Mele Reorganizes Sheriff Department’s Staff

Sonora, CA — With the loss of the Under Sheriff position, Sheriff Jim Mele has reorganized his staff with a number of significant changes.

Mele´s staff now includes two captains, Mike Bailey and Keith Lunney. Bailey will serve as the Chief Deputy Coroner and be responsible for the Civil/Coroner Division, Court Security, Communications, Records and the newly formed Professional Standards Unit. Lunney will head up the Operations Bureau which includes Patrol, Investigations and the County Jail.

Within those bureaus all four lieutanants will be taking on additional responsibilities. George Ruckman will command the patrol force of 34 officers including six sergeants, six corporals and 22 deputies.

Lt. Roger Dittberner will continue to oversee the investigations division.

Lt. Dan Bressler will be charged with the Professional Standards Unit, maintaining internal affairs, recruitment and retention, training, and he will also deal with the media.

The final lieutenant, J.P. Jones, will maintain command of the Jail.

Written by Bill Johnson