March 24, 2011 – Sheriff Gary Kuntz, fulfilling a campaign promise, announced the first Deputy assigned to his new Resident Deputy Program; Deputy Paul Newnam of Copperopolis.
Deputy Newnam has been a Deputy with the Calaveras County Sheriff’s Office since 1998, and with Angels Camp PD prior to the Sheriff Dept from ’92 to ’98.
The goal of the Resident Deputy Program that was last utilized in 2001, is for law enforcement to establish a working relationship with not only the citizens, but the businesses, the ranchers, and the schools. As Newnam says, “It’s an old school philosophy…cops on the beat” and it has proven to be beneficial. Newnam’s beat consists of Copperopolis, Vallecito, Douglas Flat, Carson Hill, portions of Murphy’s and unincorporated areas of Angels Camp. He will be working out of the Copperopolis substation, having a greater presence within the community as well as becoming more accessible.
In part, the press release from Sgt C. Hewitt states that Deputy Newnam will be assuming additional responsibilities with this position, “including partnering with Neighborhood and Business Watch organizations, acting as school liaison between educational administrators and the Sheriff Dept, representing the Sheriff Dept at community events, identifying and developing solutions to re-occurring problematic/crime related issues within the beat, promoting direst dialogue between the department and citizens, and collaborating with agricultural and ranching representatives to discuss related concerns.”
Supervisor Spellman attended the press meeting and lauded Sheriff Kuntz with praise, “A lot of people make promises when they campaign and then have a memory lapse when they reach office, not Gary, he promised open lines of communication and community protection, he is proactive and (taking action)….his actions breed confidence.”
Sheriff Kuntz stood behind the motto he publicly repeats stating, “My number one priority is ‘Community First’… I ran not to build jails, but to serve the community.” He stressed the importance of intervening at a young age with children in the schools, creating a positive relationship between law enforcement and youth, engaging them “plays a big role in the future of our kids.”
Covering the added responsibilities of the position.
Congratulatory handshake. Left to right: Deputy Newnam, Sheriff Kuntz, Supervisor Spellman
By, Charity Maness
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