Sheriff Mike Carona's Resignation Message
Posted by: Jubal | 01/14/2008 6:59 AM
This resignation message from OC Sheriff Mike Carona was posted on The Sheriff's Blog a few minutes ago. It's interesting that Undersheriff JoAnn Galinsky declined Carona's offer to run the department while the Board of Supes searches for a replacement; that role will now fall to Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, who has express interest in being appointed to the top job:For over three decades, I have been proud to serve the residents of Orange County as a law enforcement officer. For the past nine years, as the elected Sheriff of Orange County, I have had the privilege of leading the men and women of what I believe to be one of the finest law enforcement organizations in the country.
During my tenure as Sheriff, the Orange County Sheriff's Department has continued to provide outstanding police services to our contract cities---several of which are recognized as among California's safest communities. We continue to implement innovative programs throughout our department such as the highly effective Immigration and Customs Enforcement 287(g) program, the Orange County Re-entry Partnership to reduce recidivism, and the Sheriff's Community Coalition Program which provides broad based community feedback to the Sheriff and members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Our Forensics Services Division is a nationally recognized leader, particularly in the field of DNA technology. In addition to managing the 8th largest jail system in America, our Terrorism Early Warning Group, state-of-the art Coroner training facilities and Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy have added important dimensions to our capabilities and effectiveness and serve as models for other law enforcement agencies around the country.
Over the past few weeks it has become clear to me that the interests of the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the residents of Orange County would be best served if I am not distracted from my duties while defending the charges recently brought against me by the federal government. As a consequence, I have worked closely with my staff to assure that my departure from the Orange County Sheriff Department will not materially disrupt its operations or the very capable leadership structure that I have been privileged to work with over the years. Undersheriff Galisky, the Assistant Sheriffs and the more than 4000 members of the Orange County Sheriff's Department have responded to this challenge with the level of deep commitment and excellent service which the residents of this county have come to expect and enjoy.
With a heavy heart, I therefore announce my retirement as Sheriff, effective today. Although this is one of the most difficult decisions I have ever made, my family, my staff and my lawyers all believe that this is the right time to take my retirement. This action will permit me to focus on vindicating my name and refuting the false charges which have been made against me and my wife.
I have asked Undersheriff JoAnn Galisky to fulfill my duties of Sheriff until a successor is appointed by the Board of Supervisors following a thoughtful candidate search. Undersheriff Galisky respectfully declined due to personal commitments she must attend to. Therefore, in an effort to restructure management and ensure continuity I have returned JoAnn Galisky to the rank of Assistant Sheriff and I thanked Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini for his years of service and released him from his commitments to the organization.Finally, I have appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson appointed Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson as the second in command and the Chief of Staff.
Assistant Sheriff Anderson has a long and distinguished career in the Orange County Sheriff's Department and is one of our most respected members. I am confident that I leave the Orange County Sheriff's Department knowing that it is in very capable hands.
I wish my successor as Sheriff, and the people of this great county the very best. It has been an honor and privilege to serve. I hope that when my current legal circumstances are behind me, I will have another opportunity to serve our community.
CATEGORY:
Mike Carona
Mr. Ayer registered as a Republican to be electable in an interim election with no incumbents. He did...
Jaramillo finally gets even.
The manuvering begins.The Sups are not going to appoint Galinski. Anderson is a Corona loyalist who I hear stumped San Clemente City Council in uniform. Walters endorsed Corona after knowing what he knew. Martin loves LA. Hunt was the runner up in the last election. I will take Hunt.
I hope the Board votes for Bill Hunt. He is now fully vindicated with Carona having resigned and would be a good choice to help heal the Department.
I dunno Allan. A lot of people around here resent the guy. The Supes will not appoint Hunt (maybe in a deal to drop his lawsuit? Hmmm.);so he'll have to run again later, possibly against a different "incumbent."
Whoever gets the appointment, morale is bound to go up.
Hey RP. Don't know why they would resent the guy. Even so that might not be a bad thing. I'm sure the lawsuit will go away now that Hunt apparently has the high ground as far as Corona is concerned.
