Posted by: Media Relations

Captain Cheri Lehner was born in Dinuba in November of 1966, where she also attended Dinuba Joint High School, graduating in 1984. In 1986 she earned her Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the College of the Sequoias. She was hired as a Sheriff’s Trainee and sponsored through the College of Sequoia’s basic police academy by the department in 1986. Cheri was later promoted to a Sheriff’s Deputy in 1987 after completing her training.

                Captain Lehner began her career with the Sheriff’s Department in the Tulare County Correctional Center, and later on worked in the Narcotic’s Unit, where she was commended by then Deputy District Attorney Ferguson for working on a high school drug sting in 1990. She then worked Patrol in Porterville. During that time she received several commendations, including a memo from then Detective Mike Boudreaux regarding her patience and professionalism while interacting with members of the public. Another letter from District Attorney Edward Hunt was sent to Sergeant Vest regarding her work which led to the arrest of a fugitive from Texas as well as locating a primary witness in a Texas homicide in June of 1991, and stated that the qualities displayed by Deputy Lehner were the cornerstones of successful law enforcement work.

                In 1996, Cheri was promoted to Sergeant, and went to work at the Bob Wiley Detention Facility, where she remained until she was assigned to the Pixley Patrol Substation in 1998. A year later, she transferred to the Gang Violence Suppression Unit. During her time in the Gang Violence Suppression Unit, Sergeant Lehner was commended for her thoroughness and thoughtfulness regarding follow-up memos after a detail, as well as remembering the name of the individual dispatcher that she had worked with. Dispatch Supervisor Sandra Harris said that her compliments were appreciated, and her work reflected well on her position as a supervisor. Her last assignment as a sergeant was in the Juvenile Crimes Investigations Unit, where she worked for three years.

                2006 saw a promotion to Lieutenant, as well as several new assignments, including the Men’s Correctional Facility, Court Services,  Civil and Corrections Units, and Headquarters Patrol in. She was assigned to Personnel and Training in 2012, and later the same year to the Orosi Patrol Substation.  Since working in Orosi, Cheri graduated from the Los Angeles Police Department Leadership Academy, formerly known as the West Point Leadership Academy.

                Captain Cheri Lehner will be continuing her career in her next step as Captain of the Detentions Division. She is supported in her career by her mother Sharon and her brother Jared, who is currently employed with the California Highway Patrol.

Please join us for a formal promotional ceremony that will be held in the lobby of Sheriff’s Headquarters on Monday, February 3, 2014.