This course provides the history, characteristics, structure, and dynamics of specific street gangs, prison gangs, motorcycle gangs, gang members and their associates. The course will also address officer safety issues and gang prosecution.
9:00am - 9:30am
10:00am - 10:30am
11:00am - 11:30am
1:00pm - 1:30pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
SEBA
10:00am - 10:30am
8:00am - 5:00pm
8:00am - 5:00pm
Frank Bland Regional Training Center
8:00am - 5:00pm
74-855 Country Club Drive
Michael Walker, Assistant Sheriff
Michael Walker is a lifelong resident of San Bernardino County and a United States Marine Corps veteran. He began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2005 and attended the 160th session of the Basic Academy.
Michael began his service as a deputy sheriff at the West Valley Detention Center and the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center. He was later assigned to patrol operations at the Big Bear Station and the Central Station. As a detective, he served at the Morongo Basin Station and in the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail.
As a sergeant, he was assigned to the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center, the Big Bear Station, and the Specialized Investigations Division. As a lieutenant, Michael served at the Morongo Basin Station and in the Professional Standards Division. As a captain, he commanded the Yucaipa Station and the Specialized Investigations Division. As a Deputy Chief, he oversaw the Valley/Mountain Patrol Bureau.
Michael holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, including the POST Management Certificate and POST Executive Development Course. He is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the California Homicide Investigators Association, the National School Resource Officers Association, the California Tactical Officers Association, and the California Narcotics Officers Association.
Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Michael to Assistant Sheriff in May 2026. In this role, he oversees the Criminal Operations Bureau, which includes all patrol operations, the Specialized Investigations and Enforcement Divisions, and the Emergency Operations Division.
Ryan Collins, Deputy Chief
Ryan Collins has served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for more than twenty years and is a lifelong resident of the county. He began preparing early for a career in law enforcement as an Explorer Scout with the Redlands Police Department. He later completed academic studies in criminal justice at California State University, San Bernardino, along with additional coursework at regional colleges. Ryan was hired by the Sheriff’s Department and graduated from the Frank Bland Regional Training Center in 1999 as a member of Class 137.
Throughout his career, Ryan has served as a deputy, detective, and sergeant at the Highland, Victorville, and Big Bear stations, as well as in the Specialized Enforcement Division. As a lieutenant, he worked at both the West Valley Detention Center and the Big Bear Station.
Ryan has held several command roles within the department. As a captain, he led the Gangs/Narcotics Division, developed crime-suppression initiatives such as Operation Consequences and Operation Smash and Grab, and served as Chairman of the Inland Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team within the Los Angeles High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. He also held command assignments at the Central Station and with the Mobile Field Force.
Community relations remain central to Ryan’s leadership approach. He has strengthened partnerships with local tribal governments, represented the Sheriff’s Department on the State of California PL280 Advisory Council, spoken at community events and city meetings, and served as a panel speaker at the annual Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) conference. His public communication, outreach efforts, and involvement in department-sponsored events reflect his ongoing commitment to fostering trust within the communities he serves.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted Ryan to Deputy Chief in May 2026. He is currently assigned to the Detention and Corrections Support Bureau.
Ryan Smith, Deputy Chief
Ryan Smith is a longtime resident of San Bernardino County and began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2005, graduating from the 161st session of the Basic Academy.
Ryan began his career as a deputy sheriff at the High Desert Detention Center and later served in patrol assignments in Adelanto, Barstow, Baker, and Hesperia. Following his promotion to detective in 2012, he served at the Barstow Station and in the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children and Homicide Details. As a sergeant, Ryan was assigned to the West Valley Detention Center, Hesperia Station, and the Homicide Detail. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2020 and served at the Coroner Division, where he helped lead operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, and later at the Victor Valley Station.
Ryan was promoted to captain in 2024 and assigned to the Employee Resources Division, where he oversaw countywide recruitment, background investigations, and hiring operations. He later returned to the Victor Valley Station as captain. Ryan has served as a Department Mobile Field Force captain and Captain-at-Large on the Sheriff’s Safety Accident Review Board.
Ryan earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts from Victor Valley College, a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of La Verne, and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Leadership and Administration from Arizona State University. He holds numerous certificates through the State of California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST), to include a POST Management and Executive Development certificates. Ryan has also graduated the FBI National Academy, Session 287.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted Ryan to Deputy Chief in May 2026. He currently oversees the Valley/Mountain Patrol Bureau.
Mike Martinez, Deputy Chief
Mike Martinez is a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, born and raised in San Bernardino, California. He has proudly served with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department since 1997 and attended the 128th session of the Basic Academy. From the beginning of his career, his service has been grounded in a commitment to community, leadership, and professional excellence.
