PLACERVILLE, Calif. — October 19, 2026
A retired El Dorado County sheriff’s captain is challenging the county’s recommended successor to Sheriff Jeff Leikauf, arguing that supervisors should conduct a more comprehensive evaluation of the candidates before deciding who will lead the department.
In an eight-page letter dated Oct. 19, retired Capt. Jackie Noren urges the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors to look beyond the recommendation of the outgoing sheriff and examine Undersheriff Eric Palmberg’s command experience, leadership record, promotion history and taxpayer-funded compensation.
Noren also recommends appointing former Sheriff John D’Agostini, who led the department from 2011 through 2022, while allowing Palmberg to remain undersheriff and continue developing his command experience.
The board is scheduled to consider the proposed appointment at its Oct. 20 meeting in Placerville. The county’s official agenda, under file number 26-1683, recommends appointing Palmberg to serve as sheriff, coroner and public administrator when the office becomes vacant Dec. 26, 2026, or earlier if necessary. The proposed appointment would extend through Jan. 8, 2029, with a monthly salary of $25,701.87 funded by the county General Fund.
Source: El Dorado County’s official agenda item 26-1683.
Retired captain questions the selection process
Noren retired in March 2018 after 30 years with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office. Her assignments included patrol, investigations, court security, the Crisis Intervention Team and custody operations. As a captain and member of the command staff, she said she was responsible for budgeting, staffing, policy development, employee evaluations and hiring.
Her objection centers on whether the county has sufficiently compared the qualifications of the candidates before settling on Palmberg.
“The appointment warrants a thorough, objective, and transparent evaluation of all qualified candidates,” Noren wrote.
She argues that the sheriff’s position demands more than a record of successful assignments and professional recognition. The sheriff oversees law enforcement, jail operations, personnel, budgets, emergency response and legal compliance across a county that includes rural communities, populated unincorporated areas and the Lake Tahoe region.
Noren contends that supervisors should exercise independent judgment rather than treat the outgoing sheriff’s recommendation or customary succession practices as decisive.
Her letter raises questions about the selection process. It does not, by itself, establish that the county failed to conduct an objective evaluation or violated any legal requirement.
Palmberg’s experience under scrutiny
Palmberg’s qualifications, as summarized in Sheriff Leikauf’s recommendation and recounted by Noren, include 19 years with the Sheriff’s Office, assignments in patrol and narcotics investigations, supervisory work, more than a decade on the SWAT team and service as a public information officer during significant incidents, including the 2021 Caldor Fire.
He became a lieutenant in July 2022 and undersheriff in November 2025. His lieutenant assignments included SWAT commander, jail administrative lieutenant and support services lieutenant. He also graduated from the FBI National Academy in June 2025.
Noren acknowledges these accomplishments but argues that time spent in an assignment does not necessarily translate into comprehensive expertise in managing an entire division.
She focuses particularly on Palmberg’s time in the Custody Division, where she says he had no previous experience as a correctional officer or correctional sergeant and served as lieutenant for less than two years.
Drawing on her own experience as a former custody division captain, Noren points to the regulatory and operational demands of jail administration, including California detention standards, staffing, inmate classification, security, court mandates and legal compliance.
She also questions whether Palmberg’s time in support services was long enough to establish the depth of experience needed for department-wide leadership, noting that he spent approximately three months attending the FBI National Academy during that assignment.
The distinction is central to her argument: exposure to multiple divisions is not necessarily equivalent to sustained experience managing their complex operations.
Noren also highlights Palmberg’s relatively short tenure as undersheriff and his lack of experience at the rank of captain. She asks supervisors to determine whether his career progression has adequately prepared him to lead the entire agency.
The county’s recommendation, meanwhile, cites Palmberg’s 19 years of progressively responsible law enforcement experience and his current position as undersheriff. The board must weigh that record against the concerns raised by Noren and any additional evidence presented before its decision.
Promotion history raises questions about precedent
Noren also challenges the use of departmental custom and practice to support Palmberg’s appointment.
