As he nears the end of a 53-year career with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, Lt. Ugo “Butch” Arnoldi says he never had a bad day at work.

Surrounded by family, friends and colleagues, Arnoldi was presented with a resolution by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday as he prepares to retire later this month.

Arnoldi said he was “overwhelmed” by the county’s response and the kind words from his colleagues. He will officially retire on Sept. 23.

“I’ve been a public servant my entire life,” Arnoldi told Noozhawk. “You just do things to be doing things to help your fellow man and woman.”

Arnoldi’s career officially began in 1974, when he was sworn in as a deputy with the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Bill Brown shared that Arnoldi began as a reserve deputy in 1973 but transitioned to a full-time position a year later.   

“Setting the foundation for a career defined by his dedication, his versatility and his unwavering commitment to the law enforcement profession and to this county,” Brown said.

Arnoldi was promoted to sergeant in 1990 and became a lieutenant in 1996.

Over his career, Arnoldi served as countywide watch commander, chief of police for Carpinteria, sheriff’s assistant and commander of the Isla Vista Foot Patrol.

Brown noted that Arnoldi worked closely with families to provide support during disasters such as fires, floods and debris flows. He also served during the 2014 attack at Isla Vista, which left six people dead.

Arnoldi said the only major event he missed over his career was the 2019 sinking of the MV Conception dive boat that caught fire and sank near Santa Cruz.

Arnoldi is the longest-serving chief of police for Goleta, and was originally appointed in 2010. He served in the position for five years before he transferring to the criminal investigations division.

“His career progression reflects both his professionalism and his leadership,” Brown told the supervisors.

He also highlighted Arnoldi’s dedication to the Special Olympics Santa Barbara County Region. Arnoldi has served as a liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the event for more than 40 years.

Arnoldi’s family also has served with the Sheriff’s Office. His wife, Marla, served as a senior administrative office professional for 28 years.

His children, Giuseppi and Francesca, also work for the Sheriff’s Office. Giuseppi is a custody deputy, and Francesca is a deputy.

Fourth District Supervisor Bob Nelson shared that he could not find anyone who worked with the county longer than Arnoldi, much less in one department.

“I think, Butch, you may be our longest-standing employee in county history, and you know I don’t think there can be anybody better to serve our county than you,” Nelson said.

As he prepares to leave later this month, Arnoldi asked the public to appreciate the public servants who serve the county.

“They should be appreciative of the first responders that we do have in this county,” Arnoldi said. “Everybody is very professional, and they do an outstanding job. They all are committed to the public in doing this job.”