Mike began his law enforcement career as a deputy sheriff assigned to the West Valley Detention Center and Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center before transitioning to patrol at Fontana Station. He was subsequently assigned to the Specialized Investigations Division’s Valley Gang Team. As a detective, Mike joined the Special Enforcement Division, where he was selected to serve on the FBI’s San Bernardino Safe Streets Gang Task Force and as a member of the Sheriff’s Department S.W.A.T. team.
Promoted to Sergeant, Mike served at Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center and later joined the Corrections Standards and Operations Division (CSOD), where he supervised the Centralized Classification Unit. He was subsequently assigned to the Gangs and Narcotics Division, where he oversaw narcotics teams, the Valley Gang Team, and the multi-agency Gang Intelligence Team, a regional task force consisting of personnel from local, state, and federal agencies.
Throughout his career, Mike has developed extensive expertise in the investigation and enforcement of criminal street gang activity. He is recognized throughout the law enforcement community as a leading expert in criminal street gangs. Since 2011, he has served as an Advisory Board Member of the California Gang Task Force.
As a Lieutenant, Mike served at both the West Valley Detention Center and Central Detention Center, contributing to the leadership and operational management of two major custody facilities. Following his promotion to Captain, he commanded the Central Detention Center and later the West Valley Detention Center.
In May 2026, Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Mike to Deputy Chief. He currently serves as the Deputy Chief over the Detention and Corrections Bureau, where he oversees bureau operations and continues to advance the mission of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department while supporting the communities it serves.
Timothy Visosky, Deputy Chief
As a deputy, Visosky was assigned to the West Valley Detention Center and the Apple Valley Station, gaining experience in both custody and patrol operations. He later promoted to detective and served in the Narcotics Division and the Specialized Enforcement Division (SED), where he gained extensive experience in narcotics investigations, specialized enforcement, and tactical operations.
After promoting to sergeant, Visosky served at the High Desert Detention Center, Victor Valley Station, and the Specialized Enforcement Division, including assignments involving SWAT and specialized tactical operations. Upon promotion to lieutenant, Visosky was initially assigned to the Specialized Enforcement Division, where he helped oversee SWAT and other specialized enforcement operations. He was subsequently assigned to Victorville, where he gained additional command and operational experience.
Visosky later promoted to captain and served as the Commander of the Scientific Investigations Division. He was subsequently selected to serve as the Captain and Chief of Police for the Town of Apple Valley, where he was responsible for the overall delivery of law enforcement services to the community, including patrol, investigations, traffic enforcement, gang enforcement, community programs, personnel management, and fiscal oversight.
In 2026, Visosky promoted to Deputy Chief and was assigned to command the Special Operations Bureau. In this role, he oversees Gangs/Narcotics, Specialized Investigations, and the Specialized Enforcement Division. These areas encompass gang and narcotics enforcement, homicide and crimes against children investigations, SWAT and other specialized tactical operations, and some of the Department’s most complex investigative and
enforcement responsibilities.
Visosky holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, San Bernardino. His executive and professional development includes the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) Senior
Management Institute for Police (SMIP), Class 99; Executive Development
Course; California Police Chiefs Association Foundations of Executive Leadership in Policing; POST Police Budget Academy; POST Management Course; Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (Class 413); and the POST Supervisory Course.
Ernie Perez, Assistant Sheriff
Ernie Perez is a lifelong resident of the Inland Empire, born in San Bernardino and raised in Grand Terrace, California. He was hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1995 and attended the 120th session of the Basic Academy.
Ernie began his career as a deputy sheriff at the West Valley Detention Center before serving in patrol operations at Central Station. He later worked as an instructor at the Frank Bland Regional Training Center, teaching both the basic academy and firearms range. As a detective, he was assigned to the Narcotics Division.
Throughout his career as a sergeant and lieutenant, Ernie served in custody, narcotics, and patrol assignments, including the West Valley Detention Center, Narcotics Division, and Rancho Cucamonga Patrol Station. As a captain, he commanded both the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center and the Rancho Cucamonga Patrol Station.
Ernie holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, Fullerton. He has completed numerous POST leadership programs, including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (Class #357) and the Management and Executive Development Course. He is also a graduate of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership Regional Leadership Academy and the San Bernardino County Management and Leadership Academy’s Executive Development Program.
In March 2023, Ernie was promoted to Deputy Chief, overseeing the Administration and Planning Bureau, Desert Patrol Bureau, and Valley/Mountains Patrol Bureau. In October 2025, Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted him to Assistant Sheriff. Ernie currently oversees the Department’s Support Operations.
