Rick Sung Promoted To Undersheriff

From Santa Clara County Sheriff: Santa Clara County Sheriff Laurie Smith has announced the appointment of Assistant Sheriff Rick Sung to Undersheriff, effective after the retirement of Undersheriff Carl Neusel later this month. Rick’s law enforcement career with the Sheriff's Office spans over 16 years.

Since being promoted to Assistant Sheriff, Rick has been an integral member of the leadership team responsible for day-to-day Sheriff’s operations and personally led select advancements in Training and Jail Reforms. Rick holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology from San Jose State University and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Golden Gate University. He graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s National Academy, Class 265, in 2016.

Rick has well-rounded experience within the Sheriff’s Office having served on the Jail Transition Team, as Public Information Officer, and a variety of other assignments within the Enforcement Bureau. As a Captain, Rick was assigned to the Headquarters Patrol Division and the West Valley Patrol Division where he oversaw law enforcement services to the cities of Cupertino, Saratoga and Los Altos Hills. “Rick is a demonstrated leader in this organization and respected for his integrity and commitment to accountability,” said Sheriff Laurie Smith. “His dedication to the community is unwavering, whether facilitating high level law enforcement services or volunteering his personal time with various organizations. He exemplifies the embodiment of public service.”

Born and raised in Seoul, Korea, Rick’s family immigrated to the U.S. and settled in the South Bay in 1987 when he was 15 years old. Understanding the sacrifice his parents made for him, Rick developed a strong work ethic early in his life which he still carries today. After college, Rick was recruited by a Silicon Valley based high-tech company where he worked in Sales, Marketing and Purchasing. After a few more years in high-tech, Rick decided to be his own boss, opening and running a series of restaurants prior to joining the
Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office in 2002 in order to pursue his true calling. “I am humbled to be the Undersheriff of this values-based organization,” Assistant Sheriff Rick Sung said. “As a first generation immigrant, I am fulfilling a lifelong dream to serve a culturally rich County beside men and women who embrace the diversity of our Community.” Rick and his wife, Katie, have been married nearly 23 years and have two sons and a daughter together. Their oldest son, Richard, 19, is attending the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; Eric, 16, is a junior in high school; and Kayla, 12, will begin middle school in August.

Photo courtesy of Santa Clara County Sheriff