Chad Bianco was born in 1967 at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, and grew up in a small mining town as the eldest of three boys.  Raised by hardworking parents, he was instilled with the values of integrity, perseverance, and personal responsibility.  These principles shaped his belief that respect is earned through actions, character, and commitment to service.

In 1989, Bianco moved to California in pursuit of new opportunities and a better place to call home and start a family.  In 1993, he attended the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Academy, graduating at the top of his class.  Shortly thereafter, he was hired by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, where he has dedicated over 31 years to protecting the community and ensuring the safety of all its residents.

In 2018, Riverside County residents elected Bianco as Sheriff to address longstanding issues within the Sheriff’s Department.  At the time, the department was struggling with budget challenges, deputies were leaving due to a lack of support, and relationships with municipal law enforcement agencies were deteriorating.  Upon taking office, Bianco worked to stabilize the department’s finances, increase staffing, and rebuild partnerships with other law enforcement agencies.  Despite unprecedented challenges, including civil unrest and a global pandemic, Bianco led the department decisively and was re-elected in 2022.

Sheriff Bianco faces the reality of California’s failed policies on a daily basis.  He has been a strong voice for reforming state law to once again ensure public safety across California.  Most recently, he was a leader and vocal advocate for Proposition 36, which overwhelmingly passed in November 2024 and has started to return commonsense to California’s criminal sentencing laws.

Beyond his role as Sheriff, Bianco is a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife, Denise, live in the Woodcrest area of Riverside, where they are active members of Sandals Church. He believes in faith, family, and service above self.