Solano supervisors appoint undersheriff Brad DeWalt to finish sheriff's term after Farrar retirement

The Solano County Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 on Tuesday to appoint Under Sheriff Brad DeWalt as Solano County sheriff to serve the remainder of Sheriff Tom Farrar’s term following Farrar’s announced retirement.

Supervisor John Vasquez moved to appoint DeWalt; the motion was seconded and carried by a 3–2 vote with Supervisors James and Williams voting no, the board clerk announced. Supervisors who supported the appointment cited DeWalt’s 30‑plus years of experience and the need for continuity in a long remaining term.

Farrar, who announced a retirement effective Sept. 25, told the board he had served 42 years in the sheriff’s office and said he hoped to leave the department “in a little better condition than when I got it.” He received remarks and thanks from the board and staff before the appointment discussion.

The appointment prompted several members of the public — including former law enforcement personnel — to ask for a transparent, community‑open recruitment instead of an appointment. Joshua Patzer, who identified himself as a former Marine and law‑enforcement officer, told the board: “It should be up to the people, not five board members on the recommendation of one person,” and urged an open recruitment and public forums. His brother, Jeremy Patzer, and other speakers echoed concerns that appointing an under sheriff to the remaining multi‑year term denies voters a voice.

Board legal counsel and supervisors said the government code limits the county’s options: either the board appoints a successor or the under sheriff assumes office by operation of law. Staff noted that state changes to election timing extended the remaining term and that a mid‑cycle election is not available under current law.

Supervisor Vasquez, who made the motion to appoint DeWalt, said DeWalt has worked in “every aspect of sheriff’s office operations” and described the appointment as continuity for a term that extends through January 2029 (with the next election under the revised schedule to follow). Supervisor Williams said she supported DeWalt’s qualifications but acknowledged the public’s call for transparent interviews and review processes.

The board recorded the vote as 3–2 and directed staff to proceed with the appointment process for DeWalt to assume the office. No further personnel actions were adopted at the meeting.

Ending: The county will complete the administrative steps to seat Under Sheriff Brad DeWalt as the appointed sheriff; the board directed staff to coordinate implementation and noted the community’s request that future mid‑term vacancies be governed by a formal policy developed by the board.