‘Mentor And A Friend:’ Late OC Sheriff Sandra Hutchens Remembered

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Former Sheriff and local mentor Sandra Hutchens died Monday, the Orange County Sheriff's Department announced. Current Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes announced her passing "with a heavy heart."

Hutchens was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2012, according to Barnes.

"She courageously fought this disease while still leading this department. Her fight was successful for eight years. Unfortunately, the cancer recently returned, and Sheriff Hutchens passed this morning with her loved ones by her side," Barnes wrote in a news release.

Hutchens was appointed sheriff by the Board of Supervisors in June of 2010 following Sheriff Mike Carona's resignation in 2009. Hutchens served as Orange County's 12th Sheriff from 2008-2019.

"She took office at a difficult time," Barnes writes. "The public’s trust had been broken by the previous sheriff. Upon taking office, she immediately took action to put one of the nation’s largest law enforcement agencies back on track. She was a leader whose ethics matched the culture of the men and women of this department. She restored our pride, gave us back our dignity, and rebuilt trust with the people we serve. She kept her oath, kept her promises, and ended her time in office leaving this agency better than when she started."

Toward the end of her career, the Orange County Sheriff's Department has been rocked by allegations regarding jailhouse informants that first surfaced in the case of Scott Dekraai, the worst mass killer in the county's history.

“Hemingway described courage as 'grace under pressure.' There is no one who embodied that description more than Sandra Hutchens. Sheriff Hutchens lived her life and led this agency with courage, grace, and dignity. She bravely closed her life in the same manner. When I last spoke to her, she was strong, maintained her sense of humor, and continued to have a deep love and appreciation for the people of Orange County. Her legacy will endure for many years through all those she mentored and entrusted with helping her lead the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.

“For me personally, she was a mentor and a friend. I will continue to be inspired by her commitment to always do the right thing, regardless of the consequences, and serve with the department and community’s interests first without need for self-recognition. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunities she presented me and the many lessons I learned from her over the years."

Local officials shared their reflections on Hutchens' loss. Senator Patricia Bates had this to say:

“With deep sadness, I learned of the passing of my friend, Sheriff Hutchens, who was an incredible public servant of the highest ethical standard. She was a trailblazer who worked hard to restore trust to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department during a tough period in its history. She faced challenges and controversy with a fortitude and grace that left a lasting legacy. “Sheriff Hutchens and I worked closely on many public safety issues during her tenure. She was always respectful when there was an area of disagreement. I deeply appreciated her commitment to public safety and her love for Orange County. My condolences are with her loved ones during this difficult time.”

New state congresswoman Michelle Steel also shared her thoughts.

"I will miss my dear friend Sheriff Sandra Hutchens," Steel wrote in a statement. "In my role on the Orange County Board of Supervisors, we worked very closely together. She dedicated her career to protecting Orange County families and keeping crime low. I am praying for her family today and in the days to come.”

In Laguna Beach, Interim Chief Jason Kravetz, shared the condolences of his department:

"We are very saddened to hear of the death of Sheriff Hutchens," he wrote. "We truly enjoyed the eleven years we got to work side by side with her and her OCSD family."

We send our heartfelt condolences to the men and women of @OCSheriff on the loss of former Sheriff Sandra Hutchens. Sheriff Hutchens passed this morning with her loved ones by her side.

Thank you for your service, Ma’am. #InServiceOfOthers pic.twitter.com/DJWPJv3wyL
— OCFA PIO (@OCFA_PIO) January 5, 2021

SEE ALSO: Sheriff Hutchens Plans To Power Through Cancer Treatment

To keep Sheriff Hutchens’ wishes, there will not be a memorial service, according to the OCSD.

Donations can be made in her name to Drug Use is Life Abuse (www.duila.org) or the Susan G. Komen Foundation (www.komen.org), two charities she actively supported while in office.