John Zapalac's Objective

Through my acquired experience, I will continue to foster positive working relationships with all city and county departments and hold the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office in good light as a leading law enforcement agency in the valley. I will maximize the department’s effectiveness through stringent hiring guidelines, training maintenance and by promoting and encouraging all personnel to further their general education. My eleven years as Police Chief for the City of Woodlake has allowed me to work closely with city staff in drafting our department’s budgets, always seeking additional monies through grant projects. I have learned the importance of fostering community involvement, which produces good relations and a stronger law enforcement agency. I have devoted time to youth programs that require interaction between youth and law enforcement officers, which has ultimately led to a reduction of our juvenile crime rate. Time and experience has taught me that the most valuable resource available to law enforcement is good employees. They need to be treated fairly, and motivated by training, supervision, recognition and discipline when necessary.

I will provide expert enforcement and investigative services to the public in an executive role.

To be an active and visible role model, be open and accessible and provide the highest level of integrity for members of a law enforcement agency and community.
To be a perpetual optimist and hold a vision of the future, which both compliments and expands current services provided to members of the community.
To provide the leadership required to solve complex problems and make decisions that lead to the development of staff at all levels.
To be a contributing member of the County and City Management Teams with a broad perspective and interest in promoting the overall health of the county, its employees and residents.
To be an advocate for the department and strive to develop positive, caring relationships between officers and community residents.