May 31, 2018 – Hello. I’m John Foster and I’m running for Sheriff.
I’ve been asked to write something that explains why I’m the best candidate in this race. Here goes.
I have what it takes to keep Nevada County safe and transform the Sheriff’s Office into a respected organization where deputies are accessible and are known to the public, as opposed to just showing up to enforce laws.
For starters, my education is designed for a career in law enforcement: Masters in Public Administration from USF; BA in Criminal Justice from CSU Sacramento. I’m also a graduate of the prestigious FBI Executive Leadership Institute. Not to mention dozens of special programs and courses in law enforcement.
Then there’s my 35 years of experience: I was a Field Training Officer, SWAT Leader and Detective before being named Lieutenant 28 years ago. Four years later, I was selected to be second in command at the Corvallis, Oregon Police Department as the Captain responsible for patrol and investigations. In 1998 I was selected to be Police Chief in Grass Valley, a position I held for over 17 years.
Some of my accomplishments in Grass Valley are pretty well known. I established the concept of Community Policing, put body cams on officers and mobile communications in all patrol cars, brought in advanced training and established high standards and accountability. But there’s more. Visit my website to learn about some of the many innovations we brought to law enforcement in Grass Valley.
I’ve also given back. I’m a Blue and Gold Officer, US Naval Academy. I served on the County Drug Free Coalition Steering Committee. I was President of the Central Sierra Police Chiefs Association. I was a member of the Child Victimization Task Force and I’ve been President of the Greater Grass Valley/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce.
As your Sheriff, I’ll implement a Neighborhood Policing Initiative. I’ll also introduce advanced training, best practices, high standards and absolute accountability. I’ll enhance Neighborhood Watch Programs and implement a collaborative plan to reduce illegal opioid, heroin and methamphetamine use in our community.
I’ll also work with schools, forming Youth Alcohol-and-other-Drug Outreach Teams, as well as a trained Regional School Resource Officer Team that will participate in California Safety Plans and drills. I’ll also establish a Juvenile Justice Multi-Disciplinary Team, as authorized under state law, to prevent crime.
Lots of folks agree with my approach to law enforcement. That’s why I’ve been endorsed by over 500 law enforcement leaders and organizations, as well as some of the most respected civic and community leaders in Nevada County and throughout California.
One more thing I’m particularly proud of—my wife Eileen and I have been married for 33 years and have raised our three grown sons in Nevada County.
There’s only so much one can say in a piece like this. That’s why I encourage you to learn more about me—my background and my plans for the Sheriff’s Office at FosterforSheriff2018.com and John Foster for Sheriff on Facebook.
I want to make the Sheriff’s Office an agency that’s respected throughout the county and the state.
That’s why I respectfully ask for your vote.
Thanks for reading.
John Foster