"Don't know why they would resent the guy"
Rocket, apparently you haven't read some of the stuff posted on this blog by the Caronistas over the years. And I think some folks resent him for publicly saying what everybody else was thinking.
"I'm sure the lawsuit will go away now that Hunt apparently has the high ground as far as Corona is concerned."
Wanna bet?
This will be a tough call for the Board. It may appoint somebody who does not have any current or past connection to the Department. This would demonstrate to the public that the Board is serious about real change and a fresh start.
Hunt appointed Sheriff??? Have you seen the eighteen (18) page summary outlining his work behavior that lead to his demotion to beat cop? Wow, imagine that it took eighteen pages to summarize Hunt's failings as a manager that lead to his demise. Hunt filed a legal claim against the County behind his demotion and I hear a copy of the entire disciplinary summary is available at the court or through the county legal offices.
Maybe Hunt should present a copy of the summary to the Board of Supervisors with his application for appointment to Sheriff as an example of his management resume......
Ralph Martin is still the only logical choice for sheriff. He'll bring a fresh perspective with more experience than any of the other canidates and he won't be looking to take care of his cronies here when appointed. OCSD does not need to revisit the past with retirees with their own agendas. Clean house at the top and start over fresh.
I am musing whether Carona's resigning is an indication he's preparing to accept a plea agreement.
Off all possible candidates considered as Carona's replacement, Walters and Martin are by far the most eminently qualified.
redperegrine,
I'am new here so no I haven't followed what was said. At this juncture Carona as Sheriff is ancient history. I'm sure there are those who resent Hunt for going public concerning some of those matters. As for the lawsuit, I'm not a betting individual. I just can't envision the County wanting Corona on the stand testifying if things do not go well for him on the Federal matter. At the end of the day, It might be tough for the Sups to ignore a runner-up based on what was said because to do so might impart some credibility to Carona's allegations. Whatever happens it is a good day for the Department
Rocket, the only way a lawsuit would "go away" would be:
1) if the Board settled with a payout;
2) the Board appoints Hunt as interim Sherrif
I don't see this as a real resignation. Reread what he said. "Announce my retirement" and "take my retirement". Does this mean then that we will now be paying him retirement monies VS what he may not have gotten if found guilty? Food for thought.
redperergine. I thinking item #2. Everybody has to think that would be a hinderance.
Bill Hunt took the initiative and put himself out for the job. He should be given the interim Sherrif's position until the election. We need somone who is not on the inside but has the knowledge of how things work.
There are a couple of other fine people who will run and the voters will decide. But for now, let's give Bill Hunt the office he deserved a couple of years ago.
Richard Rios
Headlights Off!!!
Of the names being mentioned, only Hunt and Martin bellied (bellyed?) up to the bar and ran in the last election.
The people's will was Carona. After that was Hunt. It makes sense that Hunt be appointed Sheriff now that Carona is gone.
I think he needs a new Attorney. I've had experiences with his Attorney, H. Dean Steward, and even though he is AV rated, in my opinion, he doesn't do a very good job for his clients. In fact, in every case I've know of that he has been involved, the client has lost.
Steward is a solo practitioner with no staff. In my opinion, you can't really be a good defense Attorney if you don't have any staff. I believe Steward relies to much on private investigators and doesn't really aggressively approach a case to win.
In my opinion, if Corona stays with Steward, he'll end up spending a lot of money for nothing and will end up in jail.
I can't wait to see the hungry look on Corona's cell mate / boyfriends face when they find out who he is.... he'll finally get what many many OC d-bag sheriffs deserve - those of you who think any appointee will be an improvement over what was there just aren't living in the real world - our nation was formed by malcontents who decided to flaunt the law and run away to a far away land where they could impose their own perverted laws over the masses - the only thing good about the country and system is that I can still express my shame in being what American 's have become - trust no one - especially law enforcement
I just read on Wiki that Mike Carona is a member of Mensa? Anny validity to this?