Carrying a Mac-11 semiautomatic pistol and semiautomatic rifle, Sheriff Lee Baca supervised the destruction of several tons of confiscated firearms at the metal melting facilities of TAMCO Steel, Rancho Cucamonga.
         TAMCO Steel refers to its weapons recycling program as “Project Isaiah,” a name taken from a passage of scripture referring to swords being beaten into plowshares.  This is the thirteenth year that TAMCO Steel has generously donated the services of its personnel and equipment to melt, cast and concert the confiscated weapons into steel reinforcement bars
(rebar).  California law mandates the destruction of weapons collected by the Sheriff’s Department before the tenth of July annually.
         “These weapons are an example of the firepower that law enforcement personnel throughout the nation face on a daily basis.  All these weapons will be melted into construction steel to become freeways, parks, hospitals and schools,” Sheriff Baca said.  “The destruction of these weapons, as with those from previous years, ensures that they will never be used to intimidate or harm anyone again,” Baca also said.
         This year, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and over 20 participating agencies were responsible for the destruction of over 6,000 rifles and handguns.  These confiscated weapons were each associated with criminal acts involving theft, narcotics, assault, fraud, robbery or instances of domestic violence perpetrated in Los Angeles County.
         TAMCO has processed tens of thousands of pounds of confiscated firearms from a variety of law enforcement agencies since “Project Isaiah” was started.  The guns confiscated and melted are ideal scrap metal for making rebar because of their typically high nickel and chrome content.  The recycled metal from this year’s disposal will be used for the expansion of the 210 Foothill Freeway, 22 Garden Grove Freeway and the Oakland Bay Bridge in San Francisco.
         Joining the Sheriff in support of the project was TAMCO Vice-President Jim Crompton, Chief Director Department of Toxic Substances Leonard Robinson and Rancho Cucamonga Mayor William Alexander.