Officer Lydia Montoya graduated from Sanger High School (California) in 1986 and joined the United States Marine Corps where she remained until 1990. Lydia then worked for the next several years as a security guard, supervisor, and interim manager for various hospitals, security companies, and casinos. In 1997 she began her law enforcement career as a deputy for the Kings County Sheriff’s Office where she worked patrol and performed duties as an explorer advisor/coordinator, hostage negotiator, juvenile service officer, and bailiff. While a deputy, Lydia attended Fresno City College, obtaining a drafting certificate in 2009.  She ended her 25-year career in 2023, retiring as the Chief Civil Deputy for the sheriff’s office.