In 1978, Tom began his law enforcement career as a police cadet with the Rio Vista Police Department, where he later went on to become a reserve police officer. In 1983, Tom was hired as a full-time police officer with the Isleton Police Department where he stayed until December of 1984 when he was hired at the Solano County Sheriff?s Office as a deputy sheriff.

During Tom's tenure here at the Sheriff's Office, he has had the privilege of working in various departmental assignments. As a deputy sheriff, he worked in the patrol division and was later selected as a field-training officer. In 1991 he worked as a deputy in investigations, and in 1992 worked for the civil division. Then in 1994, Tom was selected as the first line-level deputy sheriff to serve as our public information officer. Tom's initial upward movement through the ranks began in 1995 when he successfully promoted to the position of deputy sergeant, at which time he returned back to patrol. In 1998, Tom was transferred to the Court Services Bureau in Vallejo where he was tasked to assist in the merger of the Vallejo Marshal's Office with the Sheriff's Office. On February 6, 1999 Tom continued his endeavors with the Sheriff's Office when he was promoted to Chief Deputy and became the Public Safety Commander. In 2002, Tom became a Captain within the department and was assigned to the Custody Division, as their division commander until December 2006.

Tom's educational background consists of an Associate of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from San Joaquin Delta College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Education, Training and Development from Southern Illinois University, he is also a graduate of the 205th Session of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Tom also holds numerous certificates from the California Commission on Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST); these certificates cover such areas as, Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced Supervisory Management, as well as Community Policing. In addition, Tom has completed the Kerr-Hill Management Training Course, as well as the Quantum Leap Leadership Training Academy.

Tom lives in Vacaville with his wife Julee and their two sons Nicholas and Holden. In his spare time he enjoys restoring classic muscle cars, camping and trying to play golf.

Thomas Ferrara promoted to the position of Undersheriff effective December 31, 2006.