A retired El Dorado County sheriff\u2019s captain is challenging the county\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s command experience, leadership record, promotion history and taxpayer-funded compensation.<\/p>\n
Noren also recommends appointing former Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini, who led the department from 2011 through 2022, while allowing Palmberg to remain undersheriff and continue developing his command experience.<\/p>\n
The board is scheduled to consider the proposed appointment at its Oct. 20 meeting in Placerville. The county\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Source: El Dorado County\u2019s official agenda item 26-1683<\/a>.<\/p>\n Noren retired in March 2018 after 30 years with the El Dorado County Sheriff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Her objection centers on whether the county has sufficiently compared the qualifications of the candidates before settling on Palmberg.<\/p>\n \u201cThe appointment warrants a thorough, objective, and transparent evaluation of all qualified candidates,\u201d Noren wrote.<\/p>\n She argues that the sheriff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Noren contends that supervisors should exercise independent judgment rather than treat the outgoing sheriff\u2019s recommendation or customary succession practices as decisive.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Palmberg\u2019s qualifications, as summarized in Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s recommendation and recounted by Noren, include 19 years with the Sheriff\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Noren acknowledges these accomplishments but argues that time spent in an assignment does not necessarily translate into comprehensive expertise in managing an entire division.<\/p>\n She focuses particularly on Palmberg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n She also questions whether Palmberg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The distinction is central to her argument: exposure to multiple divisions is not necessarily equivalent to sustained experience managing their complex operations.<\/p>\n Noren also highlights Palmberg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n The county\u2019s recommendation, meanwhile, cites Palmberg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Noren also challenges the use of departmental custom and practice to support Palmberg\u2019s appointment.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Palmberg, by contrast, became undersheriff after approximately three years as a lieutenant, bypassing the captain rank.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s top law enforcement position.<\/p>\n The county\u2019s published appointment recommendation emphasizes Palmberg\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Noren also questions the circumstances surrounding Palmberg\u2019s placement at Step 4 of the undersheriff salary scale after his promotion.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019Agostini and the Board of Supervisors to support a Step 3 pay increase.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s previous compensation.<\/p>\n For supervisors, the question raised by Noren is whether salary-step decisions for senior county officials are supported by documented criteria and applied consistently.<\/p>\n Noren recommends D\u2019Agostini as the stronger candidate, citing his 12 years as sheriff and a record of capital projects, emergency response, specialized programs and community engagement.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Board of Supervisors voted 3-2 in 2023 to name the facility the Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini Public Safety Facility.<\/p>\n Noren also points to the department\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n These examples form the basis of her argument that D\u2019Agostini brings institutional knowledge and established command experience that warrant serious consideration.<\/p>\n D\u2019Agostini has publicly challenged the current administration and expressed interest in returning to office. In an Aug. 15 Facebook post, according to Noren\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n His record and prior tenure are relevant to the board\u2019s deliberations, but they do not automatically establish that he is the better candidate. A fair comparison would examine both candidates\u2019 qualifications, management records, policy priorities and readiness to serve.<\/p>\n The county\u2019s proposed appointment would fill the vacancy expected when Leikauf retires at the end of December. Under the county\u2019s published recommendation, Palmberg would serve through the remainder of the current term, ending Jan. 8, 2029.<\/p>\n Noren argues that the decision should not be treated as a routine personnel matter or a temporary appointment made primarily for continuity.<\/p>\n She asks supervisors to assess the candidates\u2019 command experience, professional judgment, performance, readiness to manage every division and record of responsible use of public resources.