BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced Tuesday morning that he is retiring in January 2027 after serving over 50 years in law enforcement for Kern County, with 20 years as sheriff.
During the Kern County Board of Supervisors, Sheriff Youngblood said, “As you recall, the sheriff’s election is every four years. This last election was extended for two years by the legislature and the governor. That term expires, the four-year term, expires in January of this next year, then which I will then retire. This would allow this board to appoint a new sheriff in January.”
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced Tuesday morning that he is retiring in January 2027 after serving over 50 years in law enforcement for Kern County, with 20 years as sheriff. PHOTO: YouTube, Kern County Board of Supervisors
“And this is, it’s gonna be a loss for Kern County, but it’s, it’s gonna be, be a good thing for you,” said Kern County Supervisor District 1 Phillip Peters. “I know you’ve, you’ve worked hard and you’ve given a lot to the community over the years, so I’m sure it’s, it’s more, more than time for you to go in and enjoy, enjoy a little bit of time for yourself and your family.”
District 5 Supervisor Leticia Perez said, “I did not know you were gonna do this today, Donny, so I’m not prepared, but I have some time and opportunity to share my heart when the time is right. Thank you.”
“You served, and I just want the people to know this, you served 30 years in the sheriff’s department. Correct, and then came back and you will have served 20 years as the sheriff,” said District 4 Supervisor David Couch. “That’s 50 years in law enforcement for Kern County. Thank you Donny. We’ll have, we will obviously have more to say later, but congratulations.”
“You’re a man of integrity, of honor. Not only you’re a sheriff of this county, but you really transcend that position too,” said District 2 Supervisor Chris Parlier. “And you are a pillar, a cornerstone of this community. I’m honored to have known you. I wish you well and like the others will have more words to say at your official retirement.”
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced Tuesday morning that he is retiring in January 2027 after serving over 50 years in law enforcement for Kern County, with 20 years as sheriff. PHOTO: YouTube, Kern County Board of Supervisors
In 2006, Donny Youngblood was elected to the Office of Sheriff-Coroner-Public Administrator.
Youngblood attended East and West High Schools and graduated from Bakersfield College.
He enlisted in the United States Army in 1968, serving 14 months in South Vietnam. Following his return, he spent his last year in the military as an Army Drill Sergeant. He left the military service in 1971.
Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood PHOTO: KCSO
Sheriff Youngblood joined the Kern County Sheriff’s Office in 1972 as a Correctional Officer assigned to the Lerdo Facility. Two years later, he entered the Basic Academy to begin training to become a Deputy Sheriff.
During his career, Sheriff Youngblood worked in all areas of KCSO, including the Patrol Division, Court Services, Narcotics, Boron Substation, East Kern Substations Commander, Watch Commander, Air Support Division Commander, and Detectives.