There are certainly exceptions, I've met a few, but in my experience small-town cops aren't typically bullish on private gun ownership either (except for themselves of course..)

When I've looked at the stats in California, the rate that CCWs are issued at (which depends upon what the local sheriff's or police department considers to be a "good cause") is inversely correlated with population density.

A sheriff or police chief approving CCW permits does not necessarily mean that person personally approves of private firearm ownership. It may be the case that the sheriff is putting aside their personal beliefs when on the job. Their willingness to do so might reflect the nature of small town politics (particularly in the cases of sheriffs, who are elected, but also in the case of police chiefs who are nominated by somebody who is in turn elected.)

The phrase "I don't approve of what you're doing but I'll defend your right to do it" comes to mind.

That's true. The sheriff is setting the general guidelines for the process. However from what I've seen there's ample opportunity for an individual officer to impact the outcome of an application. The sheriff's deputies are the ones performing interviews and making determinations regarding someone's "good cause", "moral character", etc. I think pretty much any bureaucracy gives individual bureaucrats ample opportunity to let their own personal beliefs influence their decision making.

Things like the push for 2A Sanctuary Cities may be pandering, but I think it wouldn't be happening if the cops in question were strongly against civilian ownership of firearms.

One of my small-town shooting buddies is a cop. He's quite supportive of individual responsible gun ownership.

Well that's just about all the data I need to come to a firm conclusion on the matter