Edward Bachman, Deputy Chief
Edward Bachman is a long-term resident of San Bernardino County. He began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2002 and attended the 150th session of the Basic Academy.
Edward began his career as a deputy sheriff at the West Valley Detention Center and later at the Apple Valley Station. As a detective, he was assigned to the Apple Valley Station and the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail. As a sergeant, he served at the High Desert Detention Center, Apple Valley Station, and the Professional Standards Division – Internal Affairs Unit. As a lieutenant, he was assigned to the Professional Standards Division – Internal Affairs Unit and the Victorville Station. As a captain, Edward served as the commander of the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center and the Information Services Division.
Edward holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, including his POST Management Certificate. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from California Coast University and a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from California Baptist University. He is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Class 420, and the Executive Leadership Institute at Claremont Graduate University, Drucker School of Management, Class 8. Edward is a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the California Police Chiefs Association.
Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Edward to Deputy Chief in November of 2025. As Deputy Chief, he oversees the Field Support Services Bureau, which includes the Information Services Division, Coroner/Public Administrator Division, and the Scientific Investigations Division.
Bio coming soon.
Randy German is a long-term resident of San Bernardino County. He began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 2000 and attended the 140th session of the Basic Academy.
Randy began his career as a deputy sheriff at the West Valley Detention Center and later at the Victor Valley Station. As a detective, he was assigned to Victorville Station and the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail. As a sergeant, Randy served at Victorville Station. As a lieutenant, he was assigned to the West Valley Detention Center, Apple Valley Station, and the Bureau of Administration. As captain, Randy served as the commander of the Frank Bland Regional Training Center and Victorville Station.
Randy holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training, including his POST Management Certificate. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.
Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Randy to Deputy Chief in May 2025. As Deputy Chief, he oversees the Desert Patrol Bureau.
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.
Robert Trostle began his law enforcement career in 1999 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where he was assigned to the Twin Towers Correctional Facility. In 2005, he joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, and his first assignment was at the West Valley Detention Center, followed by patrol duties at the Rancho Cucamonga Station.
Robert held a variety of assignments across the department, including investigative assignments in Internal Affairs and the Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail, as well as supervisory roles at the Central and Victor Valley Stations. He served in leadership roles at the Bureau of Administration, Specialized Investigations Division, and West Valley Detention Center. He holds an Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from Chaffey College and has completed numerous professional development programs, including the POST Executive Development Course and the Management & Leadership Academy – Executive Development Program.
Robert is very involved with the Sheriff’s Employees Benefit Association (SEBA) and has served in multiple elected and appointed leadership roles, including Station Director, Trustee, Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Peace Officer Relief Fund. He has provided leadership and guidance in labor, compensation, and benefits negotiations and remains actively involved with the association. Robert has served as a Director for the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Foundation since 2015 and served as a Trustee and Investment Committee Member for the PORAC Insurance and Benefits Trust.
In March 2024, Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted Robert to Deputy Chief, initially assigning him to oversee the Detentions and Corrections Bureau. He currently oversees operations within the Personnel and Training Bureau.
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.
Shelley Krusbe was raised in the city of San Bernardino and remains a resident of San Bernardino County. She began her career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as a Level II Reserve Deputy at the Colorado River Station. She attended the 133rd Basic Academy at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Regional Training Center, graduating in December 1998.
Throughout her career, Shelley has worked assignments in Corrections, Patrol, Gangs, Training, Narcotics, Internal Affairs and Specialized Investigations. Most recently, she was assigned as the Captain of the Victor Valley Station and the Specialized Investigations Division, overseeing the department’s Homicide, Crimes Against Children and Polygraph divisions.
Shelley has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master of Public Administration / Organizational Leadership degree from National University. She holds numerous certificates through the State of California’s Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) and is a graduate of the California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Drucker and the IEEP Regional Leadership Academy.
Shelley was promoted to Deputy Chief in July 2021 and oversees the Administration/Planning Bureau.
The collective group of department administrators at the rank of Sheriff, Undersheriff, and two Assistant Sheriffs.
Richard D. Luczak serves as a Sheriff’s Department Human Resources Legal Adviser, advising on labor and employment issues and representing the department in grievances, arbitrations, administrative hearings and court proceedings. He is also a member of the San Bernardino County Counsel’s Litigation Unit, representing the County and its employees in state and federal court.
Mr. Luczak received his A.B. in English from the University of California at Berkeley, followed by his J.D. from Loyola Law School. He is admitted to practice law in California and the District of Columbia, and all federal district and appellate courts for those jurisdictions. Prior to joining the San Bernardino County Counsel’s Office, Mr. Luczak worked as a Deputy City Attorney for San Bernardino, as well as an associate attorney at Arias, Lockwood & Gray and Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith.
