San Andreas, Calif., – On August 19, 2025, AB109 Deputy Josue Mendoza and Probation Officer Joshua Wright acted quickly to ensure the safety of a young child in San Andreas.

While on duty, Deputy Mendoza and Officer Wright observed a three-year-old walking alone on Main Street. Both immediately stopped, approached the child with care, and learned his name before he pointed them toward his residence. When they arrived, they conducted a welfare check but received no response at the door. Inside, they were able to locate the mother’s name; moments later, a San Andreas Elementary School employee arrived and explained that the child had left the cafeteria, prompting school staff to search for him.

Deputy Mendoza and Officer Wright ensured the child was safe while contact was made with the child’s father, who was receiving medical care at the time.

Later that day, community member Daniel Miranda called the Sheriff’s Office to commend Deputy Mendoza and Officer Wright for their professionalism and compassion. Miranda, who witnessed the entire interaction, praised how both officers knelt to the child’s eye level, asked simple questions, and helped him feel comfortable and unafraid.

Miranda noted that despite his past concerns with the Sheriff’s Office, he felt it was important to share how proud he was of the officers’ actions. He asked that his gratitude be shared with department leadership, calling Deputy Mendoza and Officer Wright a positive example of public service in action.

Chief Probation Officer Kim Craddock of Calaveras County Probation remarked, “This incident is a powerful example of the dedication our officers bring to the community every day. Deputy Mendoza and Officer Wright not only acted quickly to ensure the child’s safety, but they also demonstrated compassion and professionalism in how they engaged with him. Their actions reflect the heart of our mission—protecting and serving while building trust with our communities.”