- Orange County Sheriff Jan 2023 to present
- Deputy Police Chief, Village of Montgomery
- Orange County Deputy Sheriff 1994-2020
- Promoted to Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain at OCSO
- OC Sheriff’s Office Correction Officer 1992-1994
- Former Deputy Supervisor, Town of Montgomery
- Founding member and three-term President OC Deputy Sheriff’s PBA
- Founding member and Commander OC DA/Sheriff’s Drug Task Force
- Member, FBI Safe Streets Task Force
- Numerous Awards from Federal, State and County agencies
- Graduate of FBI National Academy, 248th Session
- Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from USD
- Volunteer for Hudson Valley Honor Flight
- Volunteer at Newburgh Armory Unity Center
- County resident for more than three decades
- Married with three children
What motivated you to be a LEPSL ambassador?
I am passionate about advocating for higher education and promoting the positive experiences that the University of San Diego offers to prospective students.
Why did you choose the LEPSL program? What made LEPSL stand out in comparison to other schools/programs?
I chose the LEPSL program to challenge myself to achieve higher education goals. The LEPSL program stood out from the rest because it was recognized by the FBI National Academy as one of the top programs that law enforcement could achieve.
What were your concerns about starting a graduate program?
My main concern was going back to school being older, and organizing and structuring my responsibilities to allow time for academics.
How did the LEPSL program help you achieve your career goals?
After completion of the LEPSL program, I ran for Sheriff of the agency I worked for over 28 years and was elected Sheriff by an overwhelming majority of my County.
What advice would you give to someone to be a more effective leader?
To be a more effective leader one must put in the time and effort to challenge themselves with education and experience. Work hard to achieve your goals and never give up.
Did you have a favorite instructor?
Dr. Fritsvold was a fantastic instructor and mentor throughout the LEPSL program.
What were you balancing while participating in the LEPSL program?
When I began the LEPSL program I was the Captain of our Road Patrol of over 200 employees, husband and father of 3 great kids, 2 older and a 6 year old who was and is the boss of the house. After starting the program, we were introduced to COVID which drastically changed my work life and private life. While completing the program during this period I was juggling filling gaps where employees were restricted from coming to work and my mom becoming increasingly sicker with cancer. Out of the blue, my older brother had a stroke and died 08/31/20. It was a very difficult time period but I persevered and completed the program.
How did you stay motivated throughout the program in the face of competing priorities in your life?
I left space in my schedule each night after everyone went to sleep. I grew accustomed to staying up late and completing my work.
LEPSL Graduating Class:
2020