Richard L. Rodriguez

Donation advocate

Age 59 – Orange, CA

Honored by OneLegacy

Richard Rodriguez currently serves as the Chief Training Officer with the Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department. He has been with the Coroner’s Division since 1981 and currently educates peace offers about the importance of organ, eye and tissue donation.

After receiving his certificate in Fire Science, he continued his course work in Criminal Justice and he was the first Deputy Coroner Peace Officer to attend the P.O.S.T. Supervisory Leadership Institute. Richard comes from a background of Law Enforcement, with his father and brother working for the Santa Ana Police Department for many years.

Richard is an advocate for life; he is passionate about supporting organ and tissue donation and transplantation. He is always looking for ways to communicate to the public about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor.

Richard’s Story

Richard Rodriguez currently serves as the Chief Training Officer with the Coroner Division of the Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department. He has been with the Coroner’s Division since 1981 and has held the following positions: Forensic Assistant, Deputy Coroner Investigator, Senior Deputy Coroner, Field Training Officer, Advanced Officer Training Instructor, Supervising Deputy, Supervisor of Forensic Operations, and Training Coordinator.

After receiving his certificate in Fire Science, he continued his course work in Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Supervision and was the first Deputy Coroner Peace Officer to attend the prestigious P.O.S.T. Supervisory Leadership Institute Class 96.

In 2012, Richard graduated from the Orange County Sheriff’s Academy as a Level II Reserve Deputy Sheriff currently assigned to Community Programs as a Drug Liaison Officer.

Richard comes from a background of Law Enforcement; his father Frank M. Rodriguez was the first Hispanic officer with the Santa Ana Police Department and his brother, Benny Rodriguez, was a Corporal with the Santa Ana Police Department with 30 years of service.

Richard is an advocate for life; he is passionate about supporting organ and tissue donation and transplantation. He is always looking for ways to communicate to the public about the importance of registering as an organ and tissue donor. Richard is always ready to volunteer at events such as the Donate Life Run / Walk which has served as a platform for him and his co-workers to educate and bring awareness to the importance of Organ & Tissue Donation. Richard has included a two-hour block of education on organ and tissue donation to peace officers from California attending his death investigation training course.

Richard’s hobbies include refurbishing vintage Schwinn Stingray bicycles from the 60s and 70s.

He lives in Southern California with his wife of 34 years, Caroly; his two daughters, Erica and Alex; and their adorable little Pomeranian, Bentley. Richard and his wife enjoy traveling the coast looking for antiques and attending vintage shows.