<\/p>\n Her proposed alternative is to appoint D\u2019Agostini while retaining Palmberg as undersheriff, giving him additional time to develop the experience Noren believes is necessary for the sheriff\u2019s office.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The board\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n For residents, the central questions are whether the selection process is transparent, whether the chosen candidate is prepared to manage the department\u2019s full responsibilities and how supervisors justify their decision.<\/p>\n Noren\u2019s letter adds a detailed challenge to the county\u2019s recommendation. The final decision rests with the Board of Supervisors, which must consider the applicable legal requirements and the evidence before it.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n El Dorado County Board of Supervisors Page 2 of 8<\/p>\n Background and the Candidates Under Consideration about complaints he had received regarding the current administration and his intent to run for re- address separately. Page 3 of 8 Page 4 of 8 Page 5 of 8<\/p>\n Undersheriff Compensation and Fiscal Responsibility an approximately 5% increase, the difference can result in a substantial increase in taxpayer- The issue is not whether the Board possesses the authority to approve a particular salary step. Page 6 of 8<\/p>\n without success. Under his leadership, the project advanced, approximately $57 million in low- project cost of roughly $68 million, and design-build construction was completed in 2019, on time The funding supported specialized mental-health training, follow-up and home visits, de- the CIT expanded substantially, growing to more than three times its previous size, according to Page 7 of 8 Page 8 of 8 A retired El Dorado County sheriff\u2019s captain is challenging the county\u2019s recommended successor to Sheriff Jeff Leikauf. Jackie Noren questions whether Undersheriff Eric Palmberg has enough command experience to lead the department and urges supervisors to consider former Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini before deciding who will oversee county law enforcement through January 2029.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14689,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jnews-multi-image_gallery":[],"jnews_single_post":{"format":"standard","override":[{"template":"7","parallax":"1","layout":"no-sidebar-narrow","sidebar":"default-sidebar","second_sidebar":"default-sidebar","sticky_sidebar":"1","share_position":"float","share_float_style":"share-normal","show_share_counter":"1","show_view_counter":"1","show_featured":"1","show_post_meta":"1","show_post_author":"1","show_post_author_image":"1","show_post_date":"1","post_date_format":"default","post_date_format_custom":"Y\/m\/d","show_post_category":"1","post_reading_time_wpm":"300","post_calculate_word_method":"str_word_count","show_zoom_button":"0","zoom_button_out_step":"2","zoom_button_in_step":"3","show_post_tag":"1","show_popup_post":"1","show_comment_section":"1","number_popup_post":"1","show_author_box":"1","show_post_related":"1","show_inline_post_related":"1"}],"image_override":[{"single_post_thumbnail_size":"crop-500","single_post_gallery_size":"crop-500"}],"trending_post_position":"meta","trending_post_label":"Trending","sponsored_post_label":"Sponsored by","disable_ad":"0","subtitle":"Jackie Noren questions Palmberg\u2019s command experience and urges supervisors to consider former Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini before making a decision."},"jnews_primary_category":[],"jnews_social_meta":[],"jnews_override_counter":{"view_counter_number":"0","share_counter_number":"0","like_counter_number":"0","dislike_counter_number":"0"},"footnotes":""},"categories":[25,5],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14688","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-crime","category-government"],"yoast_head":"\nRetired captain questions the selection process<\/h3>\n
Palmberg\u2019s experience under scrutiny<\/h3>\n
Promotion history raises questions about precedent<\/h3>\n
Undersheriff salary decision draws scrutiny<\/h3>\n
D\u2019Agostini\u2019s record becomes part of the debate<\/h3>\n
What supervisors must decide<\/h3>\n
Sources and records<\/h3>\n
\n
FULL LETTER<\/h3>\n
\n330 Fair Lane
\nPlacerville, Ca 95667
\nRe: Opposition to the Proposed Appointment of the El Dorado County Sheriff 26-1683
\nDear Chair Laine and Members of the El Dorado County Board of Supervisors:
\nI am a retired Captain with the El Dorado County Sheriff\u2019s Office (EDSO), having retired in March
\n2018 after 30 years of service, beginning in October 1987. During my career, I worked under six
\nsheriffs and served in a variety of positions, progressing from Correctional Officer in the county
\njail to sworn Deputy Sheriff, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain.
\nMy assignments included patrol, field training officer, investigations, Drug Abuse Resistance
\nEducation (DARE), Court Security, and the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). As a Captain and
\nmember of the command staff, I was responsible for budgeting, scheduling, grant writing, policy
\ndevelopment, workplace professionalism, employee hiring and evaluations, and ensuring
\nadherence to department policies.
