George Stahl/Special to the Sun

Sergeant Doug Jauch of Bakersfield has been assigned the task of managing the Kern Valley substation in Lake Isabella. Sgt. Jauch (pronounced Yauk) has been at the job since Dec. 31. According to Jauch, he worked in the valley for 5 years before his career with the Sheriff’s Department as a driver with WA Thompson Distributors and his delivery route included the Kern River Valley. Jauch said that he took a liking to the valley from the first time he came up here. “I’ve always liked the valley area. The people are friendly and I like that about this community.” Jauch smiled.

Jauch has held many positions in the department; he’s worked in the courts in Bakersfield as a bailiff, been assigned to the Sheriff’s Metro Division, worked as a K-9 Deputy for more than four years, and three years ago he was promoted to Senior Deputy.

Kern County Sheriff Sgt. Doug Jauch is the new kid on the block, and in charge of, the Kern Valley Substation in Lake Isabella.

Shortly after attaining the status of Senior Deputy, Jauch taught at the Sheriff’s Academy for 18 months; he was then assigned to the Frazier Park Substation for 11 months. About a month after receiving his sergeant’s stripes, he requested – and was granted - a transfer to the Kern Valley substation, where he currently serves as sergeant of the substation. “I have always enjoyed working in the mountain communities,” the 11-year veteran said. “There is a welcoming, friendly atmosphere and the people are more relaxed and considerate.”

Jauch is not the only member in law enforcement. His wife works at the state prison in Delano, and one of his two sons recently completed training at the Sheriff’s Academy, and is waiting for his assignment. Jauch’s other son is a U.S. Marine and has been stationed in Afghanistan where he serves as a bomb dog handler. “He wants to join the sheriff’s department when he gets out and would like to be a K-9 unit Deputy. Hopefully that will happen in September,” Jauch proudly added.

Jauch said that working with newer deputies was an additional attraction of working at the Kern Valley substation. “This station routinely gets newer deputies, and since working in the academy, I enjoy working with the new deputies to help them develop and to learn how to do the job right.”

Jauch intends to become involved with community and has been getting better acquainted with valley residents by attending Kern River Valley Chamber of Commerce and property owners associations meetings. He extends an open invitation to “Anyone who wants to come by the station to talk to me” and welcomes their voice. They may not have a law enforcement issue, but Jauch said, We can direct them to the right people for help.”

As with any job, the sergeant knows he will face challenges as he settles into his command. According to Jauch, the most pressing issue is staffing, but that will soon to be overcome. He explained that in order bring the substation’s manpower up to the required level for a rural station, the sub is staffed with additional Temporary Duty Officers. “In April, we are getting six new deputies that will be permanently assigned to the station,” he said with a sense of thankfulness. There will be 10 assigned deputies, three Senior Deputies, and Jauch.

Nighttime shifts will be covered by a night sergeant on the weekends and four weeknights working as permanent deputies in the Kern River Valley. “These assigned positions will play well into my goal of making the valley as nice a place for all to live and for visitors to feel good about coming to the valley,” Jauch said.

“All departments in communities like ours tend to work well together,” said Jauch, referencing his deputies working with CHP, Search and Rescue, and Liberty Ambulance. “Our training includes maintaining the attitude exemplified in Sheriff Youngblood’s statement to treat the people the way you would want your family members to be treated,” Jauch said. “Not everyone who does a bad thing is a bad person. Sometimes we may be able to see a way to solve the problem they have, or at least be able to help them see how to solve it. Sometimes, arresting a person is the best thing for them, but then sometimes it may not be the answer. There may be an underlying problem that we need to see,” Jauch said in all seriousness.

Jauch also wants the community to be able to work with the Sheriff’s Department in a safe way for them. “If you see something that you think is questionable or suspicious, please let us know,” he said. “We won’t pressure you for your name, and anonymity will be respected. If it looks out of the ordinary, call it in. We’ll send someone out. The worst that can happen is that we discover that everything is okay. You can even come into the office to tell us what you need,” Jauch said, talking about his approach to building a community partnership with the station. “Still, the best way to report or ask for our help is to call,” he said.

Welcome to the Kern River Valley, Sergeant Jauch!

Jauch can be reached at (760) 549-2000 or just stop by the substation. His door is open. Of course, for an emergency, call 911.