The San Diego County Sheriff’s race is a critical seat in the County of San Diego. This race is of the utmost importance to the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County, as the Sheriff oversees and creates the direction, mission, and values of the entire department we represent.
Follow along on the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association’s endorsement process and get an inside look behind the candidates for Sheriff, the issues that matter to the DSA and our deputies, and see who the deputies ultimately endorse to be the next Sheriff of San Diego County.
In this current climate towards law enforcement, there has never been a race that matters more.
On November 11, 2021, the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County voted to endorse Undersheriff Kelly Martinez to be the next Sheriff of San Diego County. We believe Undersheriff Martinez has the experience, knowledge, and passion to win in November 2022. We believe Kelly will be able to address the many concerns our deputies have shared with us and will be able to take decisive action with expedience. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@dsasd.org and we’ll pass on the message to our endorsed candidate, Undersheriff Kelly Martinez.
THE INTERVIEWS
The first step in the DSA endorsement process is to conduct an interview of each candidate with our Political Action Committee. Our PAC consists of deputies assigned to various locations and bureaus throughout the San Diego Sheriff’s Department. The committee interviews the candidates, reviews their questionnaires, and votes to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors of the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association. The PAC serves a vital role and offers valuable insight to the Board of Directors.
THE FORUM
THE ENDORSEMENT
Following the DSA interview process and candidate forum, the DSA PAC and Board of Directors review and discuss the varying candidate positions and platforms and ultimately votes to endorse in the 2022 Sheriff’s Race. Each candidate will be notified of the DSA endorsement decision, followed by an official statement from the association regarding their position, and endorsement in the 2022 County Sheriff’s race. This race is vital to not only the 2,400 deputy sheriffs we represent but also the two million citizens of San Diego County.
John Hemmerling
Questionnaire
Biography
I have held leadership positions in my career as a military officer, a police officer, and as a civilian. I patrolled the Eastern and Mid-City Divisions of the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) for 9 years, my last assignment being a Field Training Officer. I served close to 30 years in the Marine Corps (7 active and 22+ reserve) rising to the rank of Colonel, holding a command at nearly every level, including commander of three military jails, and responsible for security and stabilization missions in the Al Anbar Province in Iraq. Finally, as the Senior Marine Liaison to FEMA Region IX for coordinating military support to local and state agencies in the time of disasters. I provided 7 years of legal advice to the San Diego Police Department and became Legal Counsel to the Chief of Police. I was also assigned to the City Attorney’s Crisis Response Team that advises key City leaders at the City Emergency Operations Center during critical incidents. I am currently the head prosecutor in the City of San Diego running the 200 plus staff of the Criminal Division of the San Diego City Attorney’s Office.
I have a Bachelor of Science from the University of Central Missouri, Juris Doctor from the University of San Diego, and a California Advanced POST.
Interview
Watch John Hemmerling’s PAC interview here.
Kelly Martinez
Questionnaire
Biography
Associate of Science Degree San Diego Miramar College.
Basic, Advanced, Supervisory, and POST Management Certificates, Graduate POST Command College
As a deputy I was assigned to the Las Colinas and Descanso Detentions Facilities, the Fallbrook Substation, the J.U.D.G.E. Unit, the Street Narcotics and Gang Unit in the city of Vista, and the Criminal Intelligence Unit.
As a sergeant I was assigned to the San Marcos Patrol Station, the Criminal Intelligence Unit, and Internal Affairs.
I worked at the Communications Center, North Coastal Station, Valley Center Substation, and the Narcotic Task Force as a lieutenant. As a Captain, I was assigned to the Alpine Rural Command and then as Sheriff Gore’s Special Assistant/Tribal Liaison.
As a Commander I oversaw Investigations. As Assistant Sheriff I oversaw the Law Enforcement Services Bureau.
As Undersheriff, I run the day-to-day operations of the Sheriff’s Department.
Interview
Watch the forum recording on the DSA’s Facebook page.
Dave Myers
Questionnaire
Biography
- Worked in law enforcement for 35 years, starting as a police officer with the Carlsbad Police Department.
- Retired from the Sheriff’s Department in 2018 as a Commander.
- Worked almost every part of the Sheriff’s Department, including serving as a detentions Deputy, patrol Deputy, Special Purpose Deputy, a homicide detective, COPPS (Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving), a Lieutenant for the Border Crime Suppression Team, managed Operation Stonegarden funding/operations, and the Communications Center.
- As Commander, managed 24 patrol stations and substations. In addition, I’ve managed the Special Investigations Division, which included homicide, narcotics, terrorism, and gangs.
- Recipient of the San Diego Sheriff’s Department’s Medal for Lifesaving and the Medal of Merit from the National Sheriff’s Association for work along the border.
Interview
Watch the forum recording on the DSA’s Facebook page.
Jonathan Peck
Questionnaire
Biography
- Jonathan Peck for Sheriff of San Diego County
Hi I’m Jonathan Peck, Your Candidate for San Diego
County Sheriff. I stand for the Constitution in its original intent
to provide limited government and the protection of individual
rights against a tyranny. My Oath of Office to preserve, uphold
and defend your God given rights drives my focus.
My wonderful wife, Arlene and I have been together since
our Junior year at Poway High School. We have been blessed
with four children, two sons and two daughters, ages 13, 12,
9, and 9 months old. They are the greatest kids a parent could
hope for. I was born and raised in San Diego County and I
have lived here for all but 5 years of my 41 years. I was the
third of six children. My family still live here in San Diego
County. I love San Diego County and I have a vested interest
in protecting and preserving our County, our homes, our
families and our way of life for future generations.
I am a law enforcement officer with 19 years of
experience. I worked my first five years in Los Angeles
County, and the last 14 years in San Diego County working
closely with Sheriff’s Deputies. Presently I drive a patrol car
every day protecting, serving and helping the people of San
Diego County.
I tell my children that if we want things to be better, good
people need to step up and take leadership roles. I realized I
needed to run for Sheriff to model that principle I taught my
children. To protect my family and the people of my
community I needed to respond to the call for action. With that
in mind, We can achieve all these things together, Please vote
for me, Jonathan Peck for San Diego County Sheriff.