According to her letter, every El Dorado County undersheriff selected since 1987 had previously served as a captain. She cites Rich Williams, a captain recruited from Yolo County, as one example of that practice.
Palmberg, by contrast, became undersheriff after approximately three years as a lieutenant, bypassing the captain rank.
Noren argues that if historical succession practices are relevant to selecting the next sheriff, supervisors should examine whether those same practices were followed when Palmberg became undersheriff.
The question is not simply whether a candidate has held a particular title. It is whether the responsibilities and experience traditionally associated with that rank provide a meaningful measure of readiness for the county’s top law enforcement position.
The county’s published appointment recommendation emphasizes Palmberg’s experience and current leadership role. The material reviewed for this article does not establish that the county considers prior service as a captain a formal requirement for the appointment.
Undersheriff salary decision draws scrutiny
Noren also questions the circumstances surrounding Palmberg’s placement at Step 4 of the undersheriff salary scale after his promotion.
She writes that Palmberg had approximately three years of lieutenant experience and was earning third-step lieutenant pay before the promotion. She asks what objective criteria supported the higher placement and whether the decision was consistent with previous compensation decisions.
Noren compares the decision with the case of former Undersheriff Randy Peshon, whom she describes as having been required to submit a written justification to Sheriff D’Agostini and the Board of Supervisors to support a Step 3 pay increase.
The letter does not include the underlying compensation records needed to independently establish whether the circumstances were comparable or whether county policy was applied inconsistently.
The issue is separate from the proposed sheriff salary of $25,701.87 per month listed in the current agenda item. That figure represents the recommended monthly compensation for the sheriff, coroner and public administrator appointment, not evidence of wrongdoing in Palmberg’s previous compensation.
For supervisors, the question raised by Noren is whether salary-step decisions for senior county officials are supported by documented criteria and applied consistently.
D’Agostini’s record becomes part of the debate
Noren recommends D’Agostini as the stronger candidate, citing his 12 years as sheriff and a record of capital projects, emergency response, specialized programs and community engagement.
Her letter highlights the consolidated Public Safety Facility, completed in 2019, which brought several department operations together on a 30-acre campus. She says the project secured approximately $57 million in low-interest federal financing toward an overall cost of roughly $68 million and was completed on time and under budget.
The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2023 to name the facility the Sheriff John D’Agostini Public Safety Facility.
Noren also points to the department’s aviation capabilities, expansion of the Crisis Intervention Team, wildfire response during the 2014 King Fire and 2021 Caldor Fire, and planning for jail expansion and services for people in custody.
These examples form the basis of her argument that D’Agostini brings institutional knowledge and established command experience that warrant serious consideration.
D’Agostini has publicly challenged the current administration and expressed interest in returning to office. In an Aug. 15 Facebook post, according to Noren’s letter, he announced his intention to run for sheriff in 2028 and said he would seek appointment if Leikauf left office before the end of his term.
His record and prior tenure are relevant to the board’s deliberations, but they do not automatically establish that he is the better candidate. A fair comparison would examine both candidates’ qualifications, management records, policy priorities and readiness to serve.
What supervisors must decide
The county’s proposed appointment would fill the vacancy expected when Leikauf retires at the end of December. Under the county’s published recommendation, Palmberg would serve through the remainder of the current term, ending Jan. 8, 2029.
Noren argues that the decision should not be treated as a routine personnel matter or a temporary appointment made primarily for continuity.
She asks supervisors to assess the candidates’ command experience, professional judgment, performance, readiness to manage every division and record of responsible use of public resources.
Her proposed alternative is to appoint D’Agostini while retaining Palmberg as undersheriff, giving him additional time to develop the experience Noren believes is necessary for the sheriff’s office.
The letter does not establish whether the board has conducted a comparative assessment of both candidates or whether additional vetting materials exist. Those are questions supervisors and county officials can address publicly.
The board’s decision also has a direct fiscal component. The proposed $25,701.87 monthly salary is funded by the General Fund, making the appointment a leadership decision as well as a commitment of public resources.
