The Colusa County Sheriff’s Office celebrated the retirement of three long-term employees at a potluck luncheon on Dec. 30.
Office of Emergency Services Technician Janice Bell, Lt. Russ Jones, and Lt. Neil Cotter had a combined service to the department and the citizens of Colusa County of more than 80 years, said Assistant Sheriff Michael Bradwell.
Bell, who served with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, was elected Colusa County Supervisors for District 5 on Nov. 8 and was sworn in Jan. 3.
Jones and Cotter served 29.5 years and 28.5 years in the law enforcement profession, respectively.
“We all wish them well in their future endeavors,” Bradwell said, in a news release.
As one chapter for the Colusa County Sheriff’s Department began to close, another opened. On Nov.15, Arnold Navarro and Kris Cooper were promoted to lieutenant positions to replace Jones and Cotter within the administration.
Navarro, who has served with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office since January 2007, has held many roles, including deputy sheriff, court bailiff, field training officer, SOAR team member, tribal lands community officer, Arbuckle community officer, detective in the iInvestigations unit, patrol sergeant, Taser instructor, field training program coordinator, jail sergeant, and task force commander. Prior to his promotion, Navarro held the rank of sergeant for nine years.
Cooper joined the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office in June of 2010. He has held assignments as a patrol deputy, school resource officer, DARE instructor, boating deputy, field training officer, patrol sergeant, dive and swift water team sergeant, search and rescue assistant coordinator, OHV team, and jail sergeant.
Prior to his promotion, Cooper was a sergeant for six years. ■