Protecting Our Citizens
The patrol division of the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office is currently comprised of 4 sergeants and 16 patrol deputies. The patrol division is responsible for providing 24-hour law enforcement service throughout the unincorporated areas of Tehama County.
Law enforcement service includes protection of life and property, service of arrest warrants, and non-criminal related calls for service. This division is also responsible for conducting general criminal investigations, including death investigations, narcotic investigations, and juvenile investigations.
If you would like to participate in a “ride along” with a patrol deputy, complete the Citizen Ride Along form and drop it off at the Sheriff’s Office on Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff. A deputy will contact you to schedule the ride along, as staffing allows.
Honor Guard – In Valor there is Hope!
Pictured from left to right
(front row)
Deputy Shelley McCullough, CD Sergeant Colleen Lewis, Sergeant Andy Houghtby and Sergeant Rod Daugherty.
(back row)
Sergeant Mark Levindofske, Deputy Mike Enyart, Sergeant Scotty Kelley and CD Chris Thomas.
Lieutenant Eric Clay
Eric began his law enforcement career with the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office in 1986 as a volunteer Explorer while attending high school. He was hired as a Deputy Sheriff in 1990 then joined the Corning Police Department in 1991. In 1997, he went to work for the Tehama County District Attorney’s Office, where he was assigned to mostly drug and gang task forces, then promoted to Chief in 2014. He retired in 2021 and continued to work part-time with the DA’s office then returned to the Sheriff’s Office in 2024 as a part-time Detective. In 2026, he returned to full-time as a Lieutenant.
Sergeant Greg Thompson
Sergeant Thompson has worked for the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office since 2005 where he began his career as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. In November 2007, he was hired as a full-time Deputy Sheriff. In March 2021, he was promoted to Sergeant.
Sergeant Thompson has worked in the Jail, the Courts, as a K-9 handler, and for many years was a Field Training Officer responsible for training new Deputies hired by the Sheriff’s Office.
While assigned to Patrol, Sergeant Thompson received the California Highway Patrol and the American Automobile Association’s “10851” Award. This award recognizes Law Enforcement Officers throughout California who have been proactive in recovering stolen vehicles and apprehending criminals involved in auto theft.
Sergeant Zack Backus
Sergeant Backus began his Law Enforcement career in 2010 with the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office. While employed with Trinity County he served as a Correctional Officer, Dispatcher and Reserve Deputy Sheriff.
In 2014 he went to the Shasta County Marshal’s Office where he worked as a Bailiff. While primarily assigned to a trial court, he also worked in traffic court and family courtrooms.
In 2016 he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Patrol Division for the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office and in 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant within the Patrol Division. In 2018 he was presented the Life Saving award for his actions on a traffic accident that he came upon, ultimately saving the life of a 17-year-old.
Sergeant Backus is currently assigned to the Crisis Negotiations Team as the Team Leader, Sheriff’s Honor Guard, a Terrorism Liaison Officer and the Tehama County Explorer Post Coordinator. His past assignments include being the City of Tehama Dedicated Area Deputy and Field Training Officer.
Sergeant Dustin Maria
Sgt. Maria began his career with the Tehama County Sheriff’s Office in August, 2012 as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff. He promoted to Deputy Sheriff in April, 2013.
Sgt. Maria spent 6 years as a Patrol Deputy assigned to the operations division. During that time he has served as the Sheriff’s Explorer Advisor, President of the Tehama County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association, First Aid/CPR instructor, Drone Operator, Field Training Officer, and promoted to Patrol Sergeant before pursuing an investigative assignment as a Detective. In 2023 Sgt. Maria promoted back to Patrol Sergeant.
Sgt. Maria has been awarded the Tehama County Deputy Sheriffs’ Association “Deputy of the year”, The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office “Case of the year”, and has been recognized by the California State Assembly for “Case of the Year”.
Sgt. Maria is a commercial helicopter pilot and was instrumental in the creation of the Sheriff’s Aviation program. When away from work, Sgt. Maria enjoys spending time with his dog, social events with friends and traveling.