For residents, the central questions are whether the selection process is transparent, whether the chosen candidate is prepared to manage the department’s full responsibilities and how supervisors justify their decision.
Noren’s letter adds a detailed challenge to the county’s recommendation. The final decision rests with the Board of Supervisors, which must consider the applicable legal requirements and the evidence before it.
Sources and records
- El Dorado County Board of Supervisors — official agenda item 26-1683
- El Dorado County Board of Supervisors — Oct. 20, 2026, meeting information
- Jackie Noren, retired El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office captain, eight-page letter opposing the proposed appointment, dated Oct. 19, 2026.
FULL LETTER
El Dorado County Board of Supervisors
330 Fair Lane
Placerville, Ca 95667
Re: Opposition to the Proposed Appointment of the El Dorado County Sheriff 26-1683
Dear Chair Laine and Members of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors:
I am a retired Captain with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), having retired in March
2018 after 30 years of service, beginning in October 1987. During my career, I worked under six
sheriffs and served in a variety of positions, progressing from Correctional Officer in the county
jail to sworn Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.
My assignments included patrol, field training officer, investigations, Drug Abuse Resistance
Education (DARE), Court Security, and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). As a Captain and
member of the command staff, I was responsible for budgeting, scheduling, grant writing, policy
development, workplace professionalism, employee hiring and evaluations, and ensuring
adherence to department policies.
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the County Administrative Officer’s (CAO’s)
recommendation to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to appoint Eric Palmberg as Sheriff of El
Dorado County. I am concerned that this recommendation may have been made without a
sufficiently objective evaluation of his qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience in
comparison with those of other qualified candidates.
As elected officials, you have a responsibility to make an informed decision regarding one of the
most consequential appointments affecting the citizens of El Dorado County. The Sheriff’s Office
serves every member of our community, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, race, religion, or
political views, throughout our rural communities and more populated unincorporated areas. The
responsibilities of the Sheriff and the employees of the department are extensive and varied.
Every employee of the Sheriff’s Office—including sworn deputies, detectives, dispatchers,
correctional officers, community service officers, sheriff’s technicians, and volunteers—performs
an important and vital role. These individuals may answer a simple question, make someone’s day,
comfort a person experiencing the worst day of their life, protect someone from harm, solve and
prevent crimes, or conduct search-and-rescue operations when someone is lost or in danger.
The individual entrusted to lead these employees and serve as our Sheriff must be knowledgeable,
forward-thinking, and capable of adapting to the evolving needs of our community. Our Sheriff
should be as invested in the future of this county as the citizens who have chosen to live here.
The next Sheriff should not be appointed solely on the basis of alleged customs and practices, the
recommendation of the outgoing Sheriff, or the desire to fill a vacancy until the next election. This
appointment warrants a thorough, objective, and transparent evaluation of all qualified candidates.
It is your responsibility to determine who is best equipped to serve the citizens of El Dorado
County, remain informed about emerging issues, prepare the department for future demands, and
manage limited public resources responsibly. Your decision should be impartial and based on each
candidate’s knowledge, experience, demonstrated leadership, professional judgment, past
performance, and record of success in meeting the law enforcement needs of the community.
Page 2 of 8
Background and the Candidates Under Consideration
The circumstances surrounding the upcoming vacancy deserve consideration. Sheriff Leikauf’s
pending retirement followed former Sheriff John D’Agostini’s decision to publicly raise concerns
about complaints he had received regarding the current administration and his intent to run for re-
election. I have also heard concerns and complaints from former coworkers, which I intend to
address separately.
At this time, the two candidates identified for consideration are current Undersheriff Eric Palmberg
and retired Sheriff John D’Agostini, both of whom meet the applicable Government Code
requirements for consideration.
Aside from Sheriff Leikauf’s recommendation of Undersheriff Palmberg as his successor,
reportedly based in part on established customs and practices and their professional relationship, I
believe Palmberg’s career history warrants a more comprehensive evaluation before concluding
that he is the most qualified candidate for Sheriff.