Executive Officer Jerry Gutierrez is responsible for the Support and Administrative Operations within the Corrections Bureau.
Prior to joining the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Jerry served as Assistant Sheriff overseeing the Corrections Division with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He brings over 30 years of experience in the field of Corrections, including supervisory, management, and executive positions. He has served on executive steering committees and workgroups for the California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) to assist with Adult Titles 15 and 24 Regulations and with standards and training for local correctional officers.
Jerry holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.
Assistant Sheriff Sam Fisk began his career with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1989, as a Sheriff’s Explorer at the Fontana Sheriff’s Station. At the age of 21, he became a Reserve Deputy Sheriff assigned to Central Station on patrol. In 1994, Sam attended the 117th Academy Session and graduated from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Basic Academy. Over the next 23 years, he has had the opportunity to work assignments throughout the county. Some of his work assignments include Corrections, Patrol, the Sheriff’s Training Center, Scientific Investigations Division (Crime Lab), Sheriff’s Homicide, Internal Affairs, and the Sheriff’s Bureau of Administration.
Sam earned an Associates of Arts degree from San Bernardino Valley College and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from Bellevue University. In 2017, Sam attended and graduated from the 268th Session of the FBI National Academy. He holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training and is a member of the California Police Officers Association, California State Sheriff’s Association, and the FBI National Academy Alumni Association.
Throughout Sam’s career he has been active in various community organizations. For 15 years, he has been involved in Boy Scouts of America at the local and district level.
In 2016, Sam was appointed the Chairman of the Executive Board for the Seven Points, INC. Seven Points INC. produces the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo, a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association sponsored rodeo. The Sheriff’s PRCA Rodeo donates thousands of dollars to youth and volunteer organizations annually.
In 2018, Sam was promoted to Deputy Chief assigned to oversee the Detentions and Correction Bureau.
On August 14, 2021, Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Sam to Assistant Sheriff. Sam currently oversees Criminal Operations and the Public Affairs Division.
Sam is a life-long resident of San Bernardino County and grew up in Colton, CA.
Trevis Newport was raised in the Redlands / Yucaipa areas and always had a passion for serving others. Trevis joined the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department at the age of 14, when he entered the Explorer program at the Yucaipa Station. He graduated from Redlands High School in 1996 and later became a deputy sheriff, graduating the 137th Basic Academy Session in 1999.
Trevis began his career as a deputy sheriff in the Detentions/Corrections Bureau and worked at West Valley Detention, Central Detention and the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Centers. He had an opportunity to work several patrol and investigative assignments; to include the Morongo Basin, Twin Peaks and Yucaipa patrol stations. Trevis also had an opportunity to work several high-profile homicide cases, while assigned as a detective and sergeant in the department’s Specialized Investigations Division.
Trevis worked as a lieutenant in the department’s Bureau of Administration and was the captain of the Morongo Basin Station. While in his management role, Trevis graduated from 85th session of the Police Executive Research Foundation’s Senior Management Institute for Police, as well as the Executive Leadership Institute at Claremont College. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Workforce Education and Development, a Master of Public Administration, with a Public Financial Management concentration, and a Juris Doctor. He holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Police Officers Standards and Training and is a member of the California Police Officers Association, California State Sheriff’s Association, National Tactical Officer’s Association, California Tactical Officer’s Association and the Police Executive Research Forum.
Trevis was promoted to Deputy Chief in April of 2020 and assigned to oversee the Special Operations and the Detention and Corrections Bureaus.
In March of 2024, Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus promoted Trevis to Assistant Sheriff. Trevis currently oversees Support Operations, which includes the Corrections Bureau and the Personnel/Training Bureau.
Sarkis Ohannessian was born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon. At a young age, he experienced firsthand the devastation caused by the civil war. At the age of 15, he immigrated to the United States and attended high school in Los Angeles. At the age of 19, he joined Los Angeles Police Department’s Reserve Corp, and in 1997, became a deputy with the San Bernardino County Marshal’s Office. In 1999, the Marshal’s Office merged with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, where Sarkis worked his way up the ranks. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Organizational Leadership. He is an Adjunct Professor and holds several POST Leadership certifications.
Sarkis served as a deputy sheriff in the City of Rancho Cucamonga. He also worked as an undercover narcotics detective before promoting to sergeant. After working Corrections, Patrol, and Narcotics as a Supervisor, Sarkis promoted to lieutenant and was tasked to oversee the Civil Enforcement Unit. He also served as the Public Affairs Commander before promoting to captain. As the captain of Information Services Division, Sarkis oversaw the Sheriff’s 911 Dispatch Operations, Technical Services and Records Divisions.
