Sandee’s Story: In 1978 I was sworn in as a Work Program Supervisor for Stanislaus County California and spent the the first two years in that position. The third year I was promoted to Sergeant and there was a patrol commander named Zane Clark that visited the women’s jail often. He made my knees go weak when I saw him.

In 1989 I was transferred to the Men’s Jail and worked for Lt. Clark. I worked many areas of the Sheriff’s Office and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2000. I was assigned to the Men’s Jail in 2002 being the second Lt. Clark to command that facility.

Last Friday night Zane and I attended a wonderful dinner at a favorite Mexican Restaurant with many folks we worked with. Two of the individuals there I refer to as bookends. One can’t be without the other and they are like my sons. Such gifted men.

The photograph below was taken in the early 2000s.  Zane was Assistant Sheriff of Operations and I was the Jail Commander in Adult Detention. I loved working at the Men’s Jail. It is now closed and is used for court transportation.

I was given a gift that night that made me smile from ear to ear. The above set of keys means the world to me.  I spent many years walking those tiers with a set of keys like this. A time I will cherish for the rest of my life.

Zane’s Story: In 1969 I was sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff for Stanislaus County California and spent the first two years of my career working in the men’s jail. In 1971 I saw and fell head over heels in love with Sandee, although she had no idea who I was.

In 1987 I returned to the men’s jail as Sheriff’s Lieutenant to command that facility. I was the first Lt. Clark there.

In 1989 Sandee came to the men’s jail from the women’s facility as Sergeant and the first woman to break the “cross sex supervisions” wall.

In 1992 I was transferred to another division which enabled us to marry. Sandee was promoted to Lieutenant and in 2002 became the first woman and second Lt. Clark to command the men’s jail.

Part II tomorrow.