There's a New Sheriff in Town, San Bruno! Board of Supervisors Names New San Mateo County Sheriff

San Mateo County Undersheriff Carlos Bolanos has been appointed to fill the remaining two years of retiring Sheriff Greg Munks' term as Munks steps down because of health issues, county officials said this week.

The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors made the appointment Tuesday, on a vote of 3-2 in favor of hiring Bolanas.

Bolanas said in a released statement that he was "honored" to take on the role, which is effective July 17.

"I am proud to lead the outstanding and dedicated law enforcement professionals of the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office," he said. "I will continue to ensure that we have a safe county for residents and visitors, and that the Sheriff's Office not only maintains, but strives to improve the outstanding relationships we have with the communities we serve."

Munks, 61, announced earlier this month that he would retire as of this Saturday as he prepares for a heart procedure. He was already on medical leave and Bolanos had been acting as sheriff in his absence.

"The three favoring the process said appointing Bolanos will provide continued stability to the Sheriff’s Office and that he has proven himself to be an outstanding leader in law enforcement," the county said in a press release issued after the appointment.

However, not everyone was in favor of the appointment, such as Supervisor Carole Groom who "...wanted voters to decide in the upcoming November election while Supervisor Dave Pine asked for a public, 30-day appointment process during which the Board would accept applications," the county said.

Congresswoman Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, and Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, D-Menlo Park were also opposed to Bolanos' appointment.

Those two had asked the board of supervisors to look at other candidates to fill the sheriff's role, according to the Mercury News.

"It was rigged. It was wired, and they have no interest in public input," Speier told the paper of the appointment. "And I think that's an affront to every citizen in the county."

Bolanos has been campaigning since last year to be elected San Mateo County Sheriff in 2018.

Here's more on his background, as provided by the County:

Bolanos has 37 years of law enforcement experience, beginning with the Palo Alto Police Department. Before being named undersheriff in 2007, Bolanos spent 12 years as the Redwood City police chief and was credited with integrating a community-oriented policing philosophy.

Bolanos earned a B.A. in economics from the University of San Francisco and a Masters of Public Administration from California State University, East Bay. He is also a graduate of Command College and the Homeland Security Executive Leaders Program.

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– Bay City News Service contributed to this report.