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Thursday, Nov. 19, 2009

Merced County Sheriff names new commander

At an age when most kids are trying to figure out life, B.J. Jones was already working toward his destiny.

It was 1984, and 15-year-old Jones had become an Explorer Scout with the Merced County Sheriff's Department. Twenty-five years later, Jones would be overseeing the sheriff's department's security force when First Lady Michelle Obama visited UC Merced.

Back in high school, Jones probably had no idea about the important role he'd play in the department. "I've done just about everything imaginable in law enforcement," said Jones, looking back on his 20-year career.

Jones' career has now reached even higher heights. On Tuesday, Jones was promoted to the rank of operations commander at the department. He'll oversee the department's SWAT Team, Los Banos office and Delhi office, among many additional duties.

Jones, 41, said hearing about the promotion was "breathtaking."

"I am very happy and very honored, absolutely honored."

Raised in Atwater, Jones became a full-time sheriff's deputy in 1989. He was promoted to sergeant in December 2004.

After applying for the commander job, Jones and the other candidates answered questions from an oral panel review, composed of high ranking law enforcement administrators from outside Merced County.

Testing and scores were monitored by a county human resources representative.

The names of the final candidates were forwarded to county administration. Jones was ultimately chosen by a roundtable composed of Sheriff Mark Pazin, Undersheriff Bill Blake and Cmdr. Tom Cavallero.

"We were lucky to have an outstanding candidate like him," said Blake, who first began working with Jones at the sheriff' Los Banos office 20 years ago.

On a personal note, Blake said Jones is well liked around the department and known for his charming personality. "He is just an outstanding, hard-charger. He's very well deserving of it. He's the right guy, at the right time, for the right job," Blake said.

Pazin also credited Jones for his dedication and attention to detail. "Some bureaucracies like to use a calendar as a time tool," Pazin said. "I like to use a watch and get the job done -- and that's what Cmdr. Jones brings to the table."

Of his experiences with the department, Jones said he's most proud of his work as a Community Law Enforcement Officer and Winton School Resource Officer from 1993 to 1998, mainly because of the positive impact he was able to have on children. Jones said it means a lot when deputies perform community support and people say "thank you."

"My mission was to help improve the quality of life for those residents," Jones said.

Reporter Victor A. Patton can be reached at (209) 385-2431 or vpatton@mercedsun-star.com.