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.

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.

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.

Arnold Navarro, Lieutenant

Arnold Navarro is a longtime resident who grew up and was raised in the County of Colusa. He is the father to two daughters who he loves dearly and enjoys spending time with. He joined the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office in January 2007 as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee. After he completed the Yuba College Basic Police Academy, he promoted to Deputy Sheriff on June 01, 2007.

Arnold held different assignments during his employment with the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office. Many of those assignments were, Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Deputy Sheriff, Bailiff, Field Training Officer, SOAR Team member, Arbuckle Community Officer, Detective in the Investigations Unit, Patrol Sergeant, Taser Instructor, Field Training Program Coordinator, Jail Sergeant, and as the Task Force Commander. Before promoting to Lieutenant, Arnold held the rank of Sergeant for nine years. He was awarded the Peace Officer of The Year Award in 2009 and in 2013.

James Pasterino, Fiscal Administrative Officer

James Pastorino, Fiscal Administrative Officer

James Pastorino has worked for the Colusa County Sheriff’s Office since 2008, where he currently serves as the Fiscal Administrative Officer in charge of the Administrative Services Division.

He has a strong background in accounting, business, and tax preparation, which has enabled him to excel in his role as the Fiscal Administrative Officer. James is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard, where he gained valuable experience in leadership, teamwork, and attention to detail.

As the Fiscal Administrative Officer, James oversees the Civil, Records, and Finance Departments, which collectively comprise the Administrative Services Division. He is responsible for preparing and managing the Sheriff’s Office budget, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and providing financial guidance to the Sheriff’s Office.

James is proud to work for Colusa County and is dedicated to serving the community. James enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and enjoying outdoor activities in his free time.