Inland Empire, Calif — When we first created the FOX Sports AM1350 Honors, our initial goal was to do our part to help humanize those in law enforcement and health care.  Along the way, we’ve been fortunate to say without question, we have been extremely inspired by those in law enforcement.  It takes a special person, to risk their live every day to serve the public as a law enforcement officer, equally so, it takes a special person to help save lives as a health care worker.

It was my pleasure to have the opportunity to meet with San Bernardino native, Patricia Cortez.  After our chat, I was reminded of how one person with passion can truly make a difference in the lives of those that might not have the same luxury as others.  What began as an internship while attending Cal State San Bernardino, led Cortez to her current career as a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputy.  “I wanted to make a difference in my community,” says Cortez.  “When I attended Cal State San Bernardino, I had an internship with the Sheriff’s Department, I was able to work closely with Deputies, and get to see what a day to day looks like.  I went on a ride along and that’s what sparked it, and I said this is what I want to do.”

Cortez, a San Gorgonio High School graduate, was an accomplished collegiate athlete during her time at Cal State San Bernardino.  Her success in cross county at Cal State San Bernardino includes being the top runner in the CCAA Cross Country Championships four years.  She achieved All-CCAA honors once and earning All-West Region distinction as a senior.  She also ran track, and holds the Cal State San Bernardino record with the second-fastest 5,000-meter time in program history.  Cortez believes her time as an athlete has helped in her career as a Sheriff’s Deputy.  “I think there are a lot of similarities between the two [athletics and law enforcement], there’s discipline, there’s team work, so I think that environment is something that I loved about sports,” says Cortez.

The unfortunate reality of most whom come from impoverished areas is, they look forward to the day when they can move away and never look back.  But that was not, and never will be Deputy Cortez plan.  Since she grew up in San Bernardino, she knew that many of the children in the city may face challenges, including poverty, education inequities and more, that children in other cities may not.  This is why we knew Deputy Cortez was the perfect fit for #IEHeros. 

She is committed to giving back to her community, where she still spends free time.  She’s given back to the community, participating in “Shop with a Cop” events that serves underprivileged kids; spoke at schools in San Bernardino to motivate the next generation of law enforcement officers; and serves as an Assistant Track Coach at Indian Springs High School.  “Some kids don’t have support at home,” says Cortez.  “Some don’t see there are different opportunities for them [in life].  I was the first in my family to go to college, I was the first to pursue a career like this [law enforcement].  So that’s why it’s important to me, to let my athletes [at Indian Springs] know, there is so much more out there.” 

We are honoured to name Deputy Cortez as a #IEHeros recipient.  Her dedication and commitment, not only to the Sheriff’s Department, but to the community is infectious.  She stated she wasn’t sure if her work in the community was making an impact.  Well Deputy Cortez, you certainly made a huge impact on me, thank you for your service. 

By: Brian ‘Coach B’ Arrington – If you wish to nominate someone for #IEHeros send the contact info to: staff@iesportsnet