Editor’s Note: This is the second part of a two-part series on the race for El Dorado County Sheriff. To read the first part, visit edhtelegraph.com.

With El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Neves retiring on Dec. 26, the race is on to elect a replacement. These are the rest of the candidates vying for the county’s top law post.

John D’Agostini

John D’Agostini, 43, was an Amador County sheriff sergeant before he joined the District Attorney’s Office as an investigator in Amador County.

He is a fourth generation son of El Dorado County who says he is committed to serving El Dorado County.

D’Agostini said his roots are in El Dorado County and he would like to change the direction he sees law enforcement in the area headed.

“I see a barrier that we need to break down,” he said. “We need to get back to true community type service.”

D’Agostini said he would like to have more community-based law enforcement.

Larry Hennick

Larry Hennick, 56, retired from the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department after 32 years of service. His reason for running is simple.

He said that he saw the Sheriff’s Office on “auto pilot,” and echoes D’Agostini when it comes to community-based law.

“I would like to see officer living and working in the same areas — especially those outlying communities we serve,” Hennick said. “Right now we have an inverted pyramid. We have a lot more administration that we do deputies. My goal is to turn that around.”

George Nielsen

George Nielsen, 47, is currently Placerville’s Chief of Police.

He said he has chosen to run because he can connect the relationship between the community and law enforcement.

“I’m the candidate that can absolutely do that, Nielsen said. “That sets me apart and that’s what our county needs,”

Nielsen has served as a California peace officer for the past 24 years, 19 of those in local supervisory, management and executive law enforcement positions.

Prior to joining the Placerville department, Nielsen was a police officer for the Foster City Police Department for four years.

Stan Perez

Stan Perez, 52, is a former chief with the California Highway Patrol’s Valley Division.

Perez said he retired from the CHP after learning that Neves would not seek re-election.

He said he was running in the hopes of bringing about sorely needed changes.

“The county is suffering its biggest budget shortfall and I believe my experience makes me the candidate to bring out immediate change,” Perez said.

In his career he has been responsible for thousands of employees, multi-million dollar operating budget and 24 law enforcement facilities.

Craig Therkildsen

Craig Therkildsen, who is currently a captain with the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, could not be reached by press time for comment.

He currently serves as jail commander, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Placerville and Tahoe jails and directs a staff of more than 100 officers, non-sworn employees and volunteers.