KCSO Tehachapi substation gets new sergeant

Sgt. James Newell took charge of the Kern County Sheriff's Office Tehachapi Substation on Nov. 18 after Sgt. Mike Bonsness retired.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office Tehachapi Substation has a new sergeant.

Sgt. James Newell took charge of the substation on Nov. 18 after his predecessor, Sgt. Mike Bonsness, retired.

"I wanted to get back to a smaller community," Newell said. "When you work in a smaller town you get to know the people and it starts to feel like an extended family."

Throughout his 15-year career, all of which has been with the KCSO, Newell has worked in Lake Isabella, Bakersfield, Wasco and Frazier Park.

Since taking the position in Tehachapi, Newell has been meeting business owners and the public to be more in touch with the community's needs.

"I can go into any one of the local restaurants; the people know me by name," Newell said. "It's almost like I walk into my own kitchen, like I haven't left home."

Danielle Avila, assistant manager of the Steampunk Cafe and Grill, said Newell comes in almost daily.

"He makes us feel safe," Avila said. "And he's really nice. We treat him like family, because he comes in so much."

Avila said Newell likes to joke with the staff.

"He's sarcastic, but it's really funny," the assistant manager said. "He likes to show pictures of his family and dog a lot too."

The sergeant has also met and worked with other law enforcement agencies in town.

"I was very impressed with him and believe he will be a great asset to the Tehachapi community," Tehachapi Police Chief Kent Kroeger said. "Our agencies will continue to work together to make Tehachapi a safe place."

Newell was inspired to join the KCSO because of family in law enforcement and a desire to help people.

"It was a dream of mine and I followed it," Newell said. "It's rewarding to get out and help people who can't help themselves or don't have the knowledge to do so. But there are a lot of aspects to this job that are truly rewarding."

While fighting crime and helping people in need are major rewards, Newell said it is also satisfying to see young deputies grow in their career.

"Knowing I helped teach them and they are continuing is a great thing," Newell said.

Before being promoted to sergeant in 2012, Newell worked as a homicide detective.

"The reason I got into homicide was to help victims who don't have a voice anymore," Newell said. "Working a murder investigation is something you tend not to forget. A lot of those cases are still vivid in my mind."

And although "it feels good to hold criminals of that caliber accountable for their actions," Newell said the nature of the job could be very hard at times. During those difficult times, he takes comfort in his wife and three sons.

"Going home at night and hugging my family helps push back the bad a little bit," Newell said.

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