The Madera County Sheriff’s Office hosted its twice-annual Swearing-in, Promotions and Awards ceremony last week.
On top of the promotions and the swearing in, the MCSO also honored four graduated students with the Sheriff’s Foundation Scholarship. Each senior was awarded $1,000.
Receiving the scholarships were Patricia Ochoa (Madera Community College), Jeffery Rowland (Madera Community College), Sebastian Graham (Liberty High School) and Fabian Maciel (Madera Community College).
“One of my favorite parts of this ceremony is looking out and seeing all of the family members, friends, and loved ones who are here today,” said MCSO Sheriff Tyson Pogue. “The smiles, the pride, and the excitement on your faces remind us that these achievements aren’t earned by one person alone. Behind every badge, every promotion, and every milestone is a support system that has been there through the late nights, missed holidays, difficult calls, and long hours.
“To the families joining us today, thank you. Your encouragement, patience, and understanding make it possible for your loved ones to answer the call every day. While they wear the badge, you serve alongside them in ways that often go unseen, and we are grateful for that.”
Pogue, and his staff, recognized seven officers who received promotions. They also recognized 16 individuals who were recently hired to the MCSO.
“In law enforcement, promotions are never simply about rank,” Pogue said. “They represent years of hard work, dedication, and professional growth. They are earned through countless hours of training, experience gained in the field, and the trust built with peers, supervisors, and the community we serve.
“Each new stripe or gold bar carries more than a title. It carries greater responsibility. It means being the person others turn to during difficult moments, making decisions when the answers are not always clear, mentoring the next generation of employees, and leading by example every single day. Leadership is not measured by rank alone. It is measured by character, consistency, and the willingness to put others before yourself.”
Those promoted were Lieutenant Richard Gutierrez, Sergeant Michael Chambers, Corporal Sara Vind, Correctional Sergeant Lynette Lesage, Correctional Corporal Krystle Ruiz, and Correctional Deputies Kevin Behe and Mathew Sifers.
“New hires are the future of the MCSO,” Pogue said. “They are the supervisors, mentors, and role models who will guide the next generation of employees beginning their careers today. The badge they receive today is more than a piece of metal. It represents integrity, service, accountability, and a promise to uphold the values of the Madera County Sheriff’s Office. It is a promise they will carry with them every day they wear it.”
New hires
Deputy Abigail Robinson, Deputy Avery Worrell, Deputy Christian Zepeda, Deputy Daniel Sandoval, Deputy Jordan Martinez, Deputy Dustin Toby, Deputy Adan Alaniz, Deputy Robert Bebout, Deputy Cody Gibson, Deputy Nickolas McBeath, Correctional Officer Christian Ruacho, Correctional Officer Oscar Torres, Correctional Officer Adrian Rocha, Correctional Officer Raymond Montes, Correctional Officer Braulio Bustos, and Public Records Specialist Shelby Videgain.