LAKEPORT, Calif. – On Tuesday Sheriff Brian Martin received the unanimous support of the Board of Supervisors in his selection of a permanent undersheriff.
The board voted to approve Martin’s appointment of Capt. Chris Macedo in the undersheriff job and forgo the county’s recruitment process.
Martin’s written report to the board explained that a hiring waiver had been received for the appointment by the County Administrative Office, and the Human Resources director supported Macedo’s selection.
Macedo, a 25-year employee of the sheriff’s office, has been serving in the capacity on an interim basis since last May, when Undersheriff Pat Turturici left.
“I have confidence in his ability to do the job,” Martin told the board, noting Macedo had basically been running the department since his interim appointment.
Martin said he didn’t believe it would be fruitful or beneficial to go out to a full recruitment, adding, “I don’t believe that I will find anybody that I would want in that position.”
Supervisor Rob Brown said Martin’s choice was a “good call,” noting that Macedo’s appointment would provide for a seamless transition for the new sheriff’s administration.
Supervisor Jim Steele said Macedo has a solid, sterling character, and that in his time working with Search and Rescue he had worked directly with Macedo and had seen him make very good decisions.
When Macedo was appointed undersheriff, it seemed to stabilize the department and made some of its problems disappear, Steele said.
Supervisor Jeff Smith also supported Macedo’s appointment, crediting him with holding the department together.
“He’s done an outstanding job under some very difficult circumstances,” Supervisor Jim Comstock said.
Board Chair Anthony Farrington said normally the board wouldn’t support bypassing the recruitment process.
However, “We respect your decision and we respect Chris and his efforts, specifically going through a very tumultuous time with your predecessor,” Farrington said, referring to former Sheriff Frank Rivero, who Martin defeated in the June primary.
Farrington said Macedo had been put in precarious positions quite often but held his composure with grace. Macedo also was the go-to person for county administration when dealing with the sheriff’s office during times of friction.
“I think he’ll be a good asset to your department,” said Farrington.
Brown moved to approve Macedo’s appointment, with the board voting 5-0.
“I appreciate the support of the board. I think this will help me greatly in my transition. Thank you,” Martin said.
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Supervisors approve Macedo’s selection as undersheriff
- Elizabeth Larson
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