RIVERSIDE — Sheriff-Coroner Chad Bianco took his public oath of office before a large crowd of public officials at Riverside County’s historic courthouse in Riverside at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 8.

Among the crowd were members of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, judiciary, city officials, law enforcement personnel, and former Sheriff Bob Doyle. Since 1893, only 13 men had taken that oath, Sheriff Bianco is now the 14th.

Supervisor V.Manuel Perez  who endorsed Sheriff-Coroner Bianco, was on hand along with Coachella Mayor Steven Hernadez, to congratulate the Sheriff and his new executive leadership team.

The historic election is long over and it is time for the new Sheriff to implement his own polices and programs. Thomas Jefferson, one of this nation’s Founding Fathers, once said that the Office of Sheriff, “Was the most important office in the land. “While things have changed since President Jefferson uttered those words they ring true to this day. Protecting 2.5 million residents is a massive task.

The people have chosen a new Sheriff. That Sheriff deserves his own team, his own policies, programs, and the time to implement them. Sheriff Chad Bianco is a good man and now leads thousands of wonderful public servants.

Former Sheriffs Smith and Doyle chose Bianco to handle numerous tasks that required sound judgement, honesty, and integrity. He did not fail either Sheriff or, of equal importance, the public he served. Sheriff Bianco is prepared to serve and his decades of policing experience will serve him well in that post.

Much has been said about the budget. Yes, that is important to each and every taxpayer in the county. Sheriff Bianco will play a key role in setting that budget. He’ll have plenty of advice from the county executive office, his contract cities, and his peers on the Board of Supervisors. While the Board of Supervisors approves the Sheriff’s budget, Supervisors are prevented from directing the Sheriff how to spend those funds.

Tuesday marked a great new chapter in the history of Riverside County. A new Sheriff, two new members of the Board of Supervisors, and a new Treasurer-Tax Collector have each taken his or her oath of office. Let’s give newly elected Sheriff Bianco our support and offer best wishes for leading his department and the dedicated men and women who serve us all.

Photo courtesy of Sheriff Chad Bianco.