Deputies Meet and Greet Chumash Leadership

The four Sheriff’s deputies who will comprise a combined 24/7 patrol unit on the Chumash reservation — and also be available to the surrounding area during emergencies — met with tribal leadership earlier this week. The deputies started in January, after the Board of Supervisors unanimously supported the contract between the Sheriff’s Department and the tribe in November. Per the deal, the tribe will, through June 2034, foot the bill for the deputies’ salaries, one patrol vehicle, and the car’s maintenance.

“I am grateful to the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians for negotiating a contract with the Sheriff’s Office and the county that will result in better protection for tribal members and Santa Ynez Valley residents alike,” Sheriff Bill Brown said in a statement. Tribal chairman Vincent Armenta also commended the deal. “What this type of partnership shows is that the tribe is open and willing to work with the county in a positive and constructive manner,” he said. “We are looking forward to a long and successful partnership with the Sheriff’s Office.”