- Home
- Departments
- Sheriff
- Meet the Staff
Meet the Staff
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.
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.
Jose Ruiz, Lieutenant
Lieutenant Jose Ruiz started his law enforcement career in 2007 with the Williams Police Department at the age of 20. During his time with the Williams Police Department, Jose served as Field Training Officer, Drug Recognition Expert and Narcotics Detective assigned to the Colusa County Narcotics Task Force.
Drawn to the size and diversity of the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office and the variety of different assignments and opportunities it provides, Jose applied and began his career with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office in July 2013. He started as a Deputy Sheriff and promoted to Sergeant in 2016. During his tenure with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office, Jose has had numerous assignments throughout his career including, Firearms Range Master, Field Training Officer, Detective, Detective Sergeant, Narcotics Task Force Detective, Narcotics Task Force Commander, S.O.A.R. Team Leader and Patrol Sergeant.
In October 2020, Jose was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned the Field Services Division. As The Field Services Lieutenant his responsibility is to provide general management direction and control for that Division. The Field Services Division consists of Patrol Operations, Criminal Investigations, Colusa County Task Force, Boating Safety, Coroner and Property and Evidence.
Prior to promoting to Lieutenant, Jose also represented the Deputy Sheriff’s Association for several years as President and Vice-President.
Jose has received numerous awards throughout his career, including Officer of the Year. Jose possesses numerous certificates including the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation with a specialty in Narcotics Investigations. Jose possesses a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
Kris Cooper, Lieutenant
Lieutenant Kris Cooper graduated from Sacramento State University in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Shortly after graduating he attended the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department Academy in 2008 where he was employed as a Sacramento County Sheriff Deputy Sheriff On Call until joining the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office in 2010.
Since then 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. Before promoting to Lieutenant, Kris held the rank of Sergeant for 6 years. Kris was awarded Peace Officer of the Year in 2014 as well as the Silver Star of Valor.
While working in law enforcement, Kris served in the United States Air Force Reserves at Travis Air Force Base and Beale Air force Base from 2003 until retiring in 2023.