In 1992, the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department established the position of Department Historian.  The main function of this position is collection and preservation of written or photographic material and historical artifacts or memorabilia. Mr. Todd Ruse of Stockton, California is to fulfill this role.

In 1994, the Historical Preservation Board was created to assist the Historian in preserving the history of the department.  The board consists of department employees (present and retired), as well as interested community members.  All serve in volunteer capacity with the common goal of preserving the heritage of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department.

Current members of the Historical Preservation Board are:

• Todd Ruse, Chairman and Department Historian   
• John Basalto, Deputy Sheriff, S.J.S.D.
• Terry Eproson, Deputy Sheriff (retired), S.J.S.D.
• Frank Esau, Lieutenant (retired) S.J.S.D.
• Delores Bailey
• Pam Blanchard
• Terry Spears, Captain, (retired) S.J.S.D.
• Mary Conchite, Police Officer (retired) Manteca Police Department
• Tom Cantrell (Stockton Police Department)
• Betty Buyck (S.T.A.R.S.)
• Cyndy Kelso, Deputy Sheriff, S.J.S.D. and award winning Equine Artist
• Fred Keville, Deputy Sheriff (retired), S.J.S.D.
• Dan Lane, Sergeant, (retired) S.J.S.D.
• DeeDee Moore (S.T.A.R.S.)
• Dick Moore, C.P.A. (Treasurer for Historical Preservation Board)
• Horace Spencer, teacher (retired) Stockton Unified School District
• Stephan Moore, Assistant Sheriff, S.J.S.D.
   

MEMBERS AT LARGE

• Edith Sousa (widow of Sheriff Carlos Sousa)

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

• Robert Heidelbach, Undersheriff (retired), S.J.S.D. - Technical advisor for artifacts
• Michael Padilla, Lieutenant, S.J.S.D. - Technical advisor for 1946 Pontiac restoration

The Board meets as needed at the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Department headquarters, 7000 S. Michael Canlis Blvd., French Camp, California, to advise the Department Historian on matters such as publication of the official history of the department, acquisition of historical artifacts, prepare exhibitions at community events and programs, conduct historical research and fund raising.

Any successful historical program requires involvement of the community.  Many members of the department (past and present), their family and friends often have memories, stories or items that would be of significance to the Historical Preservation Board.  If you believe you have information or items of interest, please contact Todd Ruse at telephone number (209) 468-4359 or e-mail: truse@sjgov.org.

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