The San Mateo County deputies union that blew the whistle on former Sheriff Christina Corpus has new leadership. Deputy Antonio Ochoa was sworn in July 22 as president of the Deputy Sheriff's Association, the labor organization representing correctional officers, deputy sheriffs and some civilian staff across the county Sheriff's Office.

Ochoa, a patrol officer assigned to the San Carlos Bureau, takes over from Sgt. Carlos Tapia, who was promoted after leading the union through its years-long fight to remove Corpus from office. The San Mateo County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Oct. 14, 2025, to oust Corpus for conflict of interest, retaliation against employees and ordering the wrongful arrest of Tapia himself.

At the swearing-in ceremony that afternoon, general counsel Sean Currin praised the union's solidarity and told Ochoa the role carried high expectations. "I don't know if any other board I represent could've done what you guys did," Currin said. "You guys united. Everyone pulled their weight and thrived."

Ochoa was hired as a correctional officer in 2017 and spent more than seven years working in the county's jails before his 2024 promotion to deputy sheriff. He joined the union's leadership board in 2022 and is also a firearms range instructor. His grandfather worked for the Honolulu Police Department, and his father served in the electrical workers' union.

Ochoa said the political battle against Corpus diverted attention and resources from things members once valued, including fundraising to support families after the death of a member and hosting community events. He said he looks forward to having time to reconnect deputies with the public.

On the labor front, negotiations for sworn personnel contracts have been completed, according to Ochoa. Talks for non-safety union members will begin soon, though no date has been set. Ochoa said recruitment and retention will be a major priority during those negotiations.

For Burlingame and Hillsborough residents, the Sheriff's Office provides backup law enforcement through the county's mutual aid structure, making the union's direction relevant to local policing. Sheriff Ken Binder, who replaced Corpus, now leads the department.

The DSA also continues its community programs. The union awarded $1,000 scholarships in 2026 to students related to active, retired or deceased members, including recipients Mia Sanchez, Emilia Hernandez and Yareli Ramirez.