LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Tuesday Lake County's sheriff introduced three new deputies and administered their oath of office.
The swearing-in ceremony for Matt McCabe, Antonio Castellanos and Jose Martinez took place at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
“This is one of my favorite things to do as a sheriff,” said Martin of the opportunity to introduce the men to the community.
He said the three new deputies represent the result of an action the board took to create the deputy sheriff trainee classification.
That program allows current county employees to go through the six-month police academy at College of the Redwoods, paid for by the county, in order to become deputies, he said.
Martin said the sheriff's office has four people who have gone through that program.
In exchange, those deputies agree to stay and work for at least three years. Martin said he believes he can keep this group here longer.
McCabe and Castellanos were raised in Lake County, and had been in local law enforcement explorer programs – McCabe with the sheriff's office, Castellanos with the California Highway Patrol. Martinez moved to Lake County from the Los Angeles area, Martin said.
“They knew at an early age that they wanted to become involved in law enforcement, and they're living out their ambitions and their dreams,” Martin said.
Martin said McCabe was the top performer in his academy class, and was named the distinguished honor graduate.
Martin thanked the new deputies' families and friends for their support, noting that it's impossible to succeed in the academy without it.
“We're going to make a promise to you that we will take care of them, we'll provide them training, we'll give them opportunities and we'll provide them a challenging work environment,” Martin said.
He asked that the new deputies' friends and family remain supportive in the times ahead, as they work graveyards and holidays, and miss important events.
After Martin administered their oath, Board Chair Rob Brown noted the efforts made by fellow county employees – in the midst of short staffing – to cover extra work while the men went to the academy.
That extra effort “definitely doesn't go unnoticed by us,” Brown said.
Supervisor Jim Steele encouraged the new deputies to get involved with the Neighborhood Watch groups that have been forming around the county.
He said some deputies already have been connecting with the community through those programs, and it's having a positive impact.
“It's really good to see that kind of interaction,” and the community loves to see the deputies there, Steele said.
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