28-year-department-veteran, April Tardy has been announced to serve as the interim undersheriff to the incoming Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the history of the sheriff’s department.
April Tardy who currently serves as chief of the department’s Central Patrol Division has been described as a talented and experienced law enforcement leader who shares the vision of the sheriff’s department that is effective, compassionate, and constitutional.
The appointment is considered interim during Luna’s transition into the office beginning Monday. A swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Saturday.
As undersheriff, Tardy will be the department’s second-in-command.
While reacting to her promotion, Tardy said, “I’m honored that Sheriff-elect Luna has confidence in me to serve as undersheriff of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff-elect Luna will lead this department in a new direction, and as undersheriff, I’m eager to help him improve public safety and public trust in this department. I’ve dedicated my career to making our communities safer and serving with integrity, and I’m very proud to serve as the highest-ranking woman in the history of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.”
April L. Tardy, had been promoted to the rank of Captain and assigned to South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station.
Serving the unincorporated areas of Athens, Lennox, Del Aire, Wiseburn, El Camino Village, Moneta Gardens, and the city of Lawndale, South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station provides law enforcement services to approximately 120,000 residents. Captain Tardy’s career with the Sheriff’s Department began in 1994.
After graduation from the Sheriff’s Training Academy as a Deputy Sheriff, she was assigned to Sybil Brand Institute for Women, the Inmate Reception Center, Temple Sheriff’s Station and as an Operation Safe Streets Bureau Investigator at Compton Sheriff’s Station.
Upon her promotion to Sergeant in 2006, Captain Tardy was assigned to work Compton Sheriff’s Station. After being promoted to Lieutenant in 2011, Captain Tardy was assigned to Men’s Central Jail facility, Carson Sheriff’s Station, South Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station, and Central Patrol Division, as the Executive Aide.
Captain Tardy earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from California State University at San Bernardino, and currently serves as a board member for the Black Peace Officers Association.
Captain Tardy has a son in college. She enjoys spending time with her family, reading, playing volleyball and basketball, mentoring, and community service.
