Early Life
I was born at St. Vincent Hospital in Los Angeles, the younger of two children in a family proud of its Irish immigrant heritage.
My early years were spent near Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue. At age three, following my mother’s passing from breast cancer, my father, brother, and I moved to Whittier to live with family.
I attended St. Mary’s Catholic School through eighth grade
and graduated from Whittier High School. While studying at
Rio Hondo Community College, I worked delivering auto parts for Whittier Auto Supply. In my early twenties, I was employed
as a Teamster, working as a warehouseman and delivery driver.
Inspired by my father’s lifelong public service from the Army Corps of Engineers in WWII to careers with the Orange County Probation Office, California Department of Parole, and California Youth Authority I pursued a path in law enforcement. In 1985,
I joined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department as a member of Academy Class 228.
Served Proudly For Over 39 Years
I hold a Bachelor of Science degree and numerous specialized law enforcement training certifications. Over nearly four decades of service, I have built a career centered on integrity, accountability, and community trust.
I spent 15 years at the Special Enforcement Bureau on both K9 and SWAT. I had the privilege to work with and learn from the finest. And I was fortunate to work in every corner and community in our great county. My life has been guided by resilience, service, and commitment to others, values I will continue to uphold as Sheriff of Los Angeles County.
