'Compassionate' Deputy Applauded For Assisting Grieving Woman

A Lake Forest deputy who comforted a local woman after her husband committed suicide was recognized Tuesday by the City Council for his actions.

Dep. Carlos Barrientos, who has been a member of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department for more than thirteen years, is a recent recipient of the "Heroes with Heart" award.

The recognition is given out by the Orange County chapter of Trauma Intervention Programs, a volunteer group that helps victims of traumatic events and their families in the first few hours following a tragedy.

TIP volunteer Therese Jordan recommended Barrietos for the award after watching him comfort a woman who had discovered her husband dead in their home in December 2010.

Jordan nominated Barrietos for the award after watching him care for the grieving woman, who was refusing to eat.

The volunteer watched him kneel beside the woman, take her hand and explain to her the importance of caring for herself. His compassion convinced her to eat something, Jordan said.

On Tuesday, Lt. Pat Higa of Lake Forest Police Services said that Barrientos' actions are in line with how he acts on a regular basis.

"This is just one case where he's being recognized," Higa said.

Barrientos, who accepted a certificate applauding his professionalism and compassion from the City Council with his wife and young children in the audience, downplayed his acts.

"It doesn't seem like it was a lot of work just to reach out and help somebody, but I really appreciate [the award]," he said.

The deputy was one of a "select few" selected from among more than 75 nominees for the award, according to TIP.