New command at the sheriff’s office

Boundary County Sheriff-elect Travis Stolley announced Tuesday that Sgt. Mike Valenzuela will replace Rich Stephens as undersheriff once he is sworn into office in January. 

Stephens will continue working at the sheriff’s office, but he will assume a new role. 

“I will need his time and experience,” Stolley said at the Boundary County School Board meeting. “He’s spent 16 plus years at the sheriff’s office, and he’ll be a great resource for me as I transition to a whole different role.” 

Valenzuela has been with the agency for over six years. Currently, he supervises the BCSO patrol division. Valenzuela also has 10 years of prior experience with the Sandpoint Police Department. With BCSO, Valenzuela became the first K-9 handler with his drug-sniffing partner, Buddy. 

“When Stolley started talking to me about the possibility of changes in the agency and becoming the Undersheriff, I was pretty excited,” Valenzuela said. “I think here in the future, there’s going to be nothing but good things.” 

Valenzuela said he is excited to continue building a rapport between BCSO and the Bonners Ferry Police Department.