Bidding adieu
Former sheriff's retirement auction raised $50,000 for Search and Rescue
Former Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman’s sold-out retirement party on Saturday was a bittersweet celebration for those in attendance. Commemorating 40 years of public service, current and former law enforcement, family, friends, lawyers, judges, federal and state representatives, as well as county officials, gave the retired lawman a standing ovation as he took to the stage.
Overwhelmed with emotion, the 58-year-old former sheriff thanked the cheering crowd. “I hope I served you well,” said Allman. He went on to thank, among others, his mother for her encouragement over the years. Laughter and storytelling continued throughout the evening.
Though it is difficult to commend Allman for all of his exemplary achievements, he was presented with numerous plaques, honors, and awards in recognition of his dedicated work. These included the Congressional Record, Senate/Assembly Proclamation, Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Proclamation as well as a signed photograph by Mendocino County Search and Rescue (SAR). Presenters included U.S. Congressman
Jared Huffman, state Sen. Mike McGuire, Assemblyman Jim Wood and volunteers of SAR’s team.
Retired MCSO Lt. Ron Parker announced a $500 donation to the cause as did Ross Liberty. Travel Lodge and Fairfield Inn — Marriott gave an additional $2,000.
Huffman said Allman has been “an indispensable ally, local government partner, adviser, and community leader. He fulfills so many roles for Mendocino County. He’s the sheriff, but he’s a lot more than that,” said the Congressman. “The reason you’re going to see a packed room here with people from every walk of life is that he was one of those iconic people that came to know this community really well and served it well for a long time.”
Acknowledged by his cohorts as an effective leader in rural crime prevention, suicide awareness, school safety, community-oriented policing and tribal affairs, Allman was also presented a lifetime sheriff jacket by the California State Sheriffs’ Association (CSSA).
Lassen County Sheriff Dean Growdon, who currently serves as Second Vice President of CSSA, explained Allman’s role within their organization, noting he was regarded as a wealth of knowledge and served as a resource to other sheriffs seeking guidance and advice. Allman’s efforts also helped improve tribal relations.
“There are a number of sheriffs here in support of Tom. Tom has been a great partner of all of the sheriffs,” said Growdon.
As he joins civilian ranks, many community supporters look forward to being able to call Tom Allman by his first name even though many have been doing that for some time.
Mendocino County Superior Court Judge Keith Faulder recounted numerous occasions jurors innocently failed to disclose personal associations with Allman during voir dire. Allman blurred the distinction of law enforcement and friend by treating people as equals.
He regularly attended local events including funerals and weddings, often of people he did not know, building community ties in an increasingly anti-law enforcement era.
Retired Glen County Sheriff-Coroner Larry Jones recalled the old cowboy saying, “He’ll do to ride the river with,” which came to mind when he thought of Allman. The saying came from a book authored by retired U.S. Border Patrol Agent Bill Jordan and was the highest compliment one could be afforded in olden times designating dependability and courageousness. The neighboring sheriffs worked together over the years battling similar issues such as drug cartels and illegal marijuana grows in forested areas.
Fires, floods, suicides, officer-involved shootings, accusations of police misconduct, and ongoing crime were just a handful of the trials and tribulations Allman faced as sheriff. He showed great resilience in the face of many tragedies. Many attribute his success in leading with his heart.
“There will never be a duplicate for our county,” said attendee Margaret Pedroni.
The eighth-generation Republican elected four times in a Democratic county has been an avid fundraiser. In 2005, he held his first spaghetti dinner. Tickets cost $10, and only 20 people showed up. Over 12 years as a volunteer auctioneer, Allman has since raised $1.5 million for nonprofits in
Mendocino County.
The live auction that followed the celebratory program held at the Redwood Empire Fairgrounds on Saturday brought in $35,000. While the final numbers remain to be calculated, based on projections, an estimated $50,000 was raised including ticket and drink sales.
SAR’s annual budget is a mere $18,000. While SAR has been fortunate to acquire a handful of regular donors, past contributions totaled a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
In commenting on the turnout and contributions, Allman said, “It’s an incredible thing. Search and Rescue has never seen that kind of money before.”
Auction items were donated by: Gary Breen, Anna Beuselinck, Katrina and Norm Kessen, Michael and Shanna Braught, Martha Barra, Anna Beuselnick, Ben Chadwick of Chadwick Armory, Mac Magruder, Spencer Brewer, the Pauli Family, and the California Rifle & Pistol Association.
Sparetime Supply won the coveted “dinner in the jail,” in addition to other lots. Top bidders Andrew Hosford and Jaime Wilkes stated employees of the company would enjoy the table’s winnings.
Other items up for grabs included an eight-day, sevennight stay in Kailua-Kona, a Water Buffalo Dinner accompanied by a special concert by Spencer Brewer and a coastal getaway at the Little River Inn.
SAR Commander Jared Chaney calls Allman and his office unsung heroes. It was the retired sheriff’s idea to fund UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) to equip the SAR team with a visual aid in areas too dark, too dangerous, or otherwise unsafe to pursue missions on foot. Three older model patrol vehicles were donated to SAR as well.
As the event wrapped up, Allman noted, “I can say, at least with one person per couple, I’ve had something to do with everyone in this room.” In a time where the world of law enforcement is not always favored, he added it was an honor to have so many people come out and say goodbye.
This isn’t a period for Allman, but an ellipsis. He has plans to continue being a vocal advocate for mental health in the county as he embarks on this new life chapter.
“Mental health is a big deal. Talking about mental health is how we’re going to get a solution. That’s what we are doing. We’re talking about it,” said Allman.
He had held an auction for the Fort Bragg Health Clinic earlier that day.
State Sen. Mike McGuire took a moment outside the venue to share a personal account illustrating the type of selfless person Allman has proven to be. Having first crossed professional paths while McGuire served on the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, over the past 5.5 years serving in the Legislature, McGuire explained he has gotten to know Allman very well.
During the Clayton Fires, McGuire, Allman, and Lake County Sheriff Martin got stuck behind the fire line during a flare-up. The men had been on a ridge assessing fire damage.
“As we were coming down, the flames were fast approaching several homes and we all got out and started digging lines around the homes. He spent two hours literally digging fire lines around these homes to keep them safe. He’s good at the job and he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty for the public good. Especially during the fires, he has shown steadfast leadership which we are tremendously grateful for.”
After a reflective pause,
McGuire added, “He’s going to be dearly missed. He has done a phenomenal job as sheriff.”
Community leaders, organizations and volunteers that made the night possible, from cooking to planning, included, among many, Redwood Empire Lions, Ukiah Host Lions, Ukiah Elks Lodge, Savings Bank, Redwood Credit Union, Anderson Valley Lions, Willits Lions, and the Rotary (North and South).
Youth from Potter Valley 4-H served up plated desserts donated by Schat’s. Amaru Gillmore, a thirdyear 4-H’er, helped make some homemade cookies for the sheriff’s party.
While many individuals helped put on this successful fundraiser and celebration, Allman and SAR additionally would like to thank Katie Fairbairn, Rose Britton, Jay Epstein, Earl Chavez, Travis Scott, Heidi Dickerson, Johnny Keyes, Mary Chadwick, Jared Chaney, Jason Caudillo, Emily Saengarun, and Jennifer Seward, the event organizer.