Review of Undersheriff Eric Palmberg’s Qualifications
According to the experience and accomplishments outlined in Sheriff Leikauf’s recommendation,
Palmberg’s career with EDSO includes the following:
Career Experience with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
• Nineteen years of service with EDSO.
• Service as a patrol deputy and field training officer (FTO).
• Assignment to narcotics investigations.
• Promotion to Sergeant, including patrol supervision and an assignment to the Coroner Unit.
• Promotion to Lieutenant in July 2022, with responsibilities that included SWAT
commander, jail administrative lieutenant, and support services lieutenant.
• Promotion to Undersheriff in November 2025.
• Experience across the department’s three divisions.
• Participation, while assigned to the Coroner Unit as a Sergeant, in planning, equipment
procurement, staffing, and opening the department’s morgue and indoor shooting range.
• More than a decade of service on the SWAT team.
• Service as Public Information Officer (PIO) during significant incidents, including the
2021 Caldor Fire, providing public briefings regarding evacuations, security in evacuated
areas, and repopulation.
Training and Recognition
• Graduation from the FBI National Academy’s 294th session on June 5, 2025, in Quantico,
Virginia.
• Completion of 18 semester hours through the University of Virginia in leadership,
behavioral science, and ethics, as well as participation in the Academy’s demanding
“Yellow Brick Road” obstacle course.
• Department awards cited in Sheriff Leikauf’s recommendation letter, including Deputy of
the Year, Sworn Supervisor of the Year, and Manager of the Year.
Page 3 of 8
These accomplishments demonstrate a range of departmental experience and professional
development. However, many of the operational and supervisory responsibilities described are
consistent with the duties expected of a Sergeant and subsequent supervisory ranks. Progression
from Sergeant to Lieutenant and then Captain is intended to build upon prior experience,
expanding an employee’s knowledge, skills, abilities, and leadership responsibilities at each level.
The question before the Board should not simply be whether Palmberg has performed his assigned
duties or received professional recognition. It should be whether his overall experience and
demonstrated leadership qualify him as the strongest candidate to lead the entire Sheriff’s Office.
The Depth and Breadth of Division-Level Experience
Sheriff Leikauf’s recommendation emphasizes Palmberg’s broad experience across the
department’s three divisions. While his assignments have provided exposure to different areas of
the Sheriff’s Office, it is important to distinguish between having been assigned to a division and
having acquired the depth of knowledge and experience necessary to effectively manage its
complex operations.
When Palmberg was promoted to Lieutenant, he was assigned to the Custody Division, an area in
which he had not previously worked as either a Correctional Officer or Correctional Sergeant. His
time in that assignment was relatively brief, particularly given the complexity and regulatory
demands of jail operations.
As the former Captain of the Custody Division, I can attest to the extensive knowledge, experience,
and oversight required to manage a county jail effectively. Jail operations involve a complex
framework of California statutes, Title 15 regulations, Title 24 requirements, court mandates, state
oversight, operational policies, staffing challenges, inmate classification, safety and security
procedures, and ongoing legal obligations. These responsibilities require more than general
supervisory experience; they demand a thorough understanding of the legal, operational, and
administrative requirements unique to custodial operations.
This is not an assignment in which a person can reasonably be expected to acquire comprehensive
expertise simply by serving as the division’s Lieutenant for less than two years. Although
Palmberg’s assignment provided exposure to custody operations, the length of his tenure and his
lack of prior experience in the division should be considered when evaluating the depth of his
knowledge and readiness to oversee this critical function at the department-wide level.
His subsequent experience as a Lieutenant in Support Services was also limited in duration. During
that assignment, he spent approximately three months attending the FBI National Academy. While
the Academy is a valuable professional development opportunity, that time necessarily reduced
the period he was physically serving in the assignment and gaining day-to-day experience in its
responsibilities.
