John Wickum was raised in the city of Rancho Cucamonga and has been a lifelong resident of San Bernardino County. John became interested in law enforcement at a young age, joining the Sheriff’s Explorer program at Rancho Station in 1985. John began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1991, graduating from the Frank Bland Regional Training Academy class #103.

John has worked various assignments during his career, including Central Detention Center, Foothill Detention Center, West Valley Detention Center, Victor Valley Station, Narcotics Division, Specialized Enforcement Division, Apple Valley Station, High Desert Detention Center, and most recently the Captain for the Victorville City Station.

John holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He attended Chaffey College and California Coast University, Irvine. He is a member of many law enforcement organizations, serving on the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Rodeo board and he is currently the Liaison for the Sheriff’s Rangers.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted John to Deputy Chief in March 2024. John is currently assigned to the Detention and Corrections Support Bureau and the Court Services Division.

Steve Higgins, Interim Undersheriff

Steve Higgins was born in San Bernardino, graduated from Victor Valley High School in 1982 and later graduated from Victor Valley Community College with an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice. Steve has been married for 37 years, has three adult children and six grandchildren. Steve started his career with the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department in 1986. Upon graduating from the 87th Basic Academy, he was assigned to the Central Detention Center.

After working corrections, Steve worked patrol at the Apple Valley Station where he became the stations K9 handler. Steve was promoted to Detective and worked at the Rancho Cucamonga Station and Specialized Investigations Division where he was assigned to the Homicide Detail. He worked in corrections and the Narcotics/SWAT Division as a Sergeant and was responsible for Desert Communications (Dispatch), Training Center and the Bureau of Administration when he was a Lieutenant. As a Captain, Steve was in command of the Information Services Division, Victor Valley Station, Hesperia Station, and Bureau of Administration.

Steve continued his education and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University San Bernardino. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class #245, the Supervisory Leadership Program (SLI), the POST Executive Development Course and the Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP).

In 2014, Steve was promoted to Deputy Chief and was responsible for overseeing the Special Operations Bureau, and in 2017 Steve was promoted to Assistant Sheriff overseeing Criminal Operations and continued to work in this capacity until his retirement from regular service in 2020.

On February 24th, 2024, Sheriff Shannon Dicus appointed Steve Higgins as the Interim Undersheriff.

Garth Goodell, Deputy Chief

Garth Goodell began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1993 as a reserve deputy sheriff. He was hired full time in 1995 and attended the 120^th session of the Sheriff’s Basic Academy.

Garth’s law enforcement career began with his first custody assignment at West Valley Detention Center. He was later assigned to patrol operations at Morongo Basin, Chino Hills Station and Gangs / Narcotics. As a detective, he was assigned to Hesperia Station and the Specialized Enforcement Division. As a sergeant, Garth was assigned to Twin Peaks Station and Chino Hills Station. Following his promotion to lieutenant, Garth was assigned as the commander of the Centralized Classification Unit and later as the lieutenant for the Specialized Enforcement Division. As a captain, Garth has held command assignments at Employee Resources Division and Chino Hills Station.

Garth earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute and University and his Master of Business Administration from California Baptist University. He holds numerous professional certificates and memberships and is also a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy and the California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker School of Management.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted Garth to Deputy Chief in July 2023. As Deputy Chief, Garth is responsible for the Personnel and Emergency Services Bureau.