FALLEN OFFICERS

Darryn L. Robins was a 7-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff's Department. Darryn graduated from Sheriff's Academy Class 73 on May 27, 1986, and was assigned to Central Jail where he worked for the next 4 years. Supervisors in the jail saw him as extremely competent and able to interact equally well with both inmates and peers.

Deputy Robins began his patrol career in the South Operations Division in January 1990. Darryn successfully completed field training, receiving high praise from his Field Training Officer. His 1st assignment was as a patrolman for the City of Lake Forest. Darryn liked working with kids and it was in Lake Forest that he took the opportunity to work directly with the youth by speaking at the elementary schools and performing a rap version of "Officer Friendly."

The children called him Deputy "Rappin" Robins. Darryn also went to many intermediate schools where he developed a realistic presentation to encourage young boys and girls to avoid gangs. He addressed nearly 1,500 students in his efforts to influence those youngsters to remain strong and not give in to the pressures from others to join gangs or use drugs. He was a positive role model for those kids. Darryn's career was dedicated to the community and to the children within it.

Deputy Darryn Robins' untimely and tragic death in December 1993 during an on-duty training mishap has left the entire Sheriff's Department and the community with a deep sense of loss and grief. A positive and caring person, he will be remembered for his love of life, his love of the community and especially his love for children.

Bradley Riches was born in Canada. Given his father's occupation, his family lived in various countries including Holland, Singapore and Australia, before settling in Orange County. He graduated from Dana Hills High School in 1984.

Bradley worked for the fire department as a paid call fireman until 1988 while working as a medical technician for an ambulance company. Bradley Riches' career in law enforcement began in 1989 as an Orange County Sheriff's special officer, a position ranking below deputy. A year later, he was awarded a Medal of Courage after wrestling a gun away from a distraught welfare recipient at a county office. In 1991, Deputy Riches was hired as a fully sworn deputy sheriff. He was assigned to the James A. Musick Facility Branch Jail and the Orange County Central Jail. In October 1998, Bradley was assigned to patrol in the City of Lake Forest.

During the early morning hours of June 12, 1999, Deputy Bradley Riches was ambushed and murdered. He was on routine patrol in the City of Lake Forest when he drove into the parking lot of a convenience store. Without warning or provocation, a man shot Deputy Riches numerous times with an assault rifle while he sat in his patrol car. He initiated an emergency radio transmission but succumbed to his injuries before that transmission could be completed. The suspect was arrested later by Orange County Sheriff's Deputies and was subsequently convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances.

Deputy Riches had served with the Orange County Sheriff's Department for nine years. His death left the department and community speechless, but his legacy will always be remembered.