These distinctions matter. Exposure to multiple divisions is not necessarily equivalent to
developing the depth of operational knowledge, administrative experience, and leadership
judgment needed to direct them effectively. Each division has its own demands, regulations,
personnel challenges, and operational risks. Understanding those responsibilities requires
sufficient time and meaningful experience in each area.
Page 4 of 8
The Board should therefore consider the full context of Palmberg’s career progression: his time as
a Lieutenant before promotion to Undersheriff, his lack of experience serving as a Captain, and
his relatively limited tenure as Undersheriff at the time of this appointment process.
I ask the Board to consider whether this level of experience adequately prepares him to assume the
responsibilities of Sheriff, overseeing every division of the department, managing its substantial
operational and legal obligations, directing its personnel, establishing long-term priorities, and
ensuring accountability to the citizens of El Dorado County.
This is not a question of whether Palmberg has worked hard or demonstrated potential. It is a
question of whether he has had sufficient time and experience in progressively responsible
command positions to be the most qualified candidate for one of the county’s most important
leadership roles.
FBI National Academy Attendance
Graduation from the FBI National Academy is a commendable professional accomplishment.
However, the circumstances surrounding this opportunity are also relevant to understanding the
experience of other qualified candidates.
My understanding is that Sheriff Leikauf offered Palmberg this opportunity after the FBI notified
EDSO of an available position. In 2018 and 2019, two Captains had applied to attend the Academy
the position notification was a result of their applications. I believe the Board should consider the
department’s history of professional development opportunities and how such opportunities have
been distributed when evaluating the relative qualifications of candidates.
Historical Promotion Practices and the Appointment of Undersheriff
If established customs and practices are being relied upon as a basis for appointing Palmberg as
Sheriff, the Board should also examine how those same practices have been applied to previous
leadership appointments.
Since 1987, every Undersheriff at EDSO has been selected from the rank of Captain. This history
includes Rich Williams, a Captain from Yolo County who had approximately 24 years of service
and joined EDSO under Sheriff D’Agostini following his election.
Palmberg, by contrast, was promoted to Undersheriff after approximately three years of experience
as a Lieutenant. He bypassed the rank of Captain and, consequently, the additional training,
experience, and command-level responsibilities associated with that position.
This raises a reasonable question: If historical customs and practices are an important consideration
in selecting the next Sheriff, why were those same practices not followed when Palmberg was
selected as Undersheriff?
A position as significant as Undersheriff requires careful consideration of the candidate’s readiness
to assume department-wide command responsibilities. The Board should examine whether
bypassing the rank of Captain provided Palmberg with the breadth of command experience
traditionally expected of an Undersheriff and whether that experience adequately prepares him to
serve as Sheriff.
Page 5 of 8
Undersheriff Compensation and Fiscal Responsibility
The circumstances surrounding Palmberg’s compensation following his promotion to Undersheriff
also warrant examination.
At the time of his promotion, Palmberg had approximately three years of experience as a
Lieutenant and was earning third-step Lieutenant pay. Following his appointment as Undersheriff,
the Board of Supervisors approved his placement at Step 4 of the Undersheriff pay scale.
I recognize that the Board has the authority to approve the salary step of an appointed department
head. However, I believe it is reasonable to ask what objective criteria supported this decision and
whether the compensation was commensurate with his experience at the time of the appointment.
If his experience did not warrant placement at Step 1 of the Undersheriff pay scale, the Board
should be prepared to explain the justification for placement at Step 4. With each step representing
an approximately 5% increase, the difference can result in a substantial increase in taxpayer-
funded compensation.
The issue is not whether the Board possesses the authority to approve a particular salary step.
Rather, it is whether that authority was exercised consistently, transparently, and in a manner that
demonstrates sound fiscal stewardship. As a former command staff member and taxpayer, I believe
the public deserves a clear explanation of the criteria used to make such compensation decisions.
For comparison, former Undersheriff Randy Peshon, whom I considered well qualified for the
position, was required to provide a written justification to Sheriff D’Agostini and the Board of
Supervisors to support his request for a Step 3 pay increase. My recollection is that this process
was lengthy. The difference in how these decisions were handled raises questions about
consistency and the standards applied to leadership compensation.