\nI am writing to express my concerns regarding the County Administrative Officer\u2019s (CAO\u2019s)
\nrecommendation to the Board of Supervisors (BOS) to appoint Eric Palmberg as Sheriff of El
\nDorado County. I am concerned that this recommendation may have been made without a
\nsufficiently objective evaluation of his qualifications, knowledge, skills, and experience in
\ncomparison with those of other qualified candidates.
\nAs elected officials, you have a responsibility to make an informed decision regarding one of the
\nmost consequential appointments affecting the citizens of El Dorado County. The Sheriff\u2019s Office
\nserves every member of our community, regardless of age, socioeconomic status, race, religion, or
\npolitical views, throughout our rural communities and more populated unincorporated areas. The
\nresponsibilities of the Sheriff and the employees of the department are extensive and varied.
\nEvery employee of the Sheriff\u2019s Office\u2014including sworn deputies, detectives, dispatchers,
\ncorrectional officers, community service officers, sheriff\u2019s technicians, and volunteers\u2014performs
\nan important and vital role. These individuals may answer a simple question, make someone\u2019s day,
\ncomfort a person experiencing the worst day of their life, protect someone from harm, solve and
\nprevent crimes, or conduct search-and-rescue operations when someone is lost or in danger.
\nThe individual entrusted to lead these employees and serve as our Sheriff must be knowledgeable,
\nforward-thinking, and capable of adapting to the evolving needs of our community. Our Sheriff
\nshould be as invested in the future of this county as the citizens who have chosen to live here.
\nThe next Sheriff should not be appointed solely on the basis of alleged customs and practices, the
\nrecommendation of the outgoing Sheriff, or the desire to fill a vacancy until the next election. This
\nappointment warrants a thorough, objective, and transparent evaluation of all qualified candidates.
\nIt is your responsibility to determine who is best equipped to serve the citizens of El Dorado
\nCounty, remain informed about emerging issues, prepare the department for future demands, and
\nmanage limited public resources responsibly. Your decision should be impartial and based on each
\ncandidate\u2019s knowledge, experience, demonstrated leadership, professional judgment, past
\nperformance, and record of success in meeting the law enforcement needs of the community.<\/p>\n
\nThe circumstances surrounding the upcoming vacancy deserve consideration. Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s
\npending retirement followed former Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini\u2019s decision to publicly raise concerns<\/p>\n
\nelection. I have also heard concerns and complaints from former coworkers, which I intend to<\/p>\n
\nAt this time, the two candidates identified for consideration are current Undersheriff Eric Palmberg
\nand retired Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini, both of whom meet the applicable Government Code
\nrequirements for consideration.
\nAside from Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s recommendation of Undersheriff Palmberg as his successor,
\nreportedly based in part on established customs and practices and their professional relationship, I
\nbelieve Palmberg\u2019s career history warrants a more comprehensive evaluation before concluding
\nthat he is the most qualified candidate for Sheriff.
\nReview of Undersheriff Eric Palmberg\u2019s Qualifications
\nAccording to the experience and accomplishments outlined in Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s recommendation,
\nPalmberg\u2019s career with EDSO includes the following:
\nCareer Experience with the El Dorado County Sheriff\u2019s Office
\n\u2022 Nineteen years of service with EDSO.
\n\u2022 Service as a patrol deputy and field training officer (FTO).
\n\u2022 Assignment to narcotics investigations.
\n\u2022 Promotion to Sergeant, including patrol supervision and an assignment to the Coroner Unit.
\n\u2022 Promotion to Lieutenant in July 2022, with responsibilities that included SWAT
\ncommander, jail administrative lieutenant, and support services lieutenant.
\n\u2022 Promotion to Undersheriff in November 2025.
\n\u2022 Experience across the department\u2019s three divisions.
\n\u2022 Participation, while assigned to the Coroner Unit as a Sergeant, in planning, equipment
\nprocurement, staffing, and opening the department\u2019s morgue and indoor shooting range.
\n\u2022 More than a decade of service on the SWAT team.
\n\u2022 Service as Public Information Officer (PIO) during significant incidents, including the
\n2021 Caldor Fire, providing public briefings regarding evacuations, security in evacuated
\nareas, and repopulation.
