Location: Tulare County Sheriff's Office

Incident Date: 03/31/2021

City: Visalia

Posted by: Media Relations

March 31, 2021

Deputy Flores named Officer of the Year

Sheriff Mike Boudreaux named Deputy Jacob Flores Officer of the Year during a presentation Wednesday by the Knights of Columbus at the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office. 

“We’re very thankful that you work for us and I’m very honored in the fact that the Knights of Columbus was able to recognize one of our own,” Sheriff Boudreaux said. “It’s always an honor.”

Deputy Flores works out of Headquarters Patrol and covers the areas of Goshen, Visalia and Traver. He’s a quiet professional who lets his work speak for itself, said his supervisor, Sergeant Demecio Holguin.

To those who work alongside him, Deputy Flores is a top deputy and always comes to work in a good mood. He’s also one of the best field training officers and has trained more than 40 new deputies. 

“I utilize him for everything,” Sergeant Holguin said. “He’s my go-to guy.” 

While riding shotgun with a trainee on Highway 99, Deputy Flores spotted a car-jacking vehicle out of Bakersfield outside of Traver on the freeway. The deputies passed the vehicle, made a quick U-turn and faced off with the two suspects. 

Deputy Flores kept the trainee safe and took two dangerous suspects into custody who were later charged with attempted homicide for the carjacking in Kern County. 

“It was a pretty interesting moment with the traffic, noise and a new trainee driving,” Sergeant Holguin said. “It was more than the average traffic stop.”

During the award ceremony, Deputy Flores thanked the Sheriff, his peers, his girlfriend, his family, and the Knights of Columbus for giving him this award.

“Thank you for having this award available for past deputies, myself and future deputies that will continue to work hard for the Sheriff’s Office,” Deputy Flores said.