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Pamerleau describes herself as a "a tough, decisive leader who works tirelessly to protect every citizen in Bexar County,"<ref name=bio/> which encompasses [[San Antonio]], the second largest Texas city in population and the seventh most populated city in the [[United States]]. Pamerleau downplayed her having become the first woman elected sheriff of her county: "This isn't about being a woman. This is about getting a job done and focusing on a mission."<ref name=saen>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Pamerleau-makes-history-as-first-female-elected-4014096.php|title=Pamerleau makes history as first female elected sheriff|author=         

Pamerleau describes herself as a "a tough, decisive leader who works tirelessly to protect every citizen in Bexar County,"<ref name=bio/> which encompasses [[San Antonio]], the second largest Texas city in population and the seventh most populated city in the [[United States]]. Pamerleau downplayed her having become the first woman elected sheriff of her county: "This isn't about being a woman. This is about getting a job done and focusing on a mission."<ref name=saen>{{cite web|url=http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Pamerleau-makes-history-as-first-female-elected-4014096.php|title=Pamerleau makes history as first female elected sheriff|author=         

Nolan Hicks and Michelle Mondo|date=November 7, 2012|publisher=''[[San Antonio Express-News]]''|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref>

Nolan Hicks and Michelle Mondo|date=November 7, 2012|publisher=''The San Antonio Express-News''|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref>

==Background==

==Background==

Pamerleau served for thirty-two years as an officer in the [[United States Air Force]], in which she attained the rank of [[major general]]. When she entered the Air Force, only 1.2 percent of personnel were female. She spent her early military service in support operations before she was assigned to [[The Pentagon]] in [[Arlington, Virginia|Arlington]], [[Virginia]], where she worked for base realignment and closure. She represented the United States in [[Brussels, Belgium|Brussels]], [[Belgium]], at the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]], for which she was an advisor on nuclear policy, strategic and force planning, and disarmament and arms control. She served in personnel management in [[Washington, D.C.]], and commanded the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Maxwell Air Force Base in the capital city of [[Montgomery]], [[Alabama]]. She came to San Antonio as commander of the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base. She is a former trustee of the Arnold Air Society.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|url=http://sheriffsusan.com/about-2/|title=About Sheriff Susan Pamerleau|publisher=sheriffsusan.com|accessdate=October 5, 2015}}</ref>

Pamerleau served for thirty-two years as an officer in the [[United States Air Force]], in which she attained the rank of [[major general]]. When she entered the Air Force, only 1.2 percent of personnel were female. She spent her early military service in support operations before she was assigned to [[The Pentagon]] in [[Arlington, Virginia|Arlington]], [[Virginia]], where she worked for base realignment and closure. She represented the United States in [[Brussels, Belgium|Brussels]], [[Belgium]], at the [[North Atlantic Treaty Organization]], for which she was an advisor on nuclear policy, strategic and force planning, and disarmament and arms control. She served in personnel management in [[Washington, D.C.]], and commanded the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Maxwell Air Force Base in the capital city of [[Montgomery]], [[Alabama]]. She came to San Antonio as commander of the Air Force Personnel Center at Randolph Air Force Base. She is a former trustee of the Arnold Air Society.<ref name=bio>{{cite web|url=http://sheriffsusan.com/about-2/|title=About Sheriff Susan Pamerleau|publisher=sheriffsusan.com|accessdate=October 5, 2015}}</ref>

   

   

As she was progressing from the rank of [[lieutenant]] to [[Captain]], she faced harassment from her husband of eight years, Ben (full name missing), who was some fifteen years her senior, had eight children from a previous marriage, completed three tours of duty in the [[Vietnam War]], and was thereafter an enlisted man in the [[United States Army]]. After she left him in May 1978, for fear that her life was in danger, he shot himself to death in the head with his pistol. At the time she was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]], [[Florida]], but also enrolled in graduate study in California.<ref name=ggarcia>{{cite web|url= http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Domestic-abuse-shapes-sheriff-candidate-s-outlook-3991576.php|title=Domestic abuse shapes sheriff candidate's outlook|author=Gilbert Garcia|date=October 30, 2012|publisher=''San Antonio Express-News''|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name=samag>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanantoniomag.com/SAM/February-2013/Lady-and-the-Law/|title=Lady and the Law: Susan Pamerleau may be the most surprising sheriff Bexar County has ever had. How she plans to use her formidable résumé—and her wrenching past—to make San Antonio safer|author=Lynn Freehill|publisher=''San Antonio Magazine''|date=February 2013|accessdate=October 5, 2015}}</ref> Pamerleau said that her personal life makes her particularly aware of domestic violence and crime prevention issues: "I thank [[God]] every day I'm alive. Because of that experience, I feel I have a responsibility to help others."<ref name=samag/>

