The Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department has named Major Nestor Rivera as the new Chief Deputy of Corrections, a move that has been met with support from the local government representatives. With a long-standing career in law enforcement, Rivera was sworn into his new role by Sheriff Harold Pretel, cementing his position within the department he has been a part of since 1999.
Rivera rapidly rose to become a figure of experience and leadership during his time at the department. Before taking on the interim Chief role in June of 2024, he had been heavily involved in narcotics, worked with a canine unit, and served on a task force focused on combating high-intensity drug trafficking.
According to a statement obtained by Cuyahoga County, County Executive Chris Ronayne spoke highly of Rivera, saying, “Chief Deputy Rivera knows the Sheriff’s Department inside and out and has done an exceptional job in not only leading the Corrections Center but also in supporting staff and instilling the values and fostering the culture the facility needs to succeed.”
Rivera's background boasts a storied history in law enforcement, starting as a deputy and jailer in Belmont County in 1995 and later joining the Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department, where he has served for over two decades. His credentials include graduation from the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, an honor that underscores his commitment to upholding the values of law enforcement. Sheriff Harold A. Pretel praised Rivera's work ethic and determination, confidently stating that Rivera's leadership will ensure the Corrections Center continues to "elevating into a facility with the highest standards of safety, professionalism and service delivery." According to a statement obtained by Cuyahoga County.
The Sheriff's Department emphasized that Rivera has maintained a continuous commitment to professional development, completing the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy Jail Administrator course as part of the department's commitment to high levels of training and certification for staff. As Chief Deputy, Nestor Rivera will immediately assume responsibilities for steering the Corrections Center forward in its mission to uphold justice and public safety.
