LAKEPORT, Calif. – A week after he took his own oath of office before the Board of Supervisors, Lake County's new sheriff introduced five new deputies and held a swearing-in at Tuesday's board meeting.

Sheriff Brian Martin introduced the new ceremony on Tuesday morning.

Taking their oaths on Tuesday were deputies Jason Koran, Jason Pisaro, Victor Rico, Shamus Stafford and Stephen Tong.

The sheriff noted that all of the men previously had taken their oaths before starting work, but that this was a ceremonial occasion.

Martin presented the five men to the board and explained the efforts each of them had made to become deputies, emphasizing the challenging aspects of making it into law enforcement.

“It's a long road,” Martin said, explaining that less than 5 percent of those who submit a job application actually make it through the process.

Between application and hire there is written testing, an oral interview, a thorough background check, psychological screening and a medical evaluation, Martin said.

Even after hiring, Martin said some new deputies wash out due to on-the-job training.

“We have a pretty intensive training program,” which Martin said includes four months on the street with a field training officer, along with additional firearms and Taser training.

“It's a long way to go and it's a big part of these guys' lives. And this to me is a very important part of the process of getting involved in law enforcement, is to be sworn in publicly and recognized, and that's why I'm doing this,” Martin said.

He thanked the many people who showed up that morning to show their support for the deputies. Family members, friends and fellow law enforcement officers filled the supervisors' chambers.

Martin also thanked the group for being a support network for the new deputies, noting they have a lot of long hours and learning still ahead.

“There's some sentiment in parts of our country that people are unhappy with law enforcement,” Martin said. “But I see here in Lake County that we appreciate our law enforcement. Our local law enforcement does a very good job of serving our community and I expect these guys to continue that tradition.”

Martin said professionalism, competence and leadership would be expected of the new deputies, just as it is from all of the deputies in the agency.

“In exchange for that we're going to provide them a supportive work environment and make sure that they develop to their fullest potential,” said Martin, who then administered the oath of office to the five men.

Board Chair Anthony Farrington thanked the sheriff for the ceremony, saying it was good to take time out to recognize the deputies. He added there always will be time on the agenda for such recognition.

“I don't remember us ever doing this,” said Supervisor Rob Brown, who called it “a big deal.”

He welcomed and congratulated the men for making the commitment, and thanked their families as well, noting, “It's definitely a family undertaking.”

Supervisor Jim Comstock told the group, “You're taken a major step,” adding his support and respect for law enforcement.

Supervisor Jeff Smith thanked the new deputies, and also thanked Martin for conducting the swearing-in, noting that law enforcement officers don't get enough thanks for what they do.

“You guys are going to go out there and you're hear from a lot of people who don't appreciate you and it's really nice you hear from someone who does,” said Supervisor Jim Steele. “This whole county really appreciates you being here.”

Steele added that Lake County is the best in the state. “You're going to hear from folks that don't appreciate the fact that you're trying to keep it that way.”

To point out how important the ceremony was, Martin said Deputy Tong's family came from Virginia – 3,000 miles away – to see him take his oath.

Martin tried to sneak Tong's family in the back door, but he said Tong is such a good deputy that he spotted them.

Martin told Lake County News on Wednesday that the ceremonial swearing-in ceremony before the Board of Supervisors will be a continuing practice under his administration.

“Taking the oath of office is a legal requirement as well as a symbolic commitment to the values, duties and obligations assumed by peace officers,” he said. “It is one of the most important things that happens in any law enforcement officer's career, and for me, it is important to introduce our new deputies and correctional officers to the community they will be serving.”

He added, “As well as being important to me, I feel that it is important for our community, our staff, and the friends and family of these new employees.”

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.