Commissioner Kolender served the San Diego Police Department from 1956 until his retirement at the rank of Chief of Police in 1988.

After a brief stint with the San Diego Union newspaper, Commissioner Kolender headed the California Youth Authority.

In 1994 he was elected Sheriff of San Diego County.

Today Commissioner Kolender continues to serve as Sheriff and sits on an advisory board to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger.

His 51 years of service make him the most senior law enforcement officer in the county and one of the most senior in the United States.