Brandon Muncy
Kern Valley Sun

Authors Note: In Part One of this story KCSO Deputy Mike Dorkin gathered potential burglary information, investigated a possible battery, and patrolled the streets of the Kern Valley. 0After receiving a “shots fired” call in the Twin Oaks area, we are headed to the scene.

6:57 - Head to Twin Oaks

(Use arrows above to view more photos)

“If the suspect takes shots lower yourself behind the engine compartment,” warns Dorkin. We fly up the narrow roads of Caliente Bodfish Rd. and arrive in the Twin Oaks area at 7:39. “If someone says they shot off a gun that obviously heightens your level of awareness,” says Dorkin, “your innocent call could be anything.” We find no further information once we arrive at the scene, a family gathering is taking place. Dorkin informs me that the incident could have been violent or it could turn out to be nothing. “Everyone says routine, nothing is routine,” said Deputy Dorkin.

As we head back from Twin Oaks, Dorkin better explains why he decided to take his career path into law enforcement. “Being able to solve a crime for a victim, so there is some kinds of closure,” says Dorkin. “Every once in a while you will get someone who actually walks up to you and says, 'thank you',” explains Dorkin.

8:15 – Battery Investigation: “All it says is Erskine Creek and Isabella Blvd.,” says Dorkin while looking at a call on his in-car computer. As is turns out, we find out more information about the 6:47 Battery in Progress call we received earlier in the night. We receive the address of which to locate the victim. Though the address is marked, it is still very difficult to find the home. “In many of the outlying areas a lot of address are not clearly marked,” says Dorkin, “if it is a desperate situation it makes it really dangerous.” Upon arrival to the residence, I am apprehensive to follow the deputies. Once they clear the way, I quickly follow. Once in the home the victim informs the deputies of a person who assaulted her. Deputies Dorkin Shotwell gather as much information as possible.

9:00 – Dinner: With a break in the calls, we head to a Lake Isabella business for dinner. Shortly after we receive our meals, a call comes in. Shotwell heads out first, with Dorkin and I not far behind.

9:46 – Juveniles at South Lake Business: We arrive shortly after Shotwell. Upon arrival we see 6 juveniles sitting on a curb, with a small stack of bicycles and skateboards not far off. The youngsters were trespassing in the reported business. The owner of the business decides not to press charges, but rather let the parents deal with the juveniles themselves. After the arrival of many unhappy parents, Dorkin and I head out.

10:16 – Traffic Stop: On our way back to Lake Isabella, we pull over a small truck near Auxiliary Dam Campground for swerving and having a obstructed license plate. After speaking with the driver of the vehicle, Deputy Dorkin decides to let them go on a warning. “They're just kids coming back from church,” says Dorkin.

10:24 – Traffic Stop: While patrolling the Lake Isabella area we spot a vehicle with an obstructed license plate, Dorkin decides to follow. The vehicle is pulled over shortly after. “I went to the passenger side and immediately smelled alcohol,” Dorkin informs me, “speech was slurred, I went to the other side and he admitted to drinking.” As he runs the driver's license, Dorkin calls out the California Highway Patrol, “to determine if he is under the influence or not.” CHP officers Reiswig and Mullen arrive shortly after to handle the turnover. Officer Reiswig performs a series of field sobriety tests on the driver including a portable breathalyzer machine to determine what his blood alcohol level is. The driver is arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, and his vehicle is towed.

11:40 – Patrol: We patrol a few more areas. Dispatch informs of a man lost in the Piute Mountains, and Air Support and Search and Rescue will not be needing the deputies services.

11:52 – Arrive at the Substation: While Dorkin may stay on duty for a while longer, we arrive at the substation parking lot so I can finish up my night.

I walk away from the experience with a enormous amount of respect for employees involved with the Kern County Sheriff's Department, specifically Deputies Michael Dorkin and Joshua Shotwell. These officers do not have to go looking for their next adrenaline rush, it's part of their job on a daily basis. The Kern County Sheriff's Office mission is to be, 'committed to work in partnership with our community to enhance the safety, security, and quality of life for residents and visitors of Kern County through professional public safety service.' Judging by experiences during my ride along with Deputy Dorkin Kern County Sheriff appear to be accomplishing all of which, and much more.