Sheriff Rob Giordano is proud to name Captain Al Vernon as Assistant Sheriff of the detention division of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Vernon will replace Assistant Sheriff Randall Walker who is set to retire in September after serving for 27-years at the office.
Captain Vernon is a native of Seaside, California and started his career at the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office in 1991 as a civilian Sheriff’s aide. He worked in detention as a correctional deputy from 1992-1996 when he joined the law enforcement division.
Captain Vernon was promoted to Sergeant in 2007, Lieutenant in 2013 and Captain in 2017. Captain Vernon has held a number of assignments in the Sheriff’s Office including Violent Crimes Investigations, Tactical Team, Internal Affairs Investigations, Field Training, Canine Deputy, and Peer Support.
Captain Vernon has been commanding the patrol division for the last year before being selected to fill the Assistant Sheriff role. “Al’s vast experience in both the detention and patrol divisions will serve the office well,” according to a statement from Sheriff Rob Giordano. Sheriff Giordano also added that Captain Vernon has been a true leader and role model for the entire Sheriff’s Office and he is well respected by staff from both law enforcement and detention alike.
Captain Vernon, at 58-years-old, will assume his new duties on Tuesday, July 17th. He is humbled and honored to be selected to hold the second highest rank in the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Captain Vernon lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and two children. In his spare time Captain Vernon enjoys spending time with his family and coaches high school football.
