Recently, the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum began partnering with the San Diego Sheriff’s Office to research and reconcile the historical records of medals, commendations, and awards issued to Deputies and SDSO officials throughout the history of the Sheriff’s Office. This collaboration will bring together Museum volunteers, historians, and SDSO personnel to compile a complete and accurate record of honors bestowed on those who have served the community.
Over the years, SDSO has recognized acts of incredible bravery, exemplary service, and unequaled dedication to duty. While the new Museum – founded in 2022 – has worked hard to identify many recipients in its own research, and proudly references those it has confirmed on its website, gaps in the historical record remain. Many of SDSO’s early records are incomplete or scattered across its own archives.
Leading the Museum’s effort on this research project is Guy Chambers, a member of the Museum Board and a retired SDSO Captain. “Recognizing the incredible bravery and exemplary service displayed by members of the San Diego Sheriff’s Office is not just an act of gratitude, but an essential responsibility,” Chambers says. “We know many stories, commendations, medals, and awards are lost or misplaced. By combining the Museum’s resources with the Sheriff’s Office, we’re determined to reconcile these fragments, preserve every heroic account, and do our best to ensure every member of SDSO – past and present – is documented and celebrated for future generations.”
Chambers is working with key staff at the Sheriff’s Office, including Commander Nancy Blanco, herself a champion of SDSO’s rich heritage. “The Sheriff’s Office is pleased to partner with the Sheriff’s Museum in preserving the legacy of our medal recipients,” Blanco said. “Sheriff Martinez appreciates the leadership role that the Museum and its volunteers are taking in helping reconcile these important records for posterity.”
The medal research project will provide a foundation for an exhibit in the future new Museum, highlighting the tradition of service and sacrifice within SDSO. Members of the community and retired SDSO personnel are encouraged to contribute documents or personal accounts to help fill gaps in the record. The effort represents not only a commitment by the San Diego Sheriff’s Museum to historical accuracy but also a shared commitment with SDSO to honor the courage and service of the Sheriff’s Office since its establishment in 1850.
