Location: Sheriff's Headquarters, 833 S. Akers St., Visalia

Incident Date: 5/14/18

Incident Time: 10 a.m.

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

Sheriff promotes one to the rank of Sergeant

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux promoted David Rhoads to the rank of Sergeant Monday, May 14, 2018, during a special ceremony at Headquarters.

The two of them were hired at the Sheriff’s Office around the same time, Sheriff Boudreaux said.

“I’ve known David for a good long time,” he said. “He and I went to the police academy together.”

Sgt. Rhoads graduated from Porterville High School in 1985. The next year, he was hired by the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office as a cadet.

“I’ll be honest with you,” Sgt. Rhoads said. “In all those years, the quality of deputy has never, in my opinion, been better. It’s an honor and a privilege to continue to work here.”

Throughout his law enforcement career at the Sheriff's Office, he's worked in Communications, Detentions, Patrol, and served as a resident deputy in California Hot Springs and a Community-Based Officer for the communities of Strathmore/Plainview and the Tule River Indian Reservation.

In 1993, he received a commendation for resuscitating an infant who had drowned. When he arrived on scene, the baby was non-responsive with no pulse or respirations. He gave him CPR and brought him back to life.

Later, Sgt. Rhoads worked for the Porterville Police Department where he worked in Patrol, SWAT and Investigations. He received a Commendation for his part in rescuing an elderly woman from a burning building. He was also chosen as Officer of the Year in 1999.

In 2004, Sgt. Rhoads returned to the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to the Adult Pre-Trial Facility and, later, he transferred to Porterville Patrol.

Throughout his time on patrol, he also served as a field training officer and helped train 50 new deputies.

Sgt. Rhoads was most recently assigned to the Coroner's Office.

He lives in Porterville with his wife of 30 years, Mildred. They have two grown sons and one daughter.

In his off time, Sgt. Rhoads enjoys working out. He serves as a deacon at his church and enjoys spending time with his family. He said the theme for his life is: 1-Corinthians 10:31 “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”