Richard Kelly Oules

Former Director of the California Department of Justice's Division of Law Enforcement Richard “Rick” Oules, passed away at the age of 55, peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 4, 2011, following a courageous battle with cancer. Rick Oules began his career in California law enforcement over 30 years ago. In 1977, Rick was hired as a deputy sheriff with the Merced County Sheriff’s Department. During his 10 years with the Sheriff’s Department he served 4 years as a patrol deputy, 4 years as a detective assigned to narcotics, and 2 years as a patrol sergeant following his promotion to the rank of sergeant. In 1987, he joined the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement. With the Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Rick served in the Fresno, San Jose, and Sacramento Field Offices. He served as a narcotic task force commander in Fresno, San Joaquin, Santa Cruz, and Merced Counties. Rick’s long and very successful career within the California Department of Justice was unique as he promoted through the ranks from special agent to being appointed as the 12th Director of the Division of Law Enforcement by Attorney General Bill Lockyer in 2005. Rick was then reappointed by Attorney General Jerry Brown in 2007. Rick retired from the California Department of Justice on March 1, 2010, and joined the United States Attorney’s Office in Sacramento as the Law Enforcement Coordinator for the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California. Rick was a member of the California Council on Criminal Justice as an appointee of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and was a past President of the 7,000 member California Narcotic Officer’s Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College of California, and was a graduate of the POST Supervisory Leadership Institute. Additionally, Director Oules was a staff instructor for the Institute for Intergovernmental Research and a member of numerous law enforcement professional and fraternal associations. Rick was born in Merced, California to Patsy Doughty and Roger Oules. He is survived by his loving wife Lisa; his daughter Crissy; his father and mother, Roger Oules and Patsy Doughty; sister’s Carol Wilson and Cindy Engelkamp; and brothers Steve Oules, Jeff Oules and Matthew Powell. Memorial services for Rick Oules will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, April 13, at Saint Ignatius Loyola Parish, 3235 Arden Way, Sacramento, California. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Rick’s name to Saint Joseph’s Parish Charity, 32890 S. River Road, Clarksburg, California; Attention: Father Dan Madigan. Rick’s lengthy career in law enforcement exemplifies the dedication and passion he held for police work.