Fallbrook residents raise a flag for their local law enforcement

Lexington Howe

Staff Writer

Classic vintage cars drove by the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation, their drivers honking as they waved American flags and showed their support for their local law enforcement.

A local Fallbrook resident helped organize the drive-by, including rallying the community to pitch in and get department personnel gift cards that they could use at local restaurants in town.

"I started with my dance group, the Fallbrook Country Line Dancers, and then realized that I needed a few more people, and so I just got a hold of a bunch of friends and everyone said yes. It was amazing," the resident said, not wanting to be named.

"I thought there were about five or six sheriffs here in Fallbrook," the resident said, adding that they first had the idea of giving them gift cards.

"When I called there, I found out there were 40 of them," the resident said. "I just put it out there to friends, and it was like 42 people. Everyone was more than willing to support them, and they do need support right now."

Two of the local car clubs in town agreed to do the drive-by in support; Shafters Fallbrook Car Club and Fallbrook Vintage Car Club.

Ron Mintle, vice president of Fallbrook Vintage Car Club and owner of Mintle's Garage, said he was happy that they could be a part.

"We've done drive-thrus for birthday parties and graduations, and things like that. People just like seeing the old cars coming out," Mintle said. "We appreciate how they help make Fallbrook safe. The last thing we need to do is defund any police."

Lt. Arnold Aldana said he appreciated the support shown by the residents.

"We don't expect this; we do our job; we make sure that the citizens of Fallbrook are given the proper service as well as the county," Aldana said. "But it's good to have somebody, a group of people, show their appreciation."

He said that these aren't the only people who have shown their support recently.

"We've had several citizens come to the station weekly, just to show their appreciation and it makes us feel good," Aldana said. "We don't expect it, but it's a great feeling."

Fallbrook resident Richard Valerde has been a part of the senior patrol for Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation for the past 17 years.

"I was driving around one day and I saw the patrol out, and it looked like something I'd be interested in doing since I was retired," Valerde said. "So I looked into it, a friend of mine, both of us decided to join together, went through the academy and before you know it, out on patrol."

Right now during the coronavirus pandemic, he's been staying at home, however.

"We're trying to do the right things, not to get sick or spread the illness, because we're at that vulnerable age," he said.

Valerde waved an American flag as the sheriffs were recognized.

"They put up with so much nonsense these days; they need someone to cheer them up a little," he said.

"It's mainly supporting them, to let them know that we do support them here in Fallbrook," the local resident who helped organize it, said. "We appreciate all the things that they do."

Lexington Howe can be reached by email at [email protected].