Who May Be The Next Orange County Sheriff?

Under sheriff JoAnn Galisky, has only one star on her shoulder less then Sheriff Michael Carona as of this writing. Many rank and file deputies questioned on the street by the Journal say they could support Galisky for Sheriff should she decide to run in the next election. Should Sheriff Carona be convicted or cut a deal with the feds anytime soon there appears to be a very good chance Galisky would be appointed by the county commissioners to replace Carona till the next election can be held. According to a Orange County official who wants to remain anonymous. Galisky 47 is a twenty-three-year veteran with no blemishes on her record and was first appointed as an Assistant Sheriff in charge of Court Operations, Coroner Operations, Communications, Investigations, Operations Support, Forensic Science Services and Dignitary Protection in March of 2003. In October of 2005, she was appointed as Assistant Sheriff of Special Services, responsible for Financial Services, Professional Standards, Support Services, Training, Research and Development and media relations. She rose through the

Under sheriff JoAnn Galisky

ranks, working in Corrections, Patrol, Investigations, Research and Development and Professional Standards. With this promotion, she becomes the highest ranking woman in Orange County Law Enforcement in Department history.

Galisky who claims total loyalty to the Sheriff has taken command of the Sheriff's Department while her boss, Michael Carona, fights against his corruption charges in court. Carona says he'll still be available on important policy decision but the day-to-day operation will be on the shoulder of Jo Ann who has been with the department since 1984. Galisky pointed out“the commanding officers are trained to function without the sheriff under many circumstances, including emergencies such as terrorist attacks or an earthquake, or when the sheriff is traveling.”

Galisky was recently asked what would happen if Carona is convicted or he does resign? Do you expect to stand as sheriff or acting sheriff pending an election?

Galisky said, " Again probably too soon to speculate on that. I have no idea it could be awhile before we know the answers to those questions.

Its reported that Galisky was confronted with this question. Are there any circumstances under which you would accept a permanent position of sheriff?

Her answer was "You know I've never even thought about it. I mean if you're an assistant sheriff or an undersheriff, you always realize that there could be a day when he's in Washington or there could be an earthquake and you're in charge... You're faced with the fact that you're always going to have to step up to additional responsibility. So does this make me feel uncomfortable or surprised or is this an unfamiliar feeling? No. This is something we do on a regular basis. This is a little more high profile. Normally when I'm running the department nobody's even aware of it. It functions seamlessly. It's transparent to the community. So in this case the only thing that's different is that it's far more high profile".

Galisky shortly after the official announcement of a Federal Grand Jury indictment against the Sheriff said, "This event has caused a great deal of concern throughout the Department while also generating rumors and misinformation that will be exacerbated by an expected frenzy of media and press activity in the days and weeks ahead". Referring to the public and her staff she said, " It is imperative that timely and accurate information be disseminated to you as this matter develops so as to keep you informed of events as they unfold".

According to Galiskly "Sheriff Carona received the indictment and has reviewed the allegations against him. He feels great confidence that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing as the case works its way through the court system. While it has caused distress in his personal life and among his family, the Sheriff is eager to present his case and have the truth revealed".

Earlier the Sheriff’s Command Staff met with all Division Commanders to discuss this issue and to provide direction. Despite all that has occurred recently and everything that will ensue in the days ahead, the Orange County Sheriff’s Department continues to provide invaluable public safety services to the community. " Our Department remains intact and continues to excel. Nothing must detract us from our primary mission. Please keep up the levels of excellence and professionalism in the performance of your duties. Remain united and focused" . Galisky stated.

Michael S. Carona became the 11th Sheriff in the history of Orange County in January, 1999, responsible for the leading law enforcement agency in Orange County, the 2nd largest Sheriff's Department in California, and the 5th largest Sheriff's Department in the nation.

The responsibility of being Orange County's top cop is a challenge that person male or female will need broad based education and experience. The Sheriff's Department provides patrol services to over 670,000 individuals in twelve contract cities and 350 square miles of unincorporated areas. In addition, services such as SWAT, Bomb Squad, Search and Rescue and Dignitary Protection are provided to all 3.2 million Orange County residents as well as Police Agencies requesting assistance. Transit police services are provided through contract to the Orange County Transportation Authority. Security and Law Enforcement Services are provided through similar agreement to the county court system and John Wayne Airport. Marine Fire Protection and Marine Rescue Service are provided to the three Orange County harbors under contract to Harbors, Beaches and Parks. Included in the Sheriff's Administration is oversight responsibility for countywide Forensic Science Services, Coroner Investigations, Regional Training Academy and a Custody Services Component that manages the 10th largest mega-jail in the U.S. In addition, the Sheriff is responsible for countywide Communications and Emergency Management. All of these general and specialized services are provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, underwritten by a budget of over $600,000,000.

The new boss further told the staff to "Be mindful of the policies concerning media and press contacts as you may be solicited for information. All Department members are encouraged to review the Sheriff’s blog for the latest developments."







Lt. Bill Hunt

Mean while its being reported that former Sheriff Lt. and former sheriff's candidate and another hopeful for the top job Bill Hunt is saying he is very interested in the job and is available should the commissioners need someone to run the Sheriff's Dept. Hunt has a civil law suite pending against Sheriff Carona for demoting him. Hunt claims he was demoted because he run against Carona in the last election.

Other current Sheriff’s Command Staff who may be considered for the top job should the occasion arise are:

Assistant Sheriff Dan Martini, 59, oversees Special Services. In his thirty-three years of service, Chief Martini has worked in Corrections, Patrol, Investigations, Narcotics, Dana Point and San Juan as Chief of Police Services, Press Information Officer and most recently as the Captain of the Training Division, working in collaboration with Santa Ana College on the new regional training academy.

Assistant Sheriff Jack Anderson, 47, oversees Operations. In his twenty-one years of service, Chief Anderson has worked in Corrections, Training, Community Programs, Patrol, Professional Standards, and Investigations at the Joint Drug Intelligence Group-High Intensity Drug Task Force. Most recently, he has served as the Captain of South Operations with command of all contract law enforcement for South County.

Assistant Sheriff Charles Walters, 54, oversees Jail Operations. In his thirty-two years of service, Chief Walters has served as an administrator, manager and supervisor of uniformed patrol, security and investigative operations and as a manager of a regional emergency communications and operations center. Currently, Chief Walters oversees the second largest jail system in California and the eighth largest in the state.

Assistant Sheriff Steve Bishop, 53, oversees Investigations, Communications and Court Operations. Chief Bishop has worked in jail operations, patrol, and investigations and has served as a hostage negotiator and as a Co-Director of the multi agency Los Angeles Joint Drug Intelligence Group. Currently, Chief Bishop oversees six divisions, including a staff of over 600 employees with an operational budget in excess of $110 million.

Others who have expressed in the past an interest in becoming Orange County Sheriff are: RALPH MARTIN, ROBERT "BOB" ALCARAZ Ret: Sgt. LASO and Paul M. Walters Chief of Police Santa Ana California.