On the Front Lines
I’ve always worn the uniform, because I swore to protect and defend my community, not from behind a desk but on the front lines of law enforcement. After serving on active duty for nine years as an MP in the
United States Air Force, I served in the ranks of the
California Highway Patrol for more than 26 years. I’ve patrolled our communities, led drug interdiction efforts, investigated theft and robbery, led the efforts to reduce the murder rate in some of California’s toughest neighborhoods, and developed modern command structures in order to expand law enforcement resources in the face of shrinking budgets.
I worked hard to protect and expand
California’s AMBER Alert system. As the Chief responsible for managing the allocation of California’s $46 million in federal grants, I helped to make our AMBER Alert system better and increased the system’s effectiveness by lowering response times when a child was missing or abducted. During my watch, every abducted child was recovered.
Disaster Preparedness
In addition to leading three field offices in El Dorado County and 16 offices throughout 12 other counties, I previously oversaw the California Statewide Warning Center where we coordinated operations in response to disasters including wildfires, floods, earthquakes, hazardous materials exposure, and search-and-rescue operations.
Leading Law Enforcement
As a Chief for more than 1,100 officers and employees, my division (which included El Dorado County) was responsible for general law enforcement activities and investigation. Last year, I was able to add dozens of additional officers in El Dorado County. My previous assignment was Chief of the Enforcement Services Division for statewide programs which included drug interdiction, narcotic and explosive K-9 training and deployment, bio-terrorism prevention, protecting the public against hazardous materials, undercover operations, and aerial operations.
Strengthening Budgets
I’ve always tried to maximize efforts. As a Chief, I supervised 1,100 officers and employees, and administered a budget of more than $200 million. But I also worked to augment State funding with grants (both Federal and private) which enabled my division to expand programs substantially. We expanded search and rescue, K-9 deployment, weaponry and equipment, personnel training, and recruitment. It’s a way in which El Dorado County’s Sheriff’s Department can increase it’s budget without burdening taxpayers while at the same time expanding the services and protections that I would hope you demand of me as your Sheriff.
Training*
I believe in ongoing education for officers and command staff. Throughout my career I’ve not only studied our criminal justice system, but I’ve continually worked to hone my tactical and leadership skills – whether at the FBI’s National Academy, through POST, or leading officers on the front lines of our community.
Memberships*