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.

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.

Melanie was an Emergency Services Dispatcher with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office from 2012 to 2022 and continued per diem through 2023. She also held a temporary assignment as a Forensic Sketch Artist with the Major Crimes Division. She later worked as Communications Coordinator for the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association of San Diego County, where she led communications and served as editor of the “Silver Star” publication during its 2022 redesign. Melanie currently works as a Community Relations Specialist for Ardurra and serves as Co-Chair of the Marketing Committee for the American Public Works Association, San Diego and Imperial Counties Chapter.

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.

Guy is a retired Captain of the San Diego Sheriff’s Office. After 32 years in public law enforcement, Guy now is a consultant in law enforcement and security training, executive management, and strategic solutions. He has served as a director for the Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, including service on its Political Action Committee. Guy attended the Chief of Police School and graduated from the National FBI Academy. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Information Systems from National University, Guy earned his Master of Science in Homeland Security from Long Beach State University. He currently serves on the Privacy Protection and Technology Advisory Commission and the Friends of Parks and Recreation board for the city of Chula Vista. He resides in Chula Vista.

Fowler served in law enforcement for thirty-eight years, thirty-three of which were with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office, retiring as a Commander in 2015. During his career, he served in a wide variety of assignments and was recognized for exemplary performance on numerous occasions. Upon retirement, he served as President and Board Member of the San Diego County Honorary Deputy Sheriff’s Association, Chairman of the (original) San Diego Sheriff’s Museum, and Vice President of the San Diego County Retired Deputy Sheriff’s Association. Fowler attended Point Loma Nazarene University where he majored in Pre-Law and Business Administration.

Janet was the first in-house attorney for the Sheriff’s Office, appointed by Sheriff John Duffy as a Special Assistant. During that term, she trained at the FBI Academy and served as a US Attorney, assisted in homicide and civil cases, handled Civil Service hearings and motions, and revised SDSO’s legal procedures. She later practiced personal injury law with her husband. Holding a B.A. from Vassar College and J.D. from Boston University, Janet is a recipient of the YWCA Outstanding Employee in Business Award. She is on the board of the nonprofit organization PEO and was heavily involved in the original Sheriff’s Museum, serving as a docent and helping with fundraising.

Johns is a Commander with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, overseeing Detentions Operations to include, the Medical Services Division, Sheriff’s Transportation Unit and the Jail Population Management Unit. He has served in the Detention Services Bureau for 19 years and been assigned in many specialized roles to include JPMU, Transportation, Internal Affairs and Detentions Support. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from San Diego State University and was a member of the 92nd Senior Management Institute for Police (SMIP) graduating class.

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.

John Malan is a Commander with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office, overseeing Human Resources. He served in the US Navy, first as an enlisted sailor and then a commissioned officer, building a strong foundation in the importance of organizational culture and history. With a background in major crimes investigations and tenure with SDSO’s Special Enforcement Detail, he has extensive operational and leadership experience. Malan holds a degree from the University of California San Diego and a graduate degree from the University of San Diego.

Pete served as a Deputy Sheriff for nearly two decades, assigned to South Bay Jail, Imperial Beach and Bonita patrol, K-9 Handler for Narcotics and Patrol, and Special Investigations Division Gang Unit. He later moved to the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, serving in the Gang Unit, Special Operations, and as Tribal Liaison and International Mexican Liaison. He retired as a supervisor in 2015. Pete holds an associate’s degree in criminal justice and resides in San Diego.

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.