\nTraining and Recognition
\n\u2022 Graduation from the FBI National Academy\u2019s 294th session on June 5, 2025, in Quantico,
\nVirginia.
\n\u2022 Completion of 18 semester hours through the University of Virginia in leadership,
\nbehavioral science, and ethics, as well as participation in the Academy\u2019s demanding
\n\u201cYellow Brick Road\u201d obstacle course.
\n\u2022 Department awards cited in Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s recommendation letter, including Deputy of
\nthe Year, Sworn Supervisor of the Year, and Manager of the Year.<\/p>\n
\nThese accomplishments demonstrate a range of departmental experience and professional
\ndevelopment. However, many of the operational and supervisory responsibilities described are
\nconsistent with the duties expected of a Sergeant and subsequent supervisory ranks. Progression
\nfrom Sergeant to Lieutenant and then Captain is intended to build upon prior experience,
\nexpanding an employee\u2019s knowledge, skills, abilities, and leadership responsibilities at each level.
\nThe question before the Board should not simply be whether Palmberg has performed his assigned
\nduties or received professional recognition. It should be whether his overall experience and
\ndemonstrated leadership qualify him as the strongest candidate to lead the entire Sheriff\u2019s Office.
\nThe Depth and Breadth of Division-Level Experience
\nSheriff Leikauf\u2019s recommendation emphasizes Palmberg\u2019s broad experience across the
\ndepartment\u2019s three divisions. While his assignments have provided exposure to different areas of
\nthe Sheriff\u2019s Office, it is important to distinguish between having been assigned to a division and
\nhaving acquired the depth of knowledge and experience necessary to effectively manage its
\ncomplex operations.
\nWhen Palmberg was promoted to Lieutenant, he was assigned to the Custody Division, an area in
\nwhich he had not previously worked as either a Correctional Officer or Correctional Sergeant. His
\ntime in that assignment was relatively brief, particularly given the complexity and regulatory
\ndemands of jail operations.
\nAs the former Captain of the Custody Division, I can attest to the extensive knowledge, experience,
\nand oversight required to manage a county jail effectively. Jail operations involve a complex
\nframework of California statutes, Title 15 regulations, Title 24 requirements, court mandates, state
\noversight, operational policies, staffing challenges, inmate classification, safety and security
\nprocedures, and ongoing legal obligations. These responsibilities require more than general
\nsupervisory experience; they demand a thorough understanding of the legal, operational, and
\nadministrative requirements unique to custodial operations.
\nThis is not an assignment in which a person can reasonably be expected to acquire comprehensive
\nexpertise simply by serving as the division\u2019s Lieutenant for less than two years. Although
\nPalmberg\u2019s assignment provided exposure to custody operations, the length of his tenure and his
\nlack of prior experience in the division should be considered when evaluating the depth of his
\nknowledge and readiness to oversee this critical function at the department-wide level.
\nHis subsequent experience as a Lieutenant in Support Services was also limited in duration. During
\nthat assignment, he spent approximately three months attending the FBI National Academy. While
\nthe Academy is a valuable professional development opportunity, that time necessarily reduced
\nthe period he was physically serving in the assignment and gaining day-to-day experience in its
\nresponsibilities.
\nThese distinctions matter. Exposure to multiple divisions is not necessarily equivalent to
\ndeveloping the depth of operational knowledge, administrative experience, and leadership
\njudgment needed to direct them effectively. Each division has its own demands, regulations,
\npersonnel challenges, and operational risks. Understanding those responsibilities requires
\nsufficient time and meaningful experience in each area.<\/p>\n
\nThe Board should therefore consider the full context of Palmberg\u2019s career progression: his time as
\na Lieutenant before promotion to Undersheriff, his lack of experience serving as a Captain, and
\nhis relatively limited tenure as Undersheriff at the time of this appointment process.
\nI ask the Board to consider whether this level of experience adequately prepares him to assume the
\nresponsibilities of Sheriff, overseeing every division of the department, managing its substantial
\noperational and legal obligations, directing its personnel, establishing long-term priorities, and
\nensuring accountability to the citizens of El Dorado County.
