Our Lady of Fatima Academy recently hosted a grand opening celebration for a new OC Sheriff substation located on the school campus.
THE LOCATION OF A SUBSTATION ON THE PROPERTY OF OUR LADY OF FATIMA PROVIDES THE SHERIFF’S OFFICE AND THE CHP A LOCATION MUCH CLOSER TO THE CENTER OF TOWN.
The opening, which was held last month, featured members of the OC Sheriff ’s Department, Deacon Carl Swanson, the Price family of Our Lady of Fatima Academy and Rebecca Corey.
Deacon Carl spearheaded the project.
“I wanted to take on this project because of my previous law enforcement experience,” he said. “I know how important it is for patrol officers to have a secure place to relax, write reports, make telephone calls, have a snack and have a bathroom available.”
Deacon Carl said that in the case of San Clemente, the location of Our Lady of Fatima, provides the Sheriff’s Office and the CHP a location much closer to the center of town than their primary station locations.
“Additionally, the police presence affords us additional security for our school and church campus,” he added. “We want to support our local law enforcement and show them they are much appreciated.”
The substation has been set up, decorated and has a fridge stocked full of drinks and goodies for the deputies.
The Price Family has been major contributors in getting this set up for the deputies and the POF team will continue to monitor the needs for the substation.
Deacon Carl is also working with the CHP Department to let them know this substation is available for them as well.
“This is exciting for our community as we are blessed to have this partnership which enhances the safety of our OLF community!” exclaimed OLF school principal Brett Minter.
Denise Valadez, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum, Spirituality and Accreditation for the Diocese of Orange Department Catholic Schools, echoed Minter’s excitement.
“The new Sheriff substation is a welcome addition to Our Lady of Fatima Academy’s campus and is a testament to their commitment to not only providing a secure environment for every student, but for showing gratitude for our friends in law enforcement,” she said. “We strive to maintain safe, secure campuses at all the schools in our Diocese, which begins with a close partnership with local law enforcement agencies.”
Valadez went on to say that diocesan schools have built strong relationships with their local law enforcement agencies, and the addition of this substation is one way to give back to their partners.
“We thank the Orange County Sheriff Department for being one of our partners and for helping to keep our students safe,” said Valadez.