As she was progressing from the rank of [[lieutenant]] to [[captain]], she faced harassment from her husband of eight years, Ben (full name missing), who was some fifteen years her senior, had eight children from a previous marriage, completed three tours of duty in the [[Vietnam War]], and was thereafter an enlisted man in the [[United States Army]]. After she left him in May 1978, for fear that her life was in danger, he shot himself to death in the head with his pistol. At the time she was stationed at MacDill Air Force Base in [[Tampa, Florida|Tampa]], [[Florida]], but also enrolled in graduate study in California.<ref name=ggarcia>{{cite web|url= http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local_news/article/Domestic-abuse-shapes-sheriff-candidate-s-outlook-3991576.php|title=Domestic abuse shapes sheriff candidate's outlook|author=Gilbert Garcia|date=October 30, 2012|publisher=''San Antonio Express-News''|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref><ref name=samag>{{cite web|url=http://www.sanantoniomag.com/SAM/February-2013/Lady-and-the-Law/|title=Lady and the Law: Susan Pamerleau may be the most surprising sheriff Bexar County has ever had. How she plans to use her formidable résumé—and her wrenching past—to make San Antonio safer|author=Lynn Freehill|publisher=''San Antonio Magazine''|date=February 2013|accessdate=October 5, 2015}}</ref> Pamerleau said that her personal life makes her particularly aware of domestic violence and crime prevention issues: "I thank [[God]] every day I'm alive. Because of that experience, I feel I have a responsibility to help others."<ref name=samag/>

Pamerleau earned various military commendations, including the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.<ref name=univofwy/>  

Pamerleau earned various military commendations, including the Legion of Merit, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon.<ref name=univofwy/>  

   

   

In 2010, Pamerleau became the Republican nominee by default for a seat on the [[county commission]] after the death of the party's initial candidate. She gave incumbent [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] Tommy Adkisson a strong challenge.<ref name=ggarcia/> Two years later, she unseated Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz, an [[Hispanic]] Democrat who spent most of the general election campaign under attack for the deaths of two police dogs, a tragedy which critics claimed could have been avoided. Ortiz was charged with a staffing crisis at the jail, which he blamed on budget cuts imposed by the five-member Bexar County Commissioners Court headed by [[County Judge]] Nelson Wolff, also a Democrat. Ortiz was accused of using county resources in his campaign. The [[district attorney]] requested that the [[Texas Rangers]] investigate Ortiz. In defeat, Ortiz said that he respected the [[Democracy|democratic process]] but accused Pamerleau of waging a dishonest campaign.<ref name=saen/>

In 2010, Pamerleau became the Republican nominee by default for a seat on the county commission after the death of the party's initial candidate. She gave incumbent [[Democratic Party|Democrat]] Tommy Adkisson a strong challenge.<ref name=ggarcia/> Two years later, she unseated Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz, an [[Hispanic]] Democrat who spent most of the general election campaign under attack for the deaths of two police dogs, a tragedy which critics claimed could have been avoided. Ortiz was charged with a staffing crisis at the jail, which he blamed on budget cuts imposed by the five-member Bexar County Commissioners Court headed by County Judge Nelson Wolff, also a Democrat. Ortiz was accused of using county resources in his campaign. The [[district attorney]] requested that the [[Texas Rangers]] investigate Ortiz. In defeat, Ortiz said that he respected the [[Democracy|democratic process]] but accused Pamerleau of waging a dishonest campaign.<ref name=saen/>

As sheriff, Pamerleau supervises about 1,700 deputies, civilian employees, and detention officers. Her department budget of $105 million represents a third of the spending for Bexar County government. To become sheriff, she had to pass weapons qualifications examinations. Political consultant Jim Lunz, formerly affiliated with [[United States Senator]] [[John Cornyn]], first urged her to run for sheriff, but she expressed hesitation. Lunz's suggestion, however, caused her to rethink her positition because she believed that she has the skills to operate a large jail and to fight crime in a large urban area.<ref name=samag/>

As sheriff, Pamerleau supervises about 1,700 deputies, civilian employees, and detention officers. Her department budget of $105 million represents a third of the spending for Bexar County government. To become sheriff, she had to pass weapons qualifications examinations. Political consultant Jim Lunz, formerly affiliated with [[United States Senator]] [[John Cornyn]], first urged her to run for sheriff, but she expressed hesitation. Lunz's suggestion, however, caused her to rethink her positition because she believed that she has the skills to operate a large jail and to fight crime in a large urban area.<ref name=samag/>

