The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Avalon Station has two new deputies, Miguel Orellana and Jeff Flotree.
They come with 40 years of combined service and an outlook focusing on Avalon’s youth.
Deputy Miguel “Mike” Orellana transferred to the Island from the East LA Station, where he spent the last 22 years. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, he and his family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1970.
The Los Angeles Sheriffs Department Avalon Station has two new deputies, Miguel Orellana and Jeff Flotree.
They come with 40 years of combined service and an outlook focusing on Avalon’s youth.
Deputy Miguel “Mike” Orellana transferred to the Island from the East LA Station, where he spent the last 22 years. Born in Mexico City, Mexico, he and his family moved to the Los Angeles area in 1970.
Orellana served in the Marine Corp and attended college before deciding on a career as a law enforcement officer. His career thus far has included 5-and-a-half years at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles, 12 years at the East LA Station, and many years serving a the Youth Athletic League director.
Deputy Jeff Flotree transferred from the Norwalk station where he was stationed for 12 years both on patrol and as the YAL coordinator after spending six years as a deputy at the Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. He grew up in the Southern California area and also served in the Marine Corps after graduating from what he calls the “School of Hard Knocks.” His passion however, much like Orellana, has always been in working with young people.
Although they were transferred to the Island at the same time in October of this year, they came from different stations.
They have, however, enjoyed working together in the past along with fellow Deputy Terry Harris, who also transferred to the Avalon Station from East LA in just the past year. “It was really a fluke that we were able to get these officers here, but we are very fortunate to have them,” said Lt. Doug Fetteroll. “They work very well together and their skills and priorities compliment each other nicely. Our community will certainly benefit by having them serve and be a part of it.”
Deputy Flotree has assumed the role of school resource deputy, and has enjoyed working closely with kids throughout his career.
“I look forward to trying to make a difference in the lives of these kids by being a positive role model for them,” he said, “helping them learn to make the right decisions and hopefully giving them something to aspire to once they graduate.”
He will assist Deputy Orellana with the local Community Emergency Response Team as well as the YAL group, bringing to the table many of the critical qualities needed to run a successful program, not to mention an athletic background including numerous amateur and semi-pro boxing match ups.
These two programs and their related duties, which were managed by Deputy Burt Lyon for many years, are a critical part of the connection between the community and the Sheriff’s Department. Deputy Lyon has been out on medical leave for several weeks and had already made plans to retire in the first half of 2013.
Deputy Orellana has already enjoyed being a part of some of the local youth activities in town, and even played the ever-important role of “Santa” during a visit to the Catalina Kid Ventures Christmas program on Wednesday of this week.
Asked what he looks forward to most about working here in Avalon, Orellana said, “The community, being a part of it and helping to build bridges and long term relationships with the Hispanic community and the youth here in Avalon.”
