Probation History

John Augustus (1785-1859), America’s first probation officer, pioneered the idea that other means besides just imprisonment could be more effective in reforming individuals and lowering crime rates. Augustus would post bail and accept individuals into his care "on probation." After a short period of time, he would bring them back to court for a review. It was said that at his death, of the 200 people he helped over the course of 18 years, he only had to forfeit bail on four of them, a truly remarkable record.

Sierra County Chief Probation Officers

• Ruth A Taylor                                               June 1935 - August 1939  
• A E Pezzola                                                 August 1939
• Leonard R Loffmark (Acting)                      January 1941              
• Harden Riney                                              November 1942 - August 1947
• Leonard R Loffmark                                    July 1947
• Woodrow M Lamberth                                July 1963 - December 1963
• W. H. Beverly                                             January 1964
• Earle L Norwood                                        October 1964 - September 1966
• Albert F Thomason                                    September 1966
• Lee Borne                                                  November 1967 - August 1969
• Woodrow M Lamberth (Acting)                  August 1969 - November 1969
• Daniel “Bud” Hafey                                    November 1969
• Ida Hafey (Acting)                                      December 1976
• Daniel “Bud” Hafey (Returning)                 Unknown - July 1985        
• Pete Villarreal, Jr.                                      July 1985 - December 2006
• Janine Nicholi (Acting)                               December 2006 - June 2007
• Janine Nicholi                                            July 2007 - February 2009
• Jeff Bosworth                                             April 2009 - April 2020
• Chuck Henson                                           May 2020 - Present

The end date is not always specified in county records. Until Daniel “Bud” Hafey was permanently appointed in 1974, it appears that the title of probation officer (it wasn’t called chief then) was for a two-year term. 

Pete Villarreal appears to be the first one to be officially called "Chief Probation Officer." Prior to him the official title was "Probation Officer"