
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department "A TRADITION OF SERVICE" News Release November 8th, 2024 |
- DEPARTURE OF ASSISTANT SHERIFF JOE OLSON
- Blaine County: In early November 2024, Assistant Sheriff Joe Olson announced his retirement and end of his tenure with the Los Santos Sheriff's Department.

Asst. Sheriff Joe Olson
Joe Olson graduated from the Los Santos Sheriff's Department Academy in February 2021 and has held a lot of different responsibilities during his tenure, most notably the launch of the Legal Affairs Division in January 2023. Including this, Olson has held other important positions such as Commander of Patrol Operations, and lastly, Assistant Sheriff of Patrol Operations.
Olson has been an inspiration and a role model for the rest of the department during his employment, and his absence will be clearly noticed and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
I had mixed emotions when I was told that Assistant Sheriff Joe Olson was going to be resigning from the Los Santos County Sheriff's Department. Since joining our department on February 25, 2021, as a Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Joe has exemplified dedication, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to our community. I have had the distinct privilege of watching him grow, not only through the ranks but also in character, becoming an invaluable part of our department.
Sheriff Bobby Kirk
Assistant Sheriff Olson’s journey has been marked by exploration and dedication. Over the years, he immersed himself in various divisions, gaining invaluable insights and developing a well-rounded skill set that eventually led him to find his true calling within our Patrol Operations. His adaptability and willingness to embrace new challenges have made him a model for others, and his devotion to the job has set a standard for excellence.
Not only did Joe excel in his duties on patrol, but he also made a lasting impact in our department’s legal affairs. Even as he took on new assignments, he continued to serve as our representative on the Law Review Committee, showcasing his commitment to ensuring that our department operates with the highest level of professionalism and legal precision. His contributions in this area have been critical, and his presence will surely be missed.
Joe Olson is a man of exceptional character and integrity, a true leader who consistently went above and beyond to help his colleagues grow and succeed. His supportive nature and dedication to mentorship have left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege to work alongside him. His commitment to the restructuring and improvement of our Patrol Operations will not be forgotten, and the impact of his efforts will benefit our department and community for years to come.
On behalf of the Los Santos County Sheriff’s Department, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Assistant Sheriff Olson for his years of service. He has been a tremendous asset to our team and to the community we serve. I hope that one day, I’ll have the honor of working with Joe Olson again, as his presence and dedication will always be cherished and remembered.
Assistant Sheriff Olson has consistently been a hardworking and dedicated member of our department. He has invested significant effort into enhancing Patrol Operations in particular. Without his commitment, we would not enjoy the strong and efficient Patrol Operations we have today.
Undersheriff John Wallace
Olson has played a crucial role in the restructuring of Patrol Operations, making it his priority to streamline processes and eliminate inefficiencies. His journey within the Sheriff's Department is an inspiring testament to the power of dedication and determination and should serve as an example to all members of what can be achieved with a commitment to our mission.
While it is bittersweet to see Olson move on to new chapters, we know he has equipped those he led with valuable skills and knowledge, positioning them well for future success. I would like to personally thank him for all he has contributed and wish him the very best. Olson will always have a home here.
As many of you know, Assistant Sheriff Joe Olsen is stepping down after many years of dedicated service to this department. Joe has made invaluable contributions, and we’re all thankful for the work he’s done. But let's be real here, when it comes to making an impact, I’ve been the one leading the charge.
Undersheriff Harry Payne
From solving the toughest cases to catching the most elusive criminals, I’ve been at the forefront of every major success this department has had. High-speed chases? I’m always the first one to the scene. Big cases? I crack them, no one else. I’m the one who’s always there, doing what others can’t.
Joe has had his moments, and we’re all grateful for them, but it’s been my leadership, my drive, and my relentless pursuit of excellence that has kept this department performing at its highest level. And moving forward, I’ll continue to set the bar, because no one does this job like I do.
###For Information, Contact:

Captain Amelia Clark
Commanding Officer, Sheriff's Information Division
(909) 474-8130 — [email protected]
Sheriff's Information Division
Los Santos County Sheriff's Department
Procopio Promenade 1, Paleto Bay
Los Santos, SA, 909
