HomeMy WebLinkAbout022425 - Correspondence re: Interim Sheriff Selection Sac( Ab& Ce ,.,f-
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Comment on 2/24/25 to BOCC re 2025 Interim Sheriff Selection
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 44 years of extensive experience.
o Since January 2016 at JCSO,Art has been a Patrol Deputy, Detective, Chief
Criminal Deputy, and Undersheriff.
o 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.
o 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.
o Famously,he led an investigation that correctly identified the guilty party and
exonerated a man incarcerated pending trial for a home invasion murder charge.
o Steve Dickman,a 27-year Los Angeles County Deputy DA 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:
o Update the Commissioners'approved strategic plan and complete the
accreditation that was already 90%done.
o Properly utilize the Citizens Advisory Committee created by the BOCC per its
bylaws.
o Follow essential community policing practices.
o 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 Sheriffs office?Stability does not guarantee
effectiveness.
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 Sheriffs office and mentor our officers to be the best public servants they can be.