Lompoc’s former Chief of Police is heading to Southern California.
The City of Menifee announced this week the appointment of Pat Walsh as the city’s first Chief of Police.
The City says Walsh “rose to the top” out of 49 applicants from nine states and two foreign countries after an “intense six-week selection process.”
“We are very confident we found the ideal leader for the new Menifee Police Department. Chief Walsh has an outstanding reputation, an impressive track record, and sets the bar high for Menifee’s Police Department.” Menifee City Manager Armando G. Villa said in a press release. “As a visionary leader, he is an experienced team builder and expert communicator who acts with the highest level of respect, fairness and compassion. In addition, Chief Walsh possesses the desired attributes and characteristics of a police chief identified by the community members in a workshop in January. He is the best fit for the needs of the Menifee community, and our new Police Department.”
Walsh said the following about leading the Menifee Police Department: “Working together with Menifee’s executive team, the City Council, and Menifee’s growing community, we will create a safe, respectful and inclusive culture where people come first. There is a lot of work to be done with starting a new police department, and I am very excited, and humbled, to be appointed as the inaugural Police Chief and can’t wait to get started. I appreciate the confidence by the City of Menifee community and leadership team, and look forward to showcasing Menifee City Council’s commitment to its residents and businesses that public safety is Menifee’s highest priority.”
Walsh,who announced in January he would be stepping down as chief of the Lompoc Police Department after more than four years, will join the City of Menifee executive team on April 2 and be sworn in as Chief of Police at a later date.
Located in Riverside County, the City of Menifee has a population about double the size of Lompoc.
Chief Joe Mariani took over as police chief in Lompoc on March 1.