Sheriff John D’Agostini (Ret.)
On August 15, 2026, John D’Agostini announced in a Facebook post his intention to run for sheriff
in 2028. He cited concerns that Sheriff Leikauf’s focus had shifted away from serving the Sheriff’s
Office and the community toward individual priorities. According to his post, he reached this
conclusion after receiving calls from community members and employees of the Sheriff’s Office.
He also stated that he would seek appointment to the position if Sheriff Leikauf vacated the office
before the end of his term.
Since his honorable retirement, D’Agostini has continued to maintain strong community support.
During his tenure as El Dorado County Sheriff from 2011 through the end of 2022, D’Agostini
established a record of accomplishments involving major capital improvements, aviation
capabilities, specialized programs, emergency response, and community engagement. The
following highlights summarize his contributions, based on public records, news coverage, Board
actions, and official statements.
Major Capital Project: Public Safety Facility
D’Agostini led the long-standing effort to construct a consolidated Public Safety Facility. The
project had been studied since the 1980s and 1990s, and multiple previous sheriffs had pursued it
Page 6 of 8
without success. Under his leadership, the project advanced, approximately $57 million in low-
interest financing was secured through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) toward a total
project cost of roughly $68 million, and design-build construction was completed in 2019, on time
and under budget.
The 30-acre campus consolidated operations previously dispersed among multiple leased
locations. The facility includes the main Public Safety Building, which houses the Emergency
Operations Center and 9-1-1 dispatch, as well as a morgue, evidence building, special operations
and training building, and indoor shooting range and armory.
In 2023, the Board of Supervisors voted 3–2 to name the facility the Sheriff John D’Agostini Public
Safety Facility. Supervisors and supporters recognized his leadership in bringing the project to
completion, citing improved operational efficiency, reduced leasing costs, and enhanced
collaboration and morale. Private donations covered the cost of the signage.
Aviation Capability
In 2011, shortly after taking office, D’Agostini introduced “Eagle One,” a Jet Ranger helicopter
provided and piloted by volunteer reserve deputies Ed Rincon and Dr. Richard Moorhouse, the
aircraft’s owners. The helicopter was made available to the County without an initial capital
expenditure, with fuel costs covered through federal asset-forfeiture funds.
This resource enhanced the department’s ability to respond quickly, conduct search-and-rescue
operations in remote and mountainous terrain, and identify illegal marijuana cultivation sites from
the air.
Later in his tenure, D’Agostini pursued the acquisition of a department-owned helicopter,
proposing the use of restricted fund balances, including Proposition 172, COPS, and asset-seizure
funds, to finance the purchase and ongoing operating and maintenance expenses. Board support
for allocating the associated costs was reported.
Grants and Specialized Programs
In 2013, the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO) received a two-year, $250,000 U.S.
Department of Justice Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) grant to expand
the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).
The funding supported specialized mental-health training, follow-up and home visits, de-
escalation resources, and training for other first responders. Under D’Agostini’s administration,
the CIT expanded substantially, growing to more than three times its previous size, according to
contemporary reports.
Major Incidents and Community Response
D’Agostini oversaw the department during two significant wildfire emergencies: the 2014 King
Fire and the 2021 Caldor Fire. The Caldor Fire burned approximately 222,000 acres, destroyed
more than 1,000 structures, and forced large-scale evacuations.
During the Caldor Fire, D’Agostini opened his family ranch in South County to evacuees.
Contemporary accounts and subsequent tributes, including those from Representative Tom
Page 7 of 8
McClintock, recognized his personal involvement and support for the community during the
wildfire response.
Throughout his 12 years as sheriff, D’Agostini also managed numerous other significant events,
including a line-of-duty death, an employee suicide, major criminal investigations, floods, and
civil unrest.
