Rick Bessinger was born and raised in the city of San Bernardino and has been a lifelong resident of San Bernardino County. Rick was interested in law enforcement at a young age and joined the volunteer explorer program at Central Station. He later became a reserve deputy sheriff and hired as a full-time deputy sheriff in 1997.

Rick’s law enforcement career began with his first custody assignment at West Valley Detention Center. Rick was later assigned to patrol operations at Hesperia Station. Following his promotion to detective, Rick worked assignments at Barstow Station and the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail. As a sergeant, Rick was assigned to High Desert Detention Center, Victorville Station, and the Homicide Detail. Rick was later assigned as the commander of the Internal Affairs Division as a lieutenant, and as a captain, he held command assignments at High Desert Detention Center and Victorville Station.

Rick holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management from Union Institute & University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy session #271, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute class #322 and holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training. He is a member of the California Police Officers Association, California State Sheriff’s Association, and the FBI National Academy Alumni.

Rick was promoted to Deputy Chief in January 2021 and served in an executive leadership capacity for Valley Patrol Bureau, Desert Patrol Bureau and Personnel/Emergency Services Bureau. In 2023, Rick was promoted to Assistant Sheriff and was responsible for the Operations Bureau.

Sheriff Shannon Dicus appointed Rick Undersheriff in August 2024.

Jeremy Martinez, Deputy Chief

Jeremy began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1998, graduating from the Frank Bland Regional Training Center, Academy Class 134. Jeremy has worked various assignments during his career, including the West Valley Detention Center, High Desert Detention Center, Barstow, Apple Valley, Victorville, Hesperia, and Victor Valley Patrol Stations, Gangs and Narcotics, Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team, and the Employee Resources Division.

Jeremy received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State University San Bernardino, holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, and is a member of several law enforcement associations.

Jeremy was promoted to Deputy Chief in April of 2024 by Sheriff Shannon Dicus and oversees the Special Operations Bureau.

John Wickum, Deputy Chief

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.

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.