The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors at its July 12, 2016 meeting appointed Acting Sheriff Carlos Bolanos as Sheriff to finish out the two years remaining in the term of former Sheriff Greg Munks who announced his retirement last month due to health reasons.
The Board voted 3-2 in favor of appointing Bolanos who has been serving as Acting Sheriff since Munks went out on medical leave in June. The three favoring the process said appointing Bolanos will provide continued stability to the Sheriff’s Office and that he has proven himself to be an outstanding leader in law enforcement.
“Carlos has made an indelible mark on the department, promoting diversity and community policing. Appointing him permanently to this position allows the Sheriff’s Office to continue as a strong, successful department for its staff and those they are sworn to protect,” Slocum said.
The two remaining supervisors preferred a different process for filling the mid-term vacancy. Supervisor Carole Groom wanted voters to decide in the upcoming November election while Supervisor Dave Pine asked for a public, 30-day appointment process during which the Board would accept applications.
Bolanos’ appointment is effective July 17, 2016.
Last year, Munks, 61, announced that this term would be his last and Bolanos launched his election campaign. On June 17, Munks submitted his letter of resignation, citing a non-life-threatening heart condition.
Bolanos said he was honored by the appointment and thanked the Board for their trust. “I will continue to ensure that we have a safe county for residents and visitors, and that the Sheriff's Office not only maintains – but strives to improve – the outstanding relationships we have with the communities we serve,” Bolanos said.
Bolanos has 37 years of law enforcement experience, beginning with the Palo Alto Police Department. Before being named undersheriff in 2007, Bolanos spent 12 years as the Redwood City police chief and was credited with integrating a community-oriented policing philosophy. Bolanos earned a B.A. in economics from the University of San Francisco and a Masters of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay. He is also a graduate of Command College and the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program.