Honorary Lifetime Member

Joe Surges

A middle-aged man with a beard and gray hair, wearing a light blue T-shirt, standing against a plain wall, making a neutral facial expression.

Joe Surges has served the California law enforcement industry for more than 35 years. Today, he is a Training Instructor for Full Circle Training Solutions. Prior to that, he worked for Oakley Police, Concord Police, and the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department. He has also served as the CLEARS State President, serving two 2-year terms, the CLEARS Northern Chapter President, as well as the State Legislative Chair for the past 22 years. Joe’s experience also includes teaching for the San Diego Regional Training Center and the Contra Costa County Law Enforcement Training Center, as well as multiple CLEARS, CAPE, and CCUG conferences.

We are honored to call Joe Surges an Honorary Lifetime Member of the California Law Enforcement Association of Records Supervisors.

This scholarship honors the memory of Darlene Tsue, born August 9, 1961, in Sacramento, California. At the age of 29, Darlene Tsue succumbed to injuries sustained in a vehicle accident in 1990. At the time of her death, she was the Director for the 1992 CLEARS Northern Chapter Annual Training and Technology Conference.

Darlene worked at Woodland Police Department and was engaged to be married at the time of her death. She was born in Sacramento, and graduated from Valley High School in 1979. She obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Sacramento in 1983. She worked as a student clerk in the college Parking Enforcement Division. She moved up the career ladder to Dispatcher, and then was the CSUS Police Department Systems Manager/Records Supervisor. She was hired at Woodland Police Department as their Records Manager in 1989.

Darlene was someone who knew what she wanted from her professional career and her personal life. She was a trusted friend, a co-worker, and a supervisor who was loyal and positive. Darlene was recognized for her expertise and her leadership. In 1988, she was on the POST committee to update and standardize the Certified Records course. In 1988, she was elected President of the Northern Chapter of CLEARS. In 1989, she served on another POST committee to work on the Records Management Manual.

Darlene Tsue lived her life to the positive fullest. We honor and remember Darlene as she was. The Darlene Tsue Memorial Scholarship is a full ticket to enjoy the entire CLEARS Annual Training and Technology Seminar. It includes full registration, meals, and lodging. Click on Darlene’s photo for the scholarship application.

The scholarship is granted based on nominations. All Northern Chapter members that have worked and committed to the CLEARS organization are eligible. The Board makes the decision prior to each Annual Training and Technology Seminar. The recipient also receives a plaque which recognizes their contributions.

Four members of the 2026 Northern Board were sworn in by Mountain View Police Chief Canfield on April 16, 2026.

A group of five people standing before a blue backdrop with the logo and text 'Mountain View Police Department'. A man in a suit is raising his right hand, reading from a paper, while the others, three women and one man, are taking an oath with right hands raised. An American flag and a California state flag are visible behind them. The room has beige walls, visible chairs, and a table with papers and a laptop.

Membership Chair Jeanette Maldonado from Brisbane PD, Vice President Jennifer Caramucci from Marin County SO, President Charles Caldwell from Mountain View PD, Treasurer Mihui Cho from Campbell PD

Biggest Department Membership

(5 EACH)

Gold police badge for the City of Combel, California, featuring the seal of Eureka with a miner on a gold rush scene.
Hayward Police badge with an eagle, a police station, and the California state outline
Hollister Police patch with a female soldier in armor holding a spear, a bison, mountains, and stars, marked 1872.
Gold sheriff's badge with intricate black designs, reading 'Solano County Established 1850 California Sheriff.'