by Dianne Anderson

Even with a long list of noteworthy titles and a résumé that reads more like a book of lifetime achievements, Horace Boatwright was never braggadocious, always kept low-key and quietly confident – both in and out of uniform.

Everyone recognized him as an all-around good man, basically the poster guy for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. From the early ’90s, he was one of the first cadre of public affairs officers that the department put on the street.

Alton Garrett, president of Westside Action Group, said that Boatwright was dedicated to the department in the decades that he served numerous roles, retiring at a high-caliber rank of Undersheriff.

“He’s one of the officers you would go to and talk to and not run from,” he said. “I’ve always had much love and respect for him.”

Throughout his career, he was devoted to public safety and leading by example. As Undersheriff, he was tasked with stepping in to act as Sheriff when the Sheriff was absent or out of town.

“He was the only, so far, and may always be, the only Black person who’s ever been an Undersheriff in S.B. County Sheriff’s Department. A Black man in the county in San Bernardino, that’s a plus plus,” he said.

Garrett said he wasn’t a flashy guy, just a hard worker, even out in the community.

“He was always out there looking out for Black youth. When you have good guys it’s hard to describe what they have done, he’s done so much.”

Also a decorated U.S. Air Force veteran, he served in the United States Air Force from 1982 to 1990, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He also held membership in the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates, and the California Peace Officers Association, among others.

But perhaps his most important contribution was as a devoted mentor.

Terrance Stone recalls that even though Boatwright had plenty to brag about, with lots of titles and policies he shaped, he never put himself out front and center in that way.

In all the years he’s known him, Stone said his example was obvious for the people he mentored. He believed in ethical leadership and had the heart of a servant. He said Boatwright was extremely humble.

He wouldn’t introduce himself as Undersheriff.

“If you didn’t know these things about him, you would never know these things about him. He was well accomplished, but not loud, just getting stuff done. He’s not putting it out on front street,” said Terrance Stone, founder and CEO of Young Visionaries Youth Leadership Academy.

Although he took his job seriously, and was serious while in uniform, Stone said that overall, he was also super cool and down to earth. He was always good for his word.

“He wasn’t going to run and do something illegal with you, but he’s always been that solid brother, 100% mentor material for people, especially for kids of color. A stand-up guy. He’s always fun, just an awesome individual,” Stone said.

As a lifelong public servant, he juggled multiple roles, including Assistant Sheriff of Criminal Operations, Deputy Chief of the Valley/Mountain Patrol Bureau, and Captain of both the Fontana Patrol Station and Employee Resources.

His vast knowledge spanned patrol, custody, training, public affairs, and internal affairs.

Lieutenant Kari Klaus, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, said Boatwright’s career involved several key milestones. He was promoted to Captain in 2013, where he commanded the Fontana Station and later oversaw Employee Resources.

By 2019, he took post as Deputy Chief, and two years later became Assistant Sheriff. Later that year, he made history as the first African American to serve as Undersheriff in San Bernardino County.

“His dedication and impact were recognized early on when, in 1993, he was named Officer of the Year at the inaugural Inland Empire Black Law Enforcement Awards Dinner, an early testament to his integrity and influence,” she said.

Among his many community outreach and mentorship projects, he helped initiate and promote the Sheriff’s Wellness & Resilience Center and was instrumental in launching the ACTS Program. He also served as Treasurer for the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) Inland Empire Chapter and was a member of the San Bernardino County Association of African American Employees.

As an active church member and musician, he played guitar with the worship band. He served as Incident Commander during NASCAR races and other large-scale events at the Fontana Speedway, to name a few.

He was also a black belt in karate.

“He taught self-defense to at-risk youth and served as an instructor and Senior Tactical Officer at San Bernardino Valley College, where he led courses in investigative report writing, background investigations, and crowd control. He also supervised students in the Cooperative Work Experience Education Program at Victor Valley College and helped at-risk youth through the American Youth Outreach Program,” she said.

Boatwright had a lifelong passion for teaching and empowering others.

“Undersheriff Boatwright’s legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the programs he built, and the example he set as a true public servant,” in a statement from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

Ellen Turner first met Mr. Boatwright in 2016 at a time of deep unrest in the community.

Her nonprofit, Concerned Citizens for the Development of North Fontana, held a community panel and invited first responders from every branch of government. The goal was to promote transparency and honest dialogue with the Black community.

From the time he walked in, she said Sheriff Boatwright was commanding, authoritative, but exuded peace, calm and genuine warmth.

“He was not intimidating, but it was clear he meant business,” she said. “This was a Black man from the community, standing in uniform, ready to speak truth and build bridges.”

She said he was willing to help the community, and he was everything that a peace officer should embody.

“Sheriff Boatwright was not just on the panel – he was present, committed, and courageous in facing hard conversations. His presence was powerful, and his voice one of strength, integrity, and compassion,” she said. “[He] exemplified the best of what we need in law enforcement and in our communities. His impact was deep and lasting.”

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 19 at 1PM at Immanuel Baptist Church located at 28355 E Baseline St., in Highland.