Our Leadership

Burkett joined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office in 1970, following service in the United States Navy. During a 32-year career in law enforcement until retiring in 2002, Burkett worked in jails, patrol, and traffic, including 23 years as a Motor Deputy/Sergeant and a Detective Sergeant. He served as Vice President and later President of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Other notable community volunteer roles included the Spring Valley Rotary Club, including serving as President three different times between 1985- 2000.

Murphy served with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for 38 years, retiring as a Captain in 2003. During his career, he was recognized for exemplary performance numerous times.  He has served as president of the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association; Peace Officers’ Research Association of California; San Diego County Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation; California Retired County Employees Association; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Badge of Honor Memorial Foundation. Murphy earned a Bachelor of Law Degree from LaSalle Extension University. He resides in Ramona.

Barnett served on the SDSO for 25 years, retiring as a Captain in 2004. During her career she worked on the East Mesa transition team, the Peer Support unit, established the Detention Inmate Classification system and oversaw a pilot program to assist victims of Domestic Violence in Ramona. Barnett received the Soroptimists’ Woman of Accomplishment Award, was nominated for the International Woman Peace Officer of the Year, received a Medal for Life Saving and served as the first female Captain at the Poway Sheriff’s Station. In addition to the Sheriff’s Museum Board, she volunteers with Neighborhood Watch member and her local East County ELKS lodge.

Crosser has worked with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office and all San Diego County law enforcement agencies for 17 years. His focus has been upgrading and improving records management systems throughout the County and improving inter-agency operations. He holds a degree in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego and was a Certified Project Management Professional and Project Management instructor. In addition to the Sheriff’s Museum Board, he has served on the Scripps Institution of Oceanography Director’s Cabinet and been an Ambassador for International Relief Teams. He and his wife live in Rancho Santa Fe.

Buchanan served as a Deputy Sheriff for 33 years, and is a recipient of a Life Saving Medal. He was assigned to County jails, patrol, crime lab, and the courts. As a Training Officer, he trained dozens of new Deputies and newly transferred seasoned deputies. Buchanon is veteran of the US Air Force, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Justice Administration and Certificate of Completion in Law Enforcement. He lives in East County and currently works for the Cajon Valley School District in school security as a Campus Safety Lead.

Helmen was a 30-year veteran of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. She attended the first regional Academy in 1980 and amongst the first cohort of female deputies to be sent to patrol. Helmen received numerous service citations, including Exemplary Performances in patrol, Meritorious Unit Citations from the Domestic Violence Unit, and Award for Valor from the Poway Fire Department. She formed and ran the Sheriff’s Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Unit, securing Federal grants supporting work with underserved and Native American communities. After retiring as a Sergeant, Helmen returned to the Sheriff’s Office to perform voice stress analysis exams for new hires, and continues to consult as an expert on DV cases. She has worked at the San Dieguito Unified School District for the last ten years. Helmen lives in Encinitas and regularly volunteers at La Costa Glen retirement community. She holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from SDSU.

Mark is the owner of A-1 Lock and Safe in Carlsbad, a leader in providing physical safety to San Diego County clients. He has volunteered with the Sheriff’s Office in multiple roles, including with the previous Sheriff’s Museum, and is a member and former Board member of the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriffs’ Association.
Mark is one of the largest collectors of handcuffs in the world and is also an avid collector of law enforcement badges.

Simica grew up in Swissvale, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. After service in the US Navy, Simica joined the San Diego Police Department in 1968 and then the San Diego Sheriff’s Office in 1979. He received numerous commendations during his career, retiring from the Sheriff’s Office in 1999 at the rank of Sergeant. Simica holds a private pilot’s license with an instrument rating, and is a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Grand has over three decades experience managing hospitality businesses in the western United States and Baja California, Mexico. Currently president of the Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce / Business Improvement District, he has played a leadership role on numerous historic preservation and sustainable land use initiatives. Grand helped acquire and rehabilitate the historic Warner Springs Ranch Resort in Julian, helped orchestrate a $4 million improvement of County Heritage Park in Old Town, and led the successful restoration of the US Grant Hotel, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A native of Southern California, Grand graduated from San Diego State University with a degree in behavioral science, post-graduate degree from Cornell University’s School of Hospitality Management, and professional accreditation as a Certified Hotel Administrator. He serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including as former President of San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association.