\nThis is not a question of whether Palmberg has worked hard or demonstrated potential. It is a
\nquestion of whether he has had sufficient time and experience in progressively responsible
\ncommand positions to be the most qualified candidate for one of the county\u2019s most important
\nleadership roles.
\nFBI National Academy Attendance
\nGraduation from the FBI National Academy is a commendable professional accomplishment.
\nHowever, the circumstances surrounding this opportunity are also relevant to understanding the
\nexperience of other qualified candidates.
\nMy understanding is that Sheriff Leikauf offered Palmberg this opportunity after the FBI notified
\nEDSO of an available position. In 2018 and 2019, two Captains had applied to attend the Academy
\nthe position notification was a result of their applications. I believe the Board should consider the
\ndepartment\u2019s history of professional development opportunities and how such opportunities have
\nbeen distributed when evaluating the relative qualifications of candidates.
\nHistorical Promotion Practices and the Appointment of Undersheriff
\nIf established customs and practices are being relied upon as a basis for appointing Palmberg as
\nSheriff, the Board should also examine how those same practices have been applied to previous
\nleadership appointments.
\nSince 1987, every Undersheriff at EDSO has been selected from the rank of Captain. This history
\nincludes Rich Williams, a Captain from Yolo County who had approximately 24 years of service
\nand joined EDSO under Sheriff D\u2019Agostini following his election.
\nPalmberg, by contrast, was promoted to Undersheriff after approximately three years of experience
\nas a Lieutenant. He bypassed the rank of Captain and, consequently, the additional training,
\nexperience, and command-level responsibilities associated with that position.
\nThis raises a reasonable question: If historical customs and practices are an important consideration
\nin selecting the next Sheriff, why were those same practices not followed when Palmberg was
\nselected as Undersheriff?
\nA position as significant as Undersheriff requires careful consideration of the candidate\u2019s readiness
\nto assume department-wide command responsibilities. The Board should examine whether
\nbypassing the rank of Captain provided Palmberg with the breadth of command experience
\ntraditionally expected of an Undersheriff and whether that experience adequately prepares him to
\nserve as Sheriff.<\/p>\n
\nThe circumstances surrounding Palmberg\u2019s compensation following his promotion to Undersheriff
\nalso warrant examination.
\nAt the time of his promotion, Palmberg had approximately three years of experience as a
\nLieutenant and was earning third-step Lieutenant pay. Following his appointment as Undersheriff,
\nthe Board of Supervisors approved his placement at Step 4 of the Undersheriff pay scale.
\nI recognize that the Board has the authority to approve the salary step of an appointed department
\nhead. However, I believe it is reasonable to ask what objective criteria supported this decision and
\nwhether the compensation was commensurate with his experience at the time of the appointment.
\nIf his experience did not warrant placement at Step 1 of the Undersheriff pay scale, the Board
\nshould be prepared to explain the justification for placement at Step 4. With each step representing<\/p>\n
\nfunded compensation.<\/p>\n
\nRather, it is whether that authority was exercised consistently, transparently, and in a manner that
\ndemonstrates sound fiscal stewardship. As a former command staff member and taxpayer, I believe
\nthe public deserves a clear explanation of the criteria used to make such compensation decisions.
\nFor comparison, former Undersheriff Randy Peshon, whom I considered well qualified for the
\nposition, was required to provide a written justification to Sheriff D\u2019Agostini and the Board of
\nSupervisors to support his request for a Step 3 pay increase. My recollection is that this process
\nwas lengthy. The difference in how these decisions were handled raises questions about
\nconsistency and the standards applied to leadership compensation.
\nSheriff John D\u2019Agostini (Ret.)
\nOn August 15, 2026, John D\u2019Agostini announced in a Facebook post his intention to run for sheriff
\nin 2028. He cited concerns that Sheriff Leikauf\u2019s focus had shifted away from serving the Sheriff\u2019s
\nOffice and the community toward individual priorities. According to his post, he reached this
\nconclusion after receiving calls from community members and employees of the Sheriff\u2019s Office.
\nHe also stated that he would seek appointment to the position if Sheriff Leikauf vacated the office
\nbefore the end of his term.
\nSince his honorable retirement, D\u2019Agostini has continued to maintain strong community support.
