HomeMy WebLinkAbout022425 email - Comment for Feb 24 meeting re Interim Sheriff Selection (0002)ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
I am sending this email to comply with these instructions specified on your website: "If you would like to make a comment you may do so up to 9:00 AM on date of hearing. To send an email
that will reach all 3 Commissioners, email: JeffBoCC@co.jefferson.wa.us <mailto:JeffBoCC@co.jefferson.wa.us> ." The comment below is for the public record and I plan to present it during
the public comment portion of the meeting after 3:15 PM on February 24. Est. total time needed: is 2.5 minutes.
COMMENT
I’m David Tonkin a 20-year resident of Irondale. Last year I served on the Sheriff’s Office Citizens Advisory Committee. Today, when you consider who to select for Interim Sheriff you
have two choices.
1. Art Frank who has 43 years of extensive experience.
* Since January 2016 at JCSO, Art has been a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Chief Criminal Deputy, and Undersheriff.
* During 35 years at the Glendale PD, Art was a Patrol Officer, Training Officer, K-9 Officer, Detective, and on the SWAT and DUI Teams. Art received a Medal of Valor and a Medal of
Heroism.
* For six months Art ran the largest most complex criminal investigation in Los Angeles County leading local, state, and federal agencies. Over six years, with Art’s help, this resulted
in solving eleven murders and attempted murders, and taking 17 killers off the street.
* Famously, he led an investigation that correctly identified the guilty party and exonerated a man incarcerated pending trial for a home invasion murder charge.
* Steve Dickman, a 27-year Deputy DA for Los Angeles County said in 2021 that he never met a police officer more committed to doing what is right and what is fair than Art.
2. Andy Pernsteiner who has limited training, and for 26 years has been going through the ranks at the JCSO as a patrol deputy, patrol sergeant, & undersheriff. For the last 6 years
while Andy has served as the undersheriff the JCSO has failed to:
* Update the Commissioners’ approved strategic plan and complete the accreditation that was already 90% done.
* Properly utilize the Citizens Advisory Committee created by the BOCC per its bylaws.
* Follow essential community policing practices.
* Provide sufficient training for a possible mass shooting event.
Do you believe our county is best served by continuing to do what we've always done? Or does ethical stewardship of the public good require that you as the Board now select the nominee
most qualified to lead the Sheriff's office?
If you agree with me that it is your duty to appoint the most qualified candidate, then my recommendation and request is that you appoint Art Frank. He has the strength of character,
commitment to duty, and professional experience to improve the functioning of the Sheriff's office and mentor our officers to be the best public servants they can be.