle pursuit within the City. Our deputies were not engaged in that. There was a report of shots fired. Captain Levorchick said it was an extremely busy night with other details taking place. He stated that they encountered a DUI and also a person with a known prostitute. They documented this activity and turned it over to the local authorities.
The deputies have been working 12-hour shifts. Their accommodations have been good, and the meals have been excellent. There appears to be some shift in that the deputies may have more assignments with the Lake Charles Police Department versus the County Sheriff’s Office.
DATE: Friday, October 7, 2005
Chief Deputy Riedmaier and I received voicemail messages from Captain Levorchick who updated on the status in Louisiana.
Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki recovered 8 caskets today. This is the average number that are being recovered during a 12-13 hour shift. Dealing with the heat, water, snakes and alligators results in a very strenuous and exhausting detail. However, they remain in good spirits.
Captain Levorchick’s and Deputy Dave Regal’s SWAT and patrol activity is picking up in Lake Charles. They arrested 3 illegal aliens and made a SWAT entry into a residence where they recovered 11 stolen guns. They are stopping various individuals since the traffic has picked up to determine their purpose in being in specific areas. They responded to a burglary in progress, and after that was concluded they went on a call of a man with a gun. The curfews are slowly being lifted. A lot of businesses and casinos are now opening in the area.
Captain Levorchick stated again that everything is going well. During their off hours, they are assisting a member of the Lake Charles SWAT team in repairing the roof on his house. They are therefore engaged not only in law enforcement support but also helping their fellow officers get their homes back in shape. He said it looks like they will be working through the weekend, continuing their details and assignments. His progress reports will continue through the weekend.DATE: Saturday, October 8, 2005
Captain Levorchick advised that many of the duties remain the same. They are continuing with their assignments.
Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki recovered 12 caskets and 3 vaults. They are working with a team of other personnel. On two occasions alligators were approaching, and rather than discharge firearms they moved away until the alligators left the area. Another water moccasin was killed by other law enforcement personnel. Again this is a gruesome detail which is very tiresome.
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Regal continue to respond to calls for service at night. They had 2 calls of burglaries in progress, and they have assisted in finding open homes where they secure the homes. They are also taking basic alarm calls at various businesses now that the electricity is back on.
As of this report, as stated, assignments remain unchanged. It is anticipated that the deputies will remain the full 16 days as anticipated, unless there is relief provided earlier and our deputies can be released to return home. I understand from talking with the wife of one of the deputies that their accommodations have changed to a facility that has a work-out room and a pool.DATE: Sunday, October 9, 2005
Captain Levorchick reported at 2:30 p.m. on this date. He provided the following update:
He stated that Deputy Tony Sedlak and Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki have been relieved of the body recovery detail for a day or two and will be assisting with other duties. However, there was some important information relayed regarding Deputy Sedlak.
Deputy Sedlak had a subject under detention for grand theft auto and found a loaded .380 caliber handgun. While making that arrest, a woman ran up and stated that her mother was having medical problems next to where this arrest was initiated. Deputy Sedlak ran to the woman’s location and found an 83-year-old woman not breathing. He initiated CPR until EMT’s arrived on the scene to take over. His information was that the woman had regained consciousness.
The other deputies continue their normal details. They have been moved to better accommodations in Lake Charles. They are doing well and expect to remain for another 10 days.
I think it is very important to note that the overtime generated by these deputies’ absence has been minimal. Communications has utilized 2 shifts consisting of 8 hours per shift. The Road Division has experienced a couple of Deputy Sedlak’s shifts that have been covered. We will be well under the projected amount we had requested of the Commissioners in this regard. We have had overtime, but it has been related to other incidents and had nothing to do with the 2 Road deputies who are on assignment in Louisiana. There will be a complete breakdown of costs in this regard.
The following is posted from the Port Clinton News Herald on October 12, 2005.
| Local deputies helping Louisiana
authorities in the Katrina aftermath will not likely forget the nights
of gunfire and brushes with unseemly characters.
