Meet the Staff

Sheriff Garofalo

Joe Garofalo, Sheriff

As a life-long resident of Colusa County, husband, and father of three, Sheriff Garofalo knows the importance of the values that make our community a great place to live. 

For nearly thirty years, Sheriff Garofalo has been working to protect our youth, residents, and business owners against the criminals who cause them harm. Serving in nearly every capacity at the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office has given Sheriff Garofalo the vast knowledge and experience allowing Sheriff Garofalo to find efficiencies to ensure resources go where they are most needed.

In Sheriff Garofalo’s career at the Sheriff’s Office, he has been fortunate to serve as a correctional officer, patrol officer, SWAT leader, school resource officer, instructor and detective. Sheriff Garofalo served seven years as a Sergeant developing training programs, and policies, dealt with budgets and managed personnel.

As the Sheriff of Colusa County, Sheriff Garofalo has increased efficiency within the department, reinstated youth programs, and aggressively fought rural and agricultural crime.

Michael Bradwell Bio Picture - Assistant Sheriff

Mike Bradwell, Assistant Sheriff

Assistant Sheriff Mike Bradwell began his career with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff in 2006. Mike promoted to Deputy Sheriff Sergeant in 2011 then to Assistant Sheriff in 2019.

As Assistant Sheriff, Mike is largely responsible for all public-safety operations in accordance with the policies prescribed by the Sheriff and oversees all personnel. It is the Assistant Sheriff's duty to aid, advise and cooperate with the Sheriff in general administrative matters and in determining matters of policy. The Assistant Sheriff represents Sheriff Joe Garofalo in his absence.

Mike has held several assignments throughout his career including Boating Deputy, Field Training Officer, Task Force Commander, Sniper Team Leader, SOAR Team Leader, Patrol Sergeant, SAR Coordinator and Dive Team Leader. Mike represented the Deputy Sheriff’s Association for several years as President and Vice-President.

In January of 2011, he graduated from the United States Coast Guard Maritime Law Enforcement Academy, Marine Patrol Officer Course-Tactical. In June of 2015, Mike graduated from the 260th session of the FBI National Academy. Mike possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice. In 2013, he received the Distinguished Service Commendation for exceptional service.