Sierra Vista Hero Run

9/1 update - Good news, we are still moving forward with our Fallen Hero Event on September 26th! Unfortunately, due to the social distancing and COVID restrictions, the 5k and kids run will not be as planned.  However, we will have part of the course available for a short walking tour and photo ops. 
 
This amazing fundraiser is to honor Deputy Sheriff Brian Ishmael, who lost his life in the line of duty on October 23, 2019.  Proceeds from this year’s event will be donated to Deputy Ishmael’s wife, Katie, his 3 children and to the Honor Guard, which dedicate themselves to honoring fallen law enforcement officers. 
 
On September 26th, we will have your t-shirt, medal and logo wine cup available for pickup from 9am- 5pm.  We will have Darth Mozart band playing from 12-2 and 2:30-4:30pm. The Dinner Station food truck will be on site for amazing food purchases.  Please call our tasting room to make your table reservation if you’d like to stay and watch the band (530-622-7221).  Reservations are NOT required, if you’re just coming to pick up your packet.
 
During the event, we will also have a silent auction available with some amazing donated gifts, wines, gym memberships, bed and breakfast stays and much more.  All proceeds go towards our fallen Hero and the Honor Guard. 

If you or someone you know, would like to donate, here is the link for your convenience.  https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/CA/Placerville/SierraVistaWineryHeroes5K 
 
Thank you so much for being a part of a meaningful cause.  We look forward to seeing you on September 26th!
As always, all COVID safety protocols will be strictly followed for everyone’s safety. 

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The inaugural Sierra Vista Hero Run is dedicated to honoring our heros. This year ALL proceeds will go to the family of recently fallen Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Ishmael and to the Honor Guard. Brian leaves behind a wife and three children.

Date: 

Saturday, September 26

Race Day Registration: 

Pick up your race packets on event morning from 9 a.m. onward.

Start Times:

5K- 10:00 am
Kids Fun Run- 11:00 am

Location:

Sierra Vista Winery
4560 Cabernet Way
Placerville, CA 95667

Course: 

This new 5k course is set around our beautiful vineyard with breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and rolling acres of ancient vines.

Entry includes: 

100% cotton T-shirt, finisher medal, logo’d wine glass, post race refreshments, and sample wine tastings

Team Division: 

Show your support in numbers! Take part in this fantastic cause alongside your entire Office, family & Friends, your school organization, sports team or local club!

Custom Team shirts:

For those interested, you will have the option of having your “team name” or inspirational message imprinted on the back of your race shirt. The printing cost will be an additional $10 (with all proceeds going to the Ishmael Family).  In order to receive your shirts by race day, ALL ORDERS (including sizes) must be turned in by March 17. Shirt orders will be handled by the marketing department at Sierra Vista Winery. If interested, please send your request to: events@sierravistawinery.com.

Honor Guard:

Members of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard participate in ceremonial events throughout the county and, most importantly, dedicate themselves to honoring fallen law enforcement officers.  Members frequently attend funerals and memorial services for fallen officers nationwide.  In 2019, The El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard was tasked with the unimaginable duty of honoring one of its very own, Deputy Brian Ishmael.  The team carried out their duties to honor Brian while simultaneously grieving with the personal loss of a co-worker and friend.  As the honor guard moves forward, the team will continue to honor Brian, as he will never be forgotten.

Perfect Pairing – “Heroes” Special Estate Wine:

When new owner Jim Czachorowski first took over the winery, he made a special barrel of wine with the remaining harvest. After hearing of the tragedy involving local Officer Brian Ishamel and seeing the impact it had within the entire community, he decided to use the special blend to help. So, as the run will take place within the winery, the rollout of this particular wine will compliment the morning. The wine is a special vintners blend with the label match that of this years run logo. Our Fallen Hero White is available for $30/bottle with special case pricing of $250/case. Our Fallen Hero Red is available for $35/bottle with special case pricing of $290/case. We’re proud to donate $16.89 for each bottle sold or $168.90 for each case sold, in honor of Brian’s badge #1689. We’re confident you’ll enjoy both of these fine wines, while helping contribute to the family. We have a limited quantity, so consider reserving your order in advance. We are taking pre-orders starting immediately.

Officer Ishmael

Brian David ‘Ish’ Ishmael was born at Marshall Hospital in Placerville on December 12, 1981 to Don and Kim Ishmael. Arriving home from the hospital dressed in a stocking, he met his sister Brenda; who soon gave him the nickname of “Little Buddy”. Brian who was always full of joy and personality would later create a dance called “The Buddy” because of this nickname.

Brian grew up attending local schools in El Dorado County, graduating from Ponderosa High School in 2000. In high school, Brian showed a special interest, and excelled at auto body shop and peer counseling.  Also during this time, Brian established a lifelong friendship with Wes Kohutek who would introduce him to his future wife, Katie Kregoski. Brian met Katie at the age of 16 but maintained only a friendship (much to Katie’s chagrin). 

After high school, Brian moved to Texas where he attended Universal Technical Institute, but still maintained his close friendships in El Dorado County.After returning from Texas, his friendship with Katie began to grow and they went on their first date on March 12, 2002, never looking back. Brian and Katie established a strong marriage and even stronger friendship as they started a family. Brian excelled as a father of their three beautiful children: two daughters and a son. 

While working at Fulmer’s Auto Body, Brian felt the calling to protect and serve the community he loved. In 2012, while still working full time, Brian entered the police academy. In March of 2013, Brian found his first law enforcement family with the Placerville Police Department. He quickly became an agency favorite, holding the positions of Field Training Officer, School Resource Officer, and Armorer. 

In October 2015, Brian found his final law enforcement family with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. As he did in every facet of his life, Brian immediately became a favorite of his partners and all that met him on a personal and professional level.  Brian’s demeanor while performing law enforcement duties exemplified fairness, compassion, and a willingness to serve that will leave a lasting impression on those who he came in contact with throughout his career.   Brian was a hard worker, a role model, and a leader who shared his joy for life with anyone he met.

On June 7th 2019, after years of saving, Katie and Brian bought their forever home to raise their three children. Brian had many passions in life, all of which centered on spending time with Katie and their children. Some of his favorite hobbies included guns, shooting, duck hunting, reloading, metal working, camping, building RC cars, and recently he began teaching his son how to fish. With all these hobbies, Katie often found Brian in his garage forging knives, blaring Alanis Morrissette’s “Jagged Little Pill” or Five Finger Death Punch. 

If you ever had the pleasure of knowing Brian, or even passing him in a hallway, you know he had a genuine and infectious smile. He was a man of integrity who found positive things to say about every person he met. 

Brian is survived and forever remembered by his wife Katie, children Prudence, Zoey, and Cash; Parents Kim and Don, sister Brenda,and his loving extended family and friends. Brian will be missed by his friends, family, and the entire El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office family. Brian is our hero for the man he was; husband, father, friend, and so much more to so many.