"We are in an unique position to rebuild this agency"

The above quote is one of many made by Sheriff Mike Downey at a press conference and swear in ceremony that took place at 9 a.m. today. Only media present was Channel 3 and KAEF.

"It is very important that you all here today to honor these promotions," said Sheriff Downey. "It is monumental to have so many promotions at this time."

"Due to budgetary issues, which are nationwide, we are down to 220 employees." With the passage of Measure Z, " now we can deliver better service to Humboldt County. These promotions are a part of that movement."

He explained why he promoted each individual and said he had received positive feedback from the community.

" What is unique about the Lt. position of Kevin Miller is that we are returning that position to Mckinleyville. Kevin's position is not patrol oriented but community oriented. He will be going to meetings in the community; he will be meeting people coming into the office."

Introducing Lt. Young, Sheriff Downey said, "We were both truck drivers at one time." Lt. Young has been with HCSO for a long time and he assured Sheriff Downey that "he is committed to being here for a long time."

Lt. Young, in addition to his responsibilities overseeing HCSO staff in the criminal and civil courts will be in charge of Southern Humboldt.

Sheriff Downey said these promotions were only a part of the bigger changes coming in the future for HCSO. He said increased law enforcement is what voters wanted from Measure Z and that he is looking at anticipated income and seeing what changes he can make.

Speaking of the recent consolidation of the Sheriff's and Coroner's office, Sheriff Downey said he had put Sgt. Bryan Quenell in charge of that consolidation.

A swear in ceremony was held this morning for the HCSO employees recently promoted. Family members, HCSO staff, Pastor Andy Van Browse, Sheriff Downey, Undersheriff Billy Honsal, Supervisors Rex Bohn and Virginia Bass, Eureka Police Chief Andy Mills, District Attorney elect Maggie Fleming were among those who attended the event.

Previous release:

Sheriff Michael Downey is pleased to announce five new promotions within the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office due to recent vacancies. Effective 11-24-2014, two Sheriff’s Office Sergeants, Kevin Miller and Dennis Young, will be promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  Corporals Jesse Taylor, Justin Braud and Detective Samuel Williams will be promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Kevin Miller has been with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office for approximately 20 years and has worked a variety of assignments. He is currently a patrol sergeant and when he is promoted, he will be assigned to the re-established Northern Area Command. Lieutenant Miller will be responsible for all areas north of Eureka, including Orick, McKinleyville, Willow Creek, Hoopa, the Animal Shelter, the Airport and the contract cities of Blue Lake and Trinidad. Lieutenant Miller will be attending community meetings, tribal meetings and contract city meetings as the Sheriff’s representative.

Sergeant Dennis Young has been with the Sheriff’s Office for approximately 16 years and is currently the Sergeant in charge of the bailiffs, courthouse security and civil division. Lieutenant Young will be responsible for courthouse security, civil division, court security and all areas south of Eureka, including Loleta, Garberville, Bridgeville, Honeydew, Petrolia, Redway and Alderpoint. He will also be attending community meetings as the Sheriff’s representative.

Corporal Justin  (J.D.) Braud has approximately 12 years of law enforcement experience. He has worked for the Sheriff’s Office as well as Eureka Police Department.  Corporal Jesse Taylor has been with the Sheriff’s Office approximately 12 years. Detective Samuel Williams has been with the Sheriff’s Office approximately 13 years.  All three newly promoted Sergeants will be assigned to the patrol division of the Sheriff’s Office.