"Narcotics .. shots fired ... they're almost every night calls down here," said Capt. Steve Levorchick of the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. He is one of three sheriff's office personnel plus a reserve officer stationed down south until Oct. 18. Levorchick along with deputy Dave Regal are going out on these "hot" calls in the county surrounding Lake Charles, La., an area west of New Orleans. They are assigned daily to specialty teams in what are called "power shifts." "Friday night we did six tactical entries into homes -- for a variety of reasons. We also did three B & E calls, shots fired and those are just the highlights," he said. B & E refers to breaking and entering. Sunday the temperatures cooled to the 70s -- after days of grueling 90-degree temperatures. But the drop in mercury doesn't quell the stench faced by the other deputies Tony Sedlak and reserve officer Jerry Sawicki. Those two are helping collect bodies and caskets freed from their resting place by rising waters and debris. The Lake Charles area is not as devastated as New Orleans, Levorchick said. But some of its outlying areas visited by the police forces have been totaled, he said. Those sights are especially trying on the volunteers' spirits. Sunday was tremendously hard on him during rounds, Levorchick said. "It's sad," he said in a quiet tone, "when you see someone sitting on a bucket and all they've got left is some concrete steps and a concrete slab, and they are sitting there staring at the slab and you know you can't help them." |
| Originally published October 12, 2005 |
DATE: Tuesday, October11, 2005
On Tuesday, October 11, 2005, at 12:25 p.m., Captain Steve Levorchick reported the following from Louisiana.
He stated that all were doing fine. At times they are tired, and they have been encouraged to take time off as needed by the home agencies in that area. There is a workout room at the facility to which they have been moved. It is a small convention-type complex. Their duties are as follows:
Reserve Deputy Jerry Sawicki and Deputy Tony Sedlak yesterday recovered 15 caskets and 2 vaults. Their days are extremely long, and recovery each day is about the same. Reserve Deputy Sawicki killed two snakes that approached their work area and had an encounter with an alligator. However, that latter situation was defused, and the alligator left the area.
Captain Levorchick and Deputy Regal were involved in a “power shift” – what is known in this area as “directed patrol.” This is SWAT enforcement that is taking place in the area. They had to clear three buildings, one of which was an old Sears store of 40,000 square feet. They searched and found small amounts of crack cocaine.
Again they are all doing well. Representatives from some other counties have left, and they are being replaced by relief personnel. At this time it appears that our detail may be there through October 18, departing for home on October 19. However, it is possible they could return earlier. Keep an eye on the web site, and I will keep you posted with updates.
DATE: Saturday, October15, 2005
On Saturday, October 15, 2005, I received an update from Captain Steve Levorchick. He advised that all Lucas and Ottawa County deputies are now working the body recovery detail.
Each day they are recovering approximately 12 caskets and 3-4 vaults. This detail will be required for quite some time yet.
The area in which they are working has water moccasins and alligators and the potential for sharks. The detail will continue through Sunday. They will not work a full shift that day but will rest up and plan to depart on Monday for their return to Ohio.
I advised Captain Levorchick that if they wish to stop at a motel on the return to get some rest, they should do so. Finances were donated to the Sheriff’s Office by private businesses, and I would like to see the deputies relax on their return.
They will have a full day to rest up upon their return, following which we will schedule a press conference at which all eight deputies will be present. Local media will be advised of the press conference and will have the opportunity to meet the deputies. We have had a number of service organizations who have asked if the deputies could make a presentation to the respective organizations regarding their detail. We will allow the deputies to do so and possibly have a PowerPoint presentation incorporating the photographs they took.
We certainly respect the duties that these personnel undertook, and Chief Riedmaier and I commend them for this undertaking. I also wish to express my appreciation to the staff who supported the deputies while they were in Louisiana and those personnel who offered to participate but were not called upon at this time to do so. That speaks volumes of the professionalism within this organization. I thank everyone for pulling together.
DATE: Sunday, October16, 2005
On Sunday, October 16, 2005, we received word the deputies were on their way home and should be arriving sometime Monday evening.
DATE: Monday, October17, 2005
On Monday, October 17, 1005, deputies from Ottawa and Lucas Counties arrived home after spending 15 days in Louisiana.
373 (10-09-2005) 665 (10-23-2005) 820 (11-01-2005)
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Updated November 1, 2005 11:00AM