Santa Barbara County Sheriff swears in new under sheriff, honors 12 promotees and two new hires
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Summary
Sheriff Bill Brown led a promotion ceremony that included the swearing-in of under sheriff Brad Welsh, recognition of two new hires and 12 promoted staff across custody and patrol ranks; speakers emphasized leadership, humility and community service.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office held a promotion and swearing-in ceremony that honored two new hires and 12 promoted employees and formally introduced Brad Welsh as the agency’s new under sheriff.
Sheriff Bill Brown opened the event by calling it "a momentous occasion" and listing new employees Frank ("Frankie") Lentini and Leon Fabian Arias and the dozen promotees. Brown framed the ceremony around service and the responsibilities attached to the badge, reminding attendees that the insignia represents both the protection the office provides and the privileges it carries.
Why it matters: Promotions and leadership changes shape county law enforcement operations and public safety management. The ceremony placed particular emphasis on continuing training, accountability and mentorship as the agency adapts to budget and operational pressures.
Brad Welsh, sworn in as under sheriff, described leadership as a combination of humility, timely decision-making and coaching. "When you succeed like today, the sheriff and I celebrate alongside you. When you stumble, him and I will step forward," Welsh said, adding that the role is a reminder that senior leaders must both support and develop their teams.
Sheriff Brown reviewed the backgrounds of the promotees and new hires, highlighting prior experience at the New York Police Department and the Allan Hancock training academy, military service, and sheriff’s office assignments across jails, custody training, response teams and investigations.
Several promotees offered brief remarks of gratitude. Nanette Rochelle Tobin thanked friends, mentors and family for supporting her career change and said she was glad to join the office after prior work at UC Santa Barbara and local caregiving roles. Jose Miguel Alejo and Jose Herberto Velasquez each thanked family members who pinned their badges and pledged to serve in their new ranks.
The oath of office was administered near the close of the ceremony, when newly promoted and sworn leaders repeated a pledge to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and the state of California and to faithfully discharge the duties of their new positions.
Sheriff Brown acknowledged several local dignitaries in attendance, including county supervisors and the district attorney, and closed by inviting attendees to a post-ceremony reception.
The ceremony did not record formal policy actions or votes; it was a personnel event to recognize appointments and promotions.