It’s been a rough December for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.

Currently the protocols of the agency are being investigated as part of a complaint from a Stockton man that claimed that he was beaten while in custody on public intoxication charges, and then a on duty deputy was involved in a horrific accident on I-5 that led to the death of a mother and her child after her vehicle came to a complete stop on the freeway.

But even amidst the turmoil, San Joaquin County Sheriff Pat Withrow remained true to his word about promoting a sense of transparency for the residents of San Joaquin County – addressing both issues in a video address from his French Camp office that was posted to the agency’s social media accounts.

“We would ask for your prayers at this time – for our office and all of the families involved in these instances,” Withrow said in the videotaped address from his office. “And we ask for your patience and we are going to get through this – our officers are still going to be out there every day, 24/7, making sure that you and your families stay safe.”

But not all of the news that Withrow addressed was bad.

In recounting some of the things that transpired within the county over the course of the last month, Withrow commended one of his deputies who was able to locate an elderly man in Mountain House that had wandered away from his dwelling and reunite that person with their family so that they could receive the care that they needed. The man had walked away from Kern County and made it all the way to just outside of Tracy before it was found by law enforcement.

Withrow also mentioned the work that his deputies have been doing to help make the holiday season brighter for children who might not necessarily have the kind of Christmas that other people get to enjoy – whether that is through a county-wide program like Blue Santa which took place this week, or on a more localized level like Lathrop Police Service’s event last week where children who came to meet the officers and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa were given a toy from Santa Claus.

He even gave a shout out to the two local football teams that earned CIF State Championships this season, including his hometown Escalon Cougars and the Ripon Indians.

Withrow encouraged the residents of San Joaquin County to remember the spirit of the season and the sacrifices that the men and women in uniform make on a daily basis to help protect the public at large.

“We want to try and make it a wonderful holiday season for you,” Withrow said. “In this time of forgiving and patience, please take the time to think of the officers that are out there away from their families so that you can be with yours.”

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.