It is with sincere pleasure that we announce Correctional Officer II Brian Nickerson as our “2025 Correctional Officer of the Year.”

Officer Nickerson is currently assigned as the Correctional Officer for the Jail-Based Competency Treatment (JBCT) Team. The JBCT program is a specialized mental health initiative operated within the jail in partnership with the State Hospital System, with the goal of restoring an inmate’s competency for trial without the need for transfer to a state hospital. Brian works closely with inmates experiencing complex mental health challenges and is frequently called upon to assist in managing those who are emotionally unstable, relying on his calm demeanor and steady professionalism.

In addition to his JBCT responsibilities, Brian assists with inmate classification, tracks jail violence statistics, and serves as a member of the Jail Custodial Officers Team. He is also responsible for monitoring the inmate phone and tablet system, overseeing the majority of the facility’s electronic communication platforms, including text messaging, video messaging, and video visitation. This role is critical to maintaining the safety and security of the facility. Through his diligence and keen attention to detail, Officer Nickerson has identified potential security risks and safety concerns on multiple occasions. His proactive approach and commitment to this responsibility significantly enhance the overall safety, security, and effective operation of the facility.

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office extends its sincere appreciation to Correctional Officer II Brian Nickerson for his outstanding performance, professionalism and dedication. He embodies the spirit of the motto “Honored to Serve” and we proudly name him our “2025 Correctional Officer of the Year.”

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize In-Custody Program Coordinator as our “2025 Employee of the Year.”

As the In-Custody Program Coordinator, Mr. Hernandez has elevated his demanding role into one defined by leadership, innovation, and measurable impact. Mr. Hernandez has expanded and strengthened the in-custody programs while using his background as an educator to develop custom and approved curriculums, including Spanish-language courses for individuals in our custody. His leadership ensures those individuals receive meaningful services and are seamlessly connected to critical resources upon release, improving outcomes well beyond incarceration.

With exceptional foresight and initiative, Mr. Hernandez assumed leadership of the state-mandated CalAIM initiative, proactively mastering its complex, three phase implementation. His efforts positioned him as the CalAIM subject-matter expert not only for our organization, but countywide. He is consistently relied upon for his expertise, strategic insight, and ability to deliver results on complex corrections initiatives.  Mr. Hernandez’s passion, forward-thinking leadership, and commitment to service are unmistakable. His impact is evident in the community, where formerly incarcerated individuals regularly recognize him and express gratitude for the dignity, respect, and support they received while in custody.

Ismael embodies the Sheriff’s Office motto “Honored to Serve.”  It is with sincere appreciation the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office recognizes In-Custody Program Coordinator Ismael Hernandez as the “2025 Employee of the Year.”

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is proud to recognize Correctional Sergeant Gustavo Velazquez as the “2025 Civilian Manager of the Year.”

Sergeant Velazquez consistently demonstrates genuine care and respect for his staff. As a supervisor, he leads by example and never hesitates to step in and assist when workloads increase, ensuring that tasks are completed accurately and safely. He arrives each day with a positive demeanor and actively fosters that positivity throughout his shift, creating a noticeable and meaningful impact on overall morale. What truly distinguishes him as a leader is his humility and commitment to personal and professional growth. When mistakes are brought to his attention, he acknowledges them openly, takes responsibility, and apologizes when appropriate. He further demonstrated this commitment by distributing an anonymous survey to his staff to identify areas for improvement as a supervisor.

Sergeant Velazquez consistently goes above and beyond in supporting his team. On multiple occasions, he has provided meals for the shift and ensures that all staff have the opportunity to take breaks and eat. While simple, these thoughtful gestures significantly boost morale and reflect his appreciation for his team’s hard work. His dedication extends beyond staff support—during pod walks, when inmates have questions, he either provides immediate answers or follows up promptly with accurate information, demonstrating professionalism, accountability, and a strong commitment to communication.

CO Sergeant Velazquez exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding leader and is highly deserving of this recognition. It is with great appreciation and respect that the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office names Gustavo Velazquez the “2025 Civilian Manager of the Year.”

The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office proudly recognizes S.T.A.R.S. members Linda and Michael Urbano as the “2025 Volunteers of the Year.” Together, they have dedicated more than 27 years of service to the Sheriff’s Office, each contributing over 1,200 volunteer hours.

In 2025, the STARS program was tasked with addressing community concerns about speeding vehicles in Clarksburg. Demonstrating exceptional initiative, Linda and Michael partnered with the resident deputy to deploy a decoy vehicle over several days. The success of this effort led to its implementation on multiple occasions.

Additionally, Linda and Michael consistently represent the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office and the STARS program at community events, always doing so in a positive and impactful manner.

In sincere appreciation of the many hours they have generously devoted, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is honored to name Linda and Michael Urbano the “2025 Volunteers of the Year.”

It is with great pleasure the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the Coroner Section as the “2025 Team of the Year.”

On July 1, 2025, a large-scale explosion and resulting fire occurred in rural Yolo County, claiming the lives of seven individuals. Deputy Coroners Sheik Ali, Rebecca Behrens, Laurel Weeks, and Jenna Pregent dedicated extensive hours at the scene under austere and hazardous conditions, often while ordnance continued to detonate.

They worked in close coordination with partner agencies, including Cal OES, Cal Fire, Chico State Human Identification Laboratory, Butte County, Sacramento County, and ANDE Corporation, to plan and carry out the complex search and recovery operation. Over the course of several days, the team worked continuous, unscheduled shifts, rotating in and out of the site until all remains were respectfully recovered, identified, forensically examined, and released to funeral homes. Throughout this time, the already understaffed Coroner Section maintained its essential day-to-day operations.

Despite the extraordinary challenges presented by the scale and complexity of this incident, the team responded with unwavering commitment and professionalism. From rapidly procuring and learning to operate the ANDE rapid DNA system, to providing timely, compassionate updates to victims’ families, their efforts exemplified the highest standards of teamwork and service.  In addition to the demanding recovery operation, the incident drew significant media attention, further underscoring the importance of their diligence, coordination, and professionalism under pressure.  With great appreciation and gratitude, the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to name the Coroner Section as the “2025 Team of the Year.”