Deputy Alicia Kohno of the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station passed away surrounded by her family and friends on Aug. 29 after a long battle with cancer.
Kohno was born on Sept. 14, 1966 in Jalisco, Mexico. She began her career with the Sheriff’s Department in 2000, and was assigned to Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station in 2010. In 2012, Kohno became a member of the station’s Juvenile Intervention Team, which works to assist troubled, school-aged youth who have begun to show signs of criminal misconduct or drug use.
“Kohno’s passion from the very start of her law enforcement career had been to work with troubled kids and with her selection to the J-Team, she was able to fulfill her dream,” the station wrote. “She brought a passion and spark to the team that had never been seen, and the list of troubled teens and families she helped is long and extremely grateful.”
Kohno was know for initiating fresh ideas and was always looking for ways to fulfill the mission of the J-Team in new and imaginative ways, like the creation of the “Pee Wee Deputy” program. This program was aimed at preschool-aged children and introduced them to the world of law enforcement in the form of a mock academy.
Kohno organized community charity events, volunteered at local preschools and spent time at schools giving lectures and addressing topics related to the students. Kohno also designed programs to educate parents about the many threats and challenges facing their children, like bullying and drug use. She conducted numerous teen suicide and substance abuse lectures at local middle schools.
“Alicia’s caring, cheerful personality, energetic spirit and infectious laugh made her a perfect fit for the team, and she truly loved the work that she was doing,” the station said. “Alicia will be remembered for always being will-ing to help others and constantly having a smile on her face. Alicia took great pride in her job, and she truly made a difference in the community she proudly served.”
Kohno is survived by her two sons, Jordan, 19, and Joshua, 16; her mother, Berta; and her two brothers, Michael and Victor.
“Alicia also leaves behind a large law enforcement family that will miss her dearly,” the station said.