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.
