Kings County reports appointment of Travis Day as assistant sheriff (suspension of competition)

Kings County human resources staff on Sept. 9 reported the suspension of a competitive recruitment process for the assistant sheriff SCC position and the appointment of Travis Day to the post, effective Sept. 1.

Human Resources Director Carolyn Lehi told the board that Personnel Rule 4060 permits the human resources director to suspend competition to fill a position at the assistant department head level and that the action is required to be reported at the next regular board meeting. Lehi said the fiscal impact was included in the department—s FY 2025-26 budget.

Lehi and Travis Day described Day's career path in the sheriff's office: more than 18 years of service including promotions through the detention series, senior detention deputy, detention sergeant (Nov. 2015) and detention lieutenant (May 2019). Day had been serving in the capacity of assistant sheriff SCC since March 3, 2025 before the appointment became effective Sept. 1. Day accepted the position in an at-will capacity, Lehi said.

Sheriff's Office leaders attending the meeting praised Day—s experience and said he would continue in his leadership role within the jail and detention operations. Because the Human Resources director authorized the appointment under personnel rules, the item was presented as a report and did not require a board vote.

Why it matters: The report documents the administrative authority used to fill an assistant department head position and places the appointment in the public record; staff said no separate board action was necessary.