After nearly a year of working full time and campaigning,
Sheriff-elect Darren Thompson needed a slow down. Being so busy, he
had missed all of the time he used to have with his family. And he
missed the idea of relaxing
– something he didn’t do until Election Day, he said.
”
Because of all of this, it was the shortest year of my life,
”
he said.
After nearly a year of working full time and campaigning, Sheriff-elect Darren Thompson needed a slow down.
Being so busy, he had missed all of the time he used to have with his family. And he missed the idea of relaxing – something he didn’t do until Election Day, he said.
“Because of all of this, it was the shortest year of my life,” he said.
If Thompson wasn’t at work in Watsonville, he was in a suit and tie campaigning. And it was exhausting.
“It’s a daunting task when you try to do it all together,” he said.
Luckily for Thompson, in the end, it was all worth it.
With his victory in the Nov. 2 election over Undersheriff Pat Turturici, Thompson was finally awarded a break, and also a whole new set of challenges.
Over the last month, Thompson has met with the retiring Sheriff Cutis Hill – leaving after 12 years in the post – on numerous occasions preparing for the Jan. 3 transition between the two. The meetings usually have consisted of sharing information regarding the office, including the budget and personnel.
“I’ve been able to spend time with him,” Hill said, “and he is preparing to embark on the position. He knows it’s the best job in the world.”
Thompson expects to meet with Hill a few more times before the end of the year, he said.
“Sheriff Hill has been very grateful and helpful,” Thompson said. “It is easy to see that he wants the best for the people of San Benito County.”
Preparation is the key for Thompson, 46, because of the change from one office to another and the plethora of new co-workers and subordinates. As Thompson proclaimed during his campaign, his first goal is to get to know everyone in the department from office clerks to lieutenants.
See the full story in the Free Lance on Tuesday.