(SACRAMENTO, CA.) — On May 14, members of the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team located and recovered drowning victim Kongsa Thao from the Sacramento River, giving his family the closure they prayed for.
In a comment responding to the Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook post about the incident, family members of the deceased shared their appreciation for the Sheriff’s Office Dive Team:
“Thank you to the Sacramento County Sheriff team for bringing my little brother home and not leaving him there to be unfounded,” Avy Yang wrote, stating the victim was a younger brother. ”Our family appreciates it very much — the service, dedication, and not giving up on him. God bless you guys for the hard work you do every day…
“Many prayers go out to each one of you for your safety daily, while you are on the field providing help to families in need while risking your lives. Thank you again from the bottom of our hearts,” Yang added.
Family member Tthoj Thojj wrote: “Thank you for bringing my brother home to his wife and kids. Your hard work will never be forgotten.”
Alfa Mua stated: “Your quick response, tireless efforts, professionalism, and compassion during such a difficult time meant more to our family than words can fully express. Your job is dangerous, and we truly appreciate the sacrifices you make every day to protect and serve the community. Thank you for your dedication, commitment, and for bringing comfort and support to our family when we needed it most. We are deeply grateful for everything you have done.”
Another grieving sibling, Chia Chia Thoj, wrote: “The person they found is my real older brother. Thank you for looking for him and not giving up. You guys are the best sheriff I know so far in Sacramento County.”
(The family of Kongsa Thao respectfully requests public consideration for financial contributions to assist with funeral expenses. (Source: Family members' Facebook post.)
This family’s expression of gratitude reflects what so many others have echoed in moments of unimaginable grief: the Dive Team’s work is not just a mission — it is a lifeline for families desperate for answers.
The Sacramento Sheriff’s Dive Team performs some of the most perilous work in public safety. Beneath the Sacramento River’s surface lie powerful currents, unpredictable debris, and near-zero visibility. These dangers are familiar to community members who have witnessed tragedies firsthand.
(Along with their technical skills, the Dive Team and Marine Enforcement Detail provide support and closure to families in difficult times. Credit: Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office’s Facebook post.)
Latecia Breeden, recalling a devastating incident in the 1980s in which a diver entered the river and never resurfaced, noted: “There are holes beneath the surface that are swirling with debris and entire trees and large enough for a whole car to fit in. Very dangerous job. Stay safe! Thank you for your service to the community.”
Steve Covey, who says he served seven years as a DART diver, responded to Breeden’s comment, “We think about Ron every day. I lived the dangers of the waterways. Respect the river, wear your life jacket.”
These messages — raw, personal, and filled with both heartbreak and gratitude — underscore what the Dive Team provides that no statistic or budget line can capture: closure, dignity, and the return of loved ones to their families.
Yet despite the irreplaceable role this team plays, both the Dive Team and the Marine Enforcement Detail face potential elimination as Sacramento County enters budget discussions.
(The Dive Team and the Marine Enforcement Detail face potential elimination as Sacramento County enters budget discussions. Credit: Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office.)
Community members are raising their voices in response. Jeff Lundblad emphasized, “These guys do a great job in extremely difficult situations and should be fully funded.”
Kathy Anable added, “This team is invaluable to public safety, and their funding should be a high priority.”
Families who recently received closure are urging county leaders not to take this resource away.
The message from Sacramento County residents is unmistakable: when families are shattered by loss, the Dive Team steps into the dark and brings loved ones back home. Eliminating these highly specialized units would carry a human cost far beyond the financial one.
As budget decisions approach, community members are encouraged to share their support with the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.
Note: Quotes are from public posts on the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Names appear as originally posted.
If you’d like to add or correct anything in this report, feel free to reach out to me or leave a comment below. Have tips or story ideas from around Sacramento County? Send them to Sarah Denos at sarahkdenos@gmail.com.
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