June 27, 2007

New boss for R.C. sheriff's deputies
By Wendy Leung, Staff Writer

RANCHO CUCAMONGA - Capt. Joe Cusimano, who heads the sheriff's station, has big shoes to fill when he comes next month to lead this city's sheriff's deputies.

Sheriff's Capt. Pete Ortiz is well-liked, and news that he will be transferred to sheriff's headquarters in San Bernardino hit the City Council hard.

But Cusimano said he has every intention of continuing the programs Ortiz started and, along with the aid of the administrative staff, "we won't miss a beat."

The Sheriff's Department announced this month that Ortiz, 57, will be transferred to the specialized investigations division in San Bernardino after working nearly six years as the head of the sheriff's Rancho Cucamonga station.

Cusimano, 43, a Rancho Cucamonga resident for 16 years, will leave Hesperia to take Ortiz's post starting July 23.

The city contracts for law-enforcement services from the Sheriff's Department. Sheriff's spokeswoman Jodi Miller said these kinds of transfers happen periodically and are common in the department.

The change is considered a lateral transfer for both captains.

Cusimano, who has a criminal justice degree from Cal State Fullerton, has worked for the Sheriff's Department for

The High Desert native admitted he has a "soft spot" for the area and will miss it but is looking forward to being immersed in Rancho Cucamonga issues and working in the city where he, his wife and three children live.

"This is a real honor for me to get this assignment," Cusimano said. "My goal is to continue the real superior level of service, work on reducing crime and dealing with graffiti and gangs."