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Acknowledge notice from Thomas A. Ferrara, Solano County Sheriff/Coroner, of his retirement effective September 25, 2025; and Consider appointing Undersheriff Brad DeWall to serve the remainder of the unexpired term of Solano County Sheriff/Coroner
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Published Notice Required? Yes ____ No _X_
Public Hearing Required? Yes ____ No _X_
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
The County Administrator recommends that the Board of Supervisors:
1. Acknowledge receipt of notice from Sheriff Thomas A. Ferrara of his retirement from the Office of Solano County Sheriff/Coroner, effective September 25, 2025; and
2. Consider appointing Undersheriff, Brad DeWall to serve the remainder of the unexpired term as Solano County Sheriff/Coroner, effective at 5:00 p.m. on September 25, 2025.
SUMMARY:
On July 9, 2025, Sheriff Thomas A. Ferrara informed the Board that he will retire, effective September 25, 2025, after 42 years of dedicated service as a California peace officer (Attachment A). His retirement will create a vacancy in the Office of the Sheriff that the Board must fill for the remaining 39 months of the current term, which runs through January 8, 2029.
Pursuant to Government Code ?25304, the Board of Supervisors shall fill a vacancy in an elective county office by appointment. The appointee serves the remainder of the unexpired term, currently for the Office of the Sheriff through January 8, 2029, consistent with case law and a California Attorney General's opinion clarifying that "the next general election" refers to the next regular election for that office, not the next election chronologically.
The County Administrator and Sheriff Ferrara recommend that the Board appoint current Undersheriff Brad DeWall to fill the vacancy based on his exceptional qualifications, extensive experience, and the critical need for stability and continuity in leadership in the Sheriff's Department. It would also further succession planning, as recently discussed by...
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