Compton Station Deputy Ben Sahile displays the outstanding achievement award he received for his efforts at the Youth Activities League on Thursday, July 26. Bulletin photo by Chris Frost COMPTON—Deputy Rosalina Munoz replaced Deputy Ben Sahile as leader of the Compton Station Youth Activities League on July 30. Sahile moves up to the rank of sergeant in the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department beginning a new assignment in August.

Munoz came to Compton Station 18 months ago.

“I look forward to bringing my energy and excitement to this terrific program,” she said. “Deputy Sahile did a great job here, and I will follow through on projects he began and develop youth soccer and basketball, coordinate our boxing efforts with other YAL programs in the area and establish tournaments for the children.”

The facility will continue mentoring the children, and programs creating responsible young adults will stay in place.

“I am very interested in youth counseling programs for the kids,” she said. “A positive environment where kids can envision their dreams and understand how to make them come true is my top priority. ”

Step one is getting involved and reassuring participants that the YAL is moving forward.

“The program’s success hinges on the children knowing who I am, what I stand for, and my abilities as a stable, trusted leader,” Munoz said. “They can count on me.”

YAL participant Jose Garcia said Deputy Munoz is cool.

“I do not know her very well yet, but I look forward to her arrival,” he said.

Compton Station Capt. Diane Walker said Munoz is a great fit at the YAL.

“She has a very special and coveted position,” she said. “We take great care and thoughtfulness when we assign a deputy to the YAL, and we look forward to tremendous growth, innovation and great new ideas from her.”

Looking back on his tenure, Sahile said that his vision for the YAL began when he pulled into the parking lot for the first time.

“There is a half-city-block worth of parking, and I saw a giant recreation area,” he said. “We made that dream come true in June with the help of the LA 84 Foundation.”

Sahile received accolades for his tough but fair approach with the youngsters. “But influence is a two-way street,” he said. “The kids taught me another side of law enforcement. There is more to this job than answering calls and putting people in jail. The LASD practices a community based approach to law enforcement, which starts in grade school.”

The kids consider Sahile more than just the guy in charge.

“He changed my life,” Garcia said. “I am happy he got promoted to sergeant, but I will miss him. Ben is awesome.”

Sahile acknowledged that the lessons he learned in Compton laid the groundwork for future successes.

“Transitioning to a new assignment is exciting,” he said. “I do not know where I am going yet. But I will bring my community, patrol and leadership skills to my next assignment.”

The promotion did not come without remorse and Sahile’s bond with the YAL family made him think twice about moving on to new challenges.

“I still think about it,” he said. “When I said goodbye to the children some of them started crying. It is hard to stepback and realize the impact we all have on each other during our everyday activities, but I tried to be a positive role model and leader, and they will continue to develop with Deputy Munoz in charge of the program.”

The support he offers children gets mirrored at home, Sahile said, and his wife stands behind him in all his professional endeavors.

“That may change if I have to work the overnight shift,” he said.

Walker said everyone will miss Sahile.

“He is the epitome of a leader in the LA County Sheriff's Department,” she said. “It was a tremendous pleasure to have him as a part of the Compton Station Community family. He earned his promotion because of his unmatched professionalism and dedication and I am elated that he will have a greater exposure and positive impact throughout the organization.”

Sahile plans on visiting the kids.

“I will stop by and shoot some hoops,” he said.