Santa Maria Sun / News

Tony Cipolla becomes the new face of the SLO Sheriff's Department

BY COLIN RIGLEY

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department just got a lot handsomer. Central Coast anchorman Tony Cipolla has been selected as the new public information officer.

According to a department news release, Cipolla was formally offered the position on June 14 after completing a lengthy vetting process. He will replace former PIO Rob Bryn, who died on March 1.

“Rob’s passing left a huge void at the Sheriff’s Office that impacted the relationship we had built with the media and the community we serve,” the department said in a news release. “We are very excited to have Tony join our Sheriff’s Office family and refill the PIO position, which will improve and cultivate the relationship we share with the media, and our community. This role is vital in providing information to the media and ultimately to the public. Tony comes to us with a tremendous amount of experience with the media and deep roots in the community.”

Cipolla, formerly the evening anchor for KSBY, left his 20-year career there in 2010 and moved on to step in as the morning anchor for KCOY.

As the PIO, he’ll start with a salary of $70,804, plus benefits. He’s scheduled to begin the job on July 1.