\nDuring his tenure as El Dorado County Sheriff from 2011 through the end of 2022, D\u2019Agostini
\nestablished a record of accomplishments involving major capital improvements, aviation
\ncapabilities, specialized programs, emergency response, and community engagement. The
\nfollowing highlights summarize his contributions, based on public records, news coverage, Board
\nactions, and official statements.
\nMajor Capital Project: Public Safety Facility
\nD\u2019Agostini led the long-standing effort to construct a consolidated Public Safety Facility. The
\nproject had been studied since the 1980s and 1990s, and multiple previous sheriffs had pursued it<\/p>\n
\ninterest financing was secured through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) toward a total<\/p>\n
\nand under budget.
\nThe 30-acre campus consolidated operations previously dispersed among multiple leased
\nlocations. The facility includes the main Public Safety Building, which houses the Emergency
\nOperations Center and 9-1-1 dispatch, as well as a morgue, evidence building, special operations
\nand training building, and indoor shooting range and armory.
\nIn 2023, the Board of Supervisors voted 3\u20132 to name the facility the Sheriff John D\u2019Agostini Public
\nSafety Facility. Supervisors and supporters recognized his leadership in bringing the project to
\ncompletion, citing improved operational efficiency, reduced leasing costs, and enhanced
\ncollaboration and morale. Private donations covered the cost of the signage.
\nAviation Capability
\nIn 2011, shortly after taking office, D\u2019Agostini introduced \u201cEagle One,\u201d a Jet Ranger helicopter
\nprovided and piloted by volunteer reserve deputies Ed Rincon and Dr. Richard Moorhouse, the
\naircraft\u2019s owners. The helicopter was made available to the County without an initial capital
\nexpenditure, with fuel costs covered through federal asset-forfeiture funds.
\nThis resource enhanced the department\u2019s ability to respond quickly, conduct search-and-rescue
\noperations in remote and mountainous terrain, and identify illegal marijuana cultivation sites from
\nthe air.
\nLater in his tenure, D\u2019Agostini pursued the acquisition of a department-owned helicopter,
\nproposing the use of restricted fund balances, including Proposition 172, COPS, and asset-seizure
\nfunds, to finance the purchase and ongoing operating and maintenance expenses. Board support
\nfor allocating the associated costs was reported.
\nGrants and Specialized Programs
\nIn 2013, the El Dorado County Sheriff\u2019s Office (EDSO) received a two-year, $250,000 U.S.
\nDepartment of Justice Justice and Mental Health Collaboration Program (JMHCP) grant to expand
\nthe Crisis Intervention Team (CIT).<\/p>\n
\nescalation resources, and training for other first responders. Under D\u2019Agostini\u2019s administration,<\/p>\n
\ncontemporary reports.
\nMajor Incidents and Community Response
\nD\u2019Agostini oversaw the department during two significant wildfire emergencies: the 2014 King
\nFire and the 2021 Caldor Fire. The Caldor Fire burned approximately 222,000 acres, destroyed
\nmore than 1,000 structures, and forced large-scale evacuations.
\nDuring the Caldor Fire, D\u2019Agostini opened his family ranch in South County to evacuees.
\nContemporary accounts and subsequent tributes, including those from Representative Tom<\/p>\n
\nMcClintock, recognized his personal involvement and support for the community during the
\nwildfire response.
\nThroughout his 12 years as sheriff, D\u2019Agostini also managed numerous other significant events,
\nincluding a line-of-duty death, an employee suicide, major criminal investigations, floods, and
\ncivil unrest.
\nSB844-Jail Expansion Project:
\nThis project is also a reflection of Sheriff D\u2019Agostini\u2019s forward-thinking approach to correctional
\nadministration and his recognition of the responsibility entrusted to the Sheriff\u2019s Office to provide
\nappropriate care and services to every individual placed in its custody. His approach acknowledged
\nthat effective corrections must balance the fundamental responsibility of maintaining safety and
\nsecurity with the obligation to protect the constitutional rights of those incarcerated. This is
\nparticularly important for individuals suffering from medical conditions, mental illness, or other
\ncomplex health needs who may require specialized treatment, additional supervision, and access
\nto appropriate services.