Sheriff John McMahon promoted Sarkis to deputy chief in January of 2021.
Sarkis is currently in charge of the department’s Special Operations Bureau.
John Ades was raised in the small mountain communities of Coarsegold / Oakhurst just outside the South gate of Yosemite National Park. After graduating from Yosemite High School, John joined the United State Army Military Police Corps. Over his eight years in the Army, John was stationed at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, Fort Clayton, Panama and Fort Irwin, California. After leaving the military, John was hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, attended the 146th session of the Sheriff’s Academy, graduating as the class sergeant and honor graduate.
John began his career at the West Valley Detention Center later transferring to the Hesperia Station where he completed his Field Training program. Following his promotion to detective John was transferred to the Victor Valley Station and then later to the Specialized Enforcement Division. Upon promoting to sergeant John was assigned to the High Desert Detention Center, the Victor Valley Station, and the Specialized Enforcement Division. As a lieutenant John was assigned to the Specialized Enforcement Division and the Apple Valley Station and then later served as the captain of the Bureau of Administration.
John holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). He is also an instructor at the POST Supervisory Course teaching Team Building, the Tactical Side of Critical Incidents and Followership to newly promoted sergeants from law enforcement agencies throughout the state. John is a member of the California Peace Officers Association, the California Association of Tactical Officers, and the National Tactical Officers Association.
In July of 2021, Sheriff John McMahon promoted John to Deputy Chief. In this role, John was responsible for the Administration and Planning Bureau which includes the Bureau of Administration, Capital Improvements, Field Support and Automotive Services.
In January of 2023, Sheriff Shannon Dicus promoted John to Assistant Sheriff. As Assistant Sheriff, John is responsible for overseeing Criminal Operations, and all Patrol and Specialized divisions.
Undersheriff Horace Boatwright is the oldest of five siblings and grew up in the small city of Bennettsville, South Carolina. Growing up during an era where disparities in opportunity and inequality were the norm, Horace knew how important an education was in expanding his horizon. He graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Air Force. During his eight years in the military, Horace served across the United States and overseas, learning to appreciate diverse people and cultures.
After completing his military service, Horace completed the 101st session of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Basic Academy as the honor graduate. Horace’s respect for education continued into his professional career. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management and a Master of Arts degree in Public Administration. Horace is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the IEEP Regional Leadership Academy.
During his 30-year career, Horace has worked in the Corrections Bureau, Employee Resources Division, Patrol Bureau – Rancho Cucamonga Station, Central Station, Fontana Station, and the Public Affairs Division. Before being promoted to Undersheriff, Horace served as the Deputy Chief of the Valley/Mountain Patrol Bureau, overseeing eight patrol stations’ police services and as Assistant Sheriff responsible for the department’s Criminal Operations.
Horace also serves on the department’s Equal Employment Opportunity Committee (EEOC). Horace works to foster a workplace that is welcoming and open to all.
Horace was promoted to Undersheriff by Sheriff Shannon D. Dicus on August 14, 2021.
Undersheriff Shannon Dicus was raised in a law-enforcement family and has lived in San Bernardino County for over 40 years. In High School, U/S Dicus was a Sheriff’s Explorer Scout. After graduating, He enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division where he served as a Military Police Officer at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and Sinai, Egypt.
After his tour of service in the Military, U/S Dicus worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs Police Department in Loma Linda. U/S Dicus was hired by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in 1991 and he attended the Frank Bland Training Center, 106th Basic Academy session.
U/S Dicus has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State San Bernardino and a Master’s Degree in Communications from Cal Baptist University.
Notable project was the “Jail Utilization Study” done in partnership with CalForward to determine the effects of prison realignment and recidivism in our jails.
U/S oversees the day to day operations of the Department, as well as the Internal Affairs Division, Civil Liabilities Division and Bureau of Administration Division.
U/S Dicus past assignments include: Corrections– Glen Helen Rehabilitation and West Valley Detention Centers. Patrol– Barstow Station, Apple Valley, Victorville City, and Victor Valley Stations. Specialized Investigations– Narcotics, SWAT, and Criminal Intelligence. Support Services– Technical Services, Communications, Records, and the Bureau of Administration. As Assistant Sheriff, US Dicus was responsible to the Sheriff for Support Operations, and supervises three Deputy Chiefs, the Public Affairs Lieutenant and the Legislative Liaison who oversee the Corrections Bureau, Court Security, Crime Lab, Coroner, Employee Resources, Sheriff’s Academy, Public Affairs, and local law enforcement legislative efforts.