SB844-Jail Expansion Project:
This project is also a reflection of Sheriff D’Agostini’s forward-thinking approach to correctional
administration and his recognition of the responsibility entrusted to the Sheriff’s Office to provide
appropriate care and services to every individual placed in its custody. His approach acknowledged
that effective corrections must balance the fundamental responsibility of maintaining safety and
security with the obligation to protect the constitutional rights of those incarcerated. This is
particularly important for individuals suffering from medical conditions, mental illness, or other
complex health needs who may require specialized treatment, additional supervision, and access
to appropriate services.
By anticipating these needs and incorporating dedicated medical, mental health, and rehabilitation
resources into the facility’s design, Sheriff D’Agostini demonstrated an understanding that
responsible jail administration requires planning for the whole population entrusted to the county’s
care. Providing appropriate treatment and services is not separate from public safety; it is an
essential component of a correctional system that operates lawfully, humanely, and effectively.
This commitment to anticipating future needs, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring that
individuals in custody receive appropriate care represents an important accomplishment of his
tenure as Sheriff.
Other Accomplishments
D’Agostini established the department’s guiding principle: “A Modern Approach to Traditional
Law Enforcement Values.” This philosophy emphasized the importance of balancing effective law
enforcement with care for victims and the community.
He expanded volunteer programs, including the Sheriff’s Posse and other initiatives. During his
tenure, the department benefited from the participation of hundreds of volunteers.
The department’s day-to-day operations were also featured in the television series The Sheriffs of
El Dorado County, which aired approximately from 2014 through 2019.
After winning a competitive, multi-candidate race in 2010, D’Agostini was reelected without
opposition in both 2014 and 2018.
Conclusion and Request to the Board
The appointment of the next Sheriff is too important to be treated as a routine personnel decision
or as a temporary measure to fill a vacancy. The Board has an opportunity and a responsibility to
conduct a fair, objective, and comprehensive evaluation of the candidates before making its
decision.
Page 8 of 8
I urge you to examine each candidate’s qualifications, leadership experience, professional
judgment, record of performance, readiness to assume the responsibilities of Sheriff, and
commitment to the citizens of El Dorado County. The Board should also consider the department’s
historical promotion practices and the principles of transparency, consistency, and fiscal
accountability.
Specifically, I ask that the Board carefully evaluate the depth of Palmberg’s experience in each
division, the duration of his service in progressively responsible command positions, his lack of
experience at the rank of Captain, and whether his time as Undersheriff has adequately prepared
him to lead the entire department.
A candidate’s potential and exposure to various assignments are important considerations, but they
should not be confused with the depth of experience necessary to assume responsibility for an
entire law enforcement agency. The Sheriff must be prepared to make decisions affecting public
safety, jail operations, personnel, legal compliance, departmental policy, budget priorities, and the
future direction of the organization.
The citizens of El Dorado County deserve a Sheriff selected because that individual is best
qualified to lead the department, support its employees, protect the community, and responsibly
manage public resources—not simply because that person has been recommended by the outgoing
Sheriff or is viewed as the customary successor.
If it is the intention of all parties involved, to prioritize the community in accordance with our
Mission and Vision statement, I recommend the Board of Supervisors act promptly to appoint the
most qualified candidate, John D’Agostini, as sheriff while Undersheriff Palmberg remain in his
current role. This will enable:
– A continuity of service and a smooth transition in leadership. As Sheriff John D’agostini
hired, supervised or promoted many of the employees and command staff.
– Provide Undersheriff Palmberg the opportunity to continue to enhance his knowledge,
skills and abilities as a future Sheriff of El Dorado County.
– And, assure the citizens that the elected officials of EDSO and the BOS have their safety
and security in the fore front of the elected officials’ priorities.
I urge you to exercise your independent judgment, ask the difficult questions, and ensure that this
appointment is based on a thorough and impartial assessment of qualifications and readiness to
lead.
Thank you for your time and consideration of these concerns.
Respectfully,
Jackie Noren -Retired Captain
El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office
30 Years of Service
October 1987–March 2018