In September 2015, Pamerleau faced a crisis when two deputies shot to death 41-year-old parolee Gilbert Flores when they answered a domestic violence call at Flores' residence. Video of the incident first appeared to show the shirtless Flores holding up both hands in the air in surrender, but the officers claim he was threatening them with a knife.<ref name=floresshooting>{{cite web|url=http://www.berkshireeagle.com/nation/ci_28747262/look-at-case-texas-man-killed-by-deputies|title= A look at the case of Texas man killed by deputies|publisher=''The Berkshire Eagle''|location=Pittsfield, [[Massachusetts]]|date=September 2, 2015|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref> When the sheriff's department issued its report on the incident, there was no mention of Flores holding up his hands to surrender. The department claims that video of the incident made by bystander Michael Thomas is obscured by a pole which blocks depiction of the knife in Flores' hand. The Flores family has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's department, the deputies, and Bexar County. The officers' attorney said that they would not have fired two shots at Flores unless they were in fear for their lives.<ref>John Tedesco, "Report omits that victim raised hands: County didn't list detail in shooting death by deputies", ''San Antonio Express-News'', October 10, 2015, pp. 1, A12</ref> Pamerleau turned over reports of the department investigation to the district attorney. The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] also monitored the matter.<ref name=floresshooting/> In December, other video taken by a neighbor was released to the public. It shows a knife-wielding man who shouted that he wanted to die, rather than face a return to prison. He ignored orders to surrender. He was shot when he moved with knife in hand to a parked patrol car. The grand jury did not indict any of the deputies in the case. Sheriff Pamerleau said, "While we support the grand jury's decision to no-bill these deputies, it's important to recognize that there are no winners in this situation. A man lost his life, and for that, we are all saddened."<ref name=videoreveals>John Tedesco, "Video reveals man talked of suicide before shooting:  Run-in with deputies recorded in new images", ''San Antonio Express-News'', December 12, 2015, pp. 1, 10A</ref> The Flores family has filed a federal lawsuit in the matter.<ref name=videoreveals/>

In September 2015, Pamerleau faced a crisis when two deputies shot to death 41-year-old parolee Gilbert Flores when they answered a domestic violence call at Flores' residence. Video of the incident first appeared to show the shirtless Flores holding up both hands in the air in surrender, but the officers claim he was threatening them with a knife.<ref name=floresshooting>{{cite web|url=http://www.berkshireeagle.com/nation/ci_28747262/look-at-case-texas-man-killed-by-deputies|title= A look at the case of Texas man killed by deputies|publisher=''The Berkshire Eagle''|location=Pittsfield, [[Massachusetts]]|date=September 2, 2015|accessdate=October 6, 2015}}</ref> When the sheriff's department issued its report on the incident, there was no mention of Flores holding up his hands to surrender. The department claims that video of the incident made by bystander Michael Thomas is obscured by a pole which blocks depiction of the knife in Flores' hand. The Flores family has filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's department, the deputies, and Bexar County. The officers' attorney said that they would not have fired two shots at Flores unless they were in fear for their lives.<ref>John Tedesco, "Report omits that victim raised hands: County didn't list detail in shooting death by deputies", ''San Antonio Express-News'', October 10, 2015, pp. 1, A12</ref> Pamerleau turned over reports of the department investigation to the district attorney. The [[Federal Bureau of Investigation]] also monitored the matter.<ref name=floresshooting/> In December, other video taken by a neighbor was released to the public. It shows a knife-wielding man who shouted that he wanted to die, rather than face a return to prison. He ignored orders to surrender. He was shot when he moved with knife in hand to a parked patrol car. The grand jury did not indict any of the deputies in the case. Sheriff Pamerleau said, "While we support the grand jury's decision to no-bill these deputies, it's important to recognize that there are no winners in this situation. A man lost his life, and for that, we are all saddened."<ref name=videoreveals>John Tedesco, "Video reveals man talked of suicide before shooting:  Run-in with deputies recorded in new images", ''San Antonio Express-News'', December 12, 2015, pp. 1, 10A</ref> The Flores family has filed a federal lawsuit in the matter.<ref name=videoreveals/>

   

   

After her military years, Pamerleau remained in San Antonio and was employed by the United States Automobile Association, a company which offers insurance, banking, financial planning, and investment management to military personnel. Until 2007, she was the USAA senior vice president. Her varied civic activities include Childsafe, the [[United Service Organization]], the [[United Way]], and [[Goodwill Industries]] in San Antonio.<ref name=bio/>

After her military years, Pamerleau remained in San Antonio and was employed by the United States Automobile Association, a company which offers insurance, banking, financial planning, and investment management to military personnel. Until 2007, she was the USAA senior vice president. Her varied civic activities include Childsafe, the [[USO|United Service Organization]], the [[United Way]], and Goodwill Industries in San Antonio.<ref name=bio/>

Pamerleau is a candidate for a second term as sheriff in the Republican primary scheduled for March 1, 2016.

Pamerleau is a candidate for a second term as sheriff in the Republican primary scheduled for March 1, 2016.