Sheriff Bob Brooks announced earlier this month that Mark Ball will take over as undersheriff for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The rank of undersheriff is second highest in command within the department of 1,200 employees.

"Being succeeded by someone of the caliber of Mark Ball is the best thing I could ask for," said Craig Husband, the department's previous undersheriff who retired June 5 after more than 32 years of service. "He epitomizes the values of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and the law enforcement profession."

Ball is a 29-year veteran with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department and has more than 33 years of law enforcement experience.

Ball is currently assigned as chief deputy of the Detention Services Division, the largest of the department's four divisions, which includes the pretrial detention facility, Todd Road Jail and Court Services Bureau.

"Mark is a skilled and trusted leader who uses a strong ethical base for making decisions," Brooks said. "This, coupled with his outstanding record of service and performance over many years in a variety of assignments, makes him the ideal selection to a position as important as undersheriff."

Ball lives in Ojai with his wife, Michele, and his daughter Morgan.