Joseph N. Charvez

Born in Gilroy, I am the oldest of six children, including a stepbrother and two stepsisters.  My parents and step-parents provided positive influences during my upbringing.  When my father, the late Chris Charvez, retired from the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office his law enforcement/peace officer career in the county had spanned more than 30 years.  My stepfather, Bob Heiges, is a retired United States Air Force officer.  In addition to Gilroy I also lived in South San Jose, Fairborn (Ohio), Wright Patterson Air Force base (Ohio), and Beavercreek (Ohio).  I attended Sinclair Community College (Ohio), Wright State University (Ohio), then returned to San Jose in 1984 and have resided in Santa Clara County since then.

In April 1985, I was hired as a Santa Clara County Deputy Sheriff, completed the Basic Police Academy, and I have been continuously employed as a Deputy since then.  I was awarded my Basic Certificate from the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) in 1986, received my Intermediate Certificate in 1989, and the Advanced Certificate in 1994.  I have numerous certificates from the American Correctional Association and Federal Emergency Management Agency (completed as recently as May 29, 2009).  Additionally, I have completed courses in bargaining/negotiation techniques and have participated in both traditional and interest based bargaining/negotiations.

From 1993-2001 and from 2003-2006, I was elected to serve on the board of the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Santa Clara County (DSA) – the organization for the representation of Sheriff’s Lieutenants, Sheriff’s Sergeants, and Sheriff’s Deputies.  From 1993 to 1999 and 2003 to 2006 I was a Deputy Rank Representative.  From 2000 to 2001 I served as the Vice President of that organization.  A sample of my participation during my DSA board tenure includes representing deputies at Internal Affairs, Skelly hearings, the Shooting Review Board, and serving as a member of three different Memorandum of Understanding (labor contract) negotiating teams.

Since 2004, I have been the President of the Santa Clara County Peace Officer’s Association (SCCPOA).  As such, I preside over meetings of the Board of Directors and membership.  I also oversee the budget and continually assist with maintenance and improvements to the Association’s property.  The SCCPOA is a non-profit, non-political, fraternal organization comprised of sworn law enforcement officers and non-sworn personnel from agencies in and near Santa Clara County. For more information visit www.SCCPOA.org.

I will not be making campaign promises which cannot be fulfilled, but I do have significant concerns regarding the Department, including the effect of the State and County budgets on the Sheriff’s Office, patrol staffing as unincorporated pockets within the county are annexed, and future growth since a majority of the Sheriff’s Office is contract work. 

I enjoy life outside of work and I am a member of several organizations that reflect my diverse interests including:

• Pontiac-Oakland Club International (since the 1980s)

• Deputy Sheriff’s Association (since 1985)

• Peace Officers Research Association of California (since 1985)

• Santa Clara County Peace Officer’s Association (since 1987, President since 2004)

• California Rifle and Pistol Association (since 2003)

• National Rifle Association (since 1993)

• United States Parachute Association (since 1996)

• Harley Davidson Owners Group (since 2005)

Thank you for your time, consideration, and support.

CLICK HERE for latest update

Sincerely, Joe Charvez