\nBy anticipating these needs and incorporating dedicated medical, mental health, and rehabilitation
\nresources into the facility\u2019s design, Sheriff D\u2019Agostini demonstrated an understanding that
\nresponsible jail administration requires planning for the whole population entrusted to the county\u2019s
\ncare. Providing appropriate treatment and services is not separate from public safety; it is an
\nessential component of a correctional system that operates lawfully, humanely, and effectively.
\nThis commitment to anticipating future needs, protecting constitutional rights, and ensuring that
\nindividuals in custody receive appropriate care represents an important accomplishment of his
\ntenure as Sheriff.
\nOther Accomplishments
\nD\u2019Agostini established the department\u2019s guiding principle: \u201cA Modern Approach to Traditional
\nLaw Enforcement Values.\u201d This philosophy emphasized the importance of balancing effective law
\nenforcement with care for victims and the community.
\nHe expanded volunteer programs, including the Sheriff\u2019s Posse and other initiatives. During his
\ntenure, the department benefited from the participation of hundreds of volunteers.
\nThe department\u2019s day-to-day operations were also featured in the television series The Sheriffs of
\nEl Dorado County, which aired approximately from 2014 through 2019.
\nAfter winning a competitive, multi-candidate race in 2010, D\u2019Agostini was reelected without
\nopposition in both 2014 and 2018.
\nConclusion and Request to the Board
\nThe appointment of the next Sheriff is too important to be treated as a routine personnel decision
\nor as a temporary measure to fill a vacancy. The Board has an opportunity and a responsibility to
\nconduct a fair, objective, and comprehensive evaluation of the candidates before making its
\ndecision.<\/p>\n
\nI urge you to examine each candidate\u2019s qualifications, leadership experience, professional
\njudgment, record of performance, readiness to assume the responsibilities of Sheriff, and
\ncommitment to the citizens of El Dorado County. The Board should also consider the department\u2019s
\nhistorical promotion practices and the principles of transparency, consistency, and fiscal
\naccountability.
\nSpecifically, I ask that the Board carefully evaluate the depth of Palmberg\u2019s experience in each
\ndivision, the duration of his service in progressively responsible command positions, his lack of
\nexperience at the rank of Captain, and whether his time as Undersheriff has adequately prepared
\nhim to lead the entire department.
\nA candidate\u2019s potential and exposure to various assignments are important considerations, but they
\nshould not be confused with the depth of experience necessary to assume responsibility for an
\nentire law enforcement agency. The Sheriff must be prepared to make decisions affecting public
\nsafety, jail operations, personnel, legal compliance, departmental policy, budget priorities, and the
\nfuture direction of the organization.
\nThe citizens of El Dorado County deserve a Sheriff selected because that individual is best
\nqualified to lead the department, support its employees, protect the community, and responsibly
\nmanage public resources\u2014not simply because that person has been recommended by the outgoing
\nSheriff or is viewed as the customary successor.
\nIf it is the intention of all parties involved, to prioritize the community in accordance with our
\nMission and Vision statement, I recommend the Board of Supervisors act promptly to appoint the
\nmost qualified candidate, John D\u2019Agostini, as sheriff while Undersheriff Palmberg remain in his
\ncurrent role. This will enable:
\n– A continuity of service and a smooth transition in leadership. As Sheriff John D\u2019agostini
\nhired, supervised or promoted many of the employees and command staff.
\n– Provide Undersheriff Palmberg the opportunity to continue to enhance his knowledge,
\nskills and abilities as a future Sheriff of El Dorado County.
\n– And, assure the citizens that the elected officials of EDSO and the BOS have their safety
\nand security in the fore front of the elected officials\u2019 priorities.
\nI urge you to exercise your independent judgment, ask the difficult questions, and ensure that this
\nappointment is based on a thorough and impartial assessment of qualifications and readiness to
\nlead.
\nThank you for your time and consideration of these concerns.
\nRespectfully,
\nJackie Noren -Retired Captain
\nEl Dorado County Sheriff\u2019s Office
\n30 Years of Service
\nOctober 1987\u2013March 2018<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"