Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh will be retiring in July 2022. Photo provided by the Menifee Police Department.Menifee Police Chief Pat Walsh announced he will be retiring in July 2022. His official last day has yet to be determined. He will remain with the department until July and will play a key role in selecting his successor.
Walsh’s law enforcement career spans over 38 years, including nearly three years building and overseeing the Menifee Police Department,
“Establishing the Menifee Police Department and working with our brave men and women has been the pinnacle of my career,” Walsh said. “It has been an honor to serve the Menifee community, they have been so supportive of their police. I am looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family in retirement.”
Walsh provided critical leadership during the establishment of the Menifee Police Department, which officially began operations in July 2020. Since its inception, the Menifee Police Department has grown to 95 police officers and personnel. The police department continues to expand as part of its three-year growth plan, which includes multiple divisions such as investigations, support services, records, crime scene investigation, traffic, and K9 units.
Walsh began his law enforcement career as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff in 1984 before transferring to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992. He served the people of Portland for 22 years, many spent as an undercover narcotics investigator assigned to a Federal Drug Interdiction Task Force. During this time, he also received a chief’s commendation for his work in dismantling a multi-state drug distribution ring and served as a supervising sergeant for the Narcotics and Vice Unit.
As a Portland Police Bureau command officer, Walsh created the Office of Accountability and Professional Standards, was the Department of Justice Coordinator, the Executive Officer, Tactical Operations Command, and the Chief’s Adjutant.
In 2014, Walsh was selected as the police chief for Lompoc, California, and served in that role until taking the police chief job in Menifee. Walsh is a graduate of the United States Naval Postgraduate School – Center for Homeland Defense and Security, holding a master’s degree in homeland security.
“From the City Council to our City Manager Armando Villa to our dedicated command staff at the police department, their vision and leadership have helped build and grow a premier police force that will continