FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 5, 2026

CONTACT: Jason Scalese (916) 651-4614

Senator Marie Alvarado Gil honors Amador County Correctional Deputies with Senate Bill 229

Senator Alvarado-Gil presents Amador County Sheriff Gary Redman with a copy of Senate Bill 229

JACKSON, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) spoke today at the Amador County Sheriff’s Department Badge Ceremony, congratulating newly sworn deputies and highlighting the strong partnership with Sheriff Gary Redman that delivered Senate Bill 229 for rural public safety.

Representing California’s 4th Senate District, including her hometown of Jackson, Senator Alvarado-Gil praised the deputies’ dedication: “You have chosen a noble calling and are the thin blue line protecting our rural communities. Your hard work, often unseen, is deeply appreciated.”

She emphasized public safety as a top priority, shaped by rural challenges such as long response times, vast geography, and frequent emergencies. The Senator credited Sheriff Redman’s leadership for identifying a critical need and collaborating closely with her office to enact meaningful change.

Senate Bill 229, authored by Senator Alvarado-Gil and signed into law in July 2025, amends Penal Code Section 830.1 to recognize deputy sheriffs performing custodial duties in Amador County as full peace officers. This extends their authority statewide during custodial duties or when directed by the Sheriff in a local emergency, creating a vital “force multiplier” for the department.

Trained correctional deputies can now support wildfire roadblocks, search-and-rescue, evacuations, disaster response, and mutual aid—essential in rural counties with limited personnel.

Sheriff Gary Redman stated: “This bill gives us a critical force multiplier, enabling trained correctional deputies to assist with emergencies like roadblocks, search-and-rescue, and evacuations when every resource counts.

SB 229 passed unanimously in the Senate, showcasing bipartisan support for public safety, a Republican-authored bill signed by a Democratic Governor, and demonstrating rural California’s effective voice through local collaboration.

During her remarks, Senator Alvarado-Gil presented Sheriff Redman with a framed copy of SB 229 as a symbol of their shared commitment and the bill’s direct impact on Amador County law enforcement.

In closing, she reaffirmed: “I stand with you, your families, and Sheriff Redman. Together, we will keep delivering results that make our communities safer.”

The event underscored the successful partnership between Senator Alvarado-Gil and Sheriff Redman, focused on equipping deputies to better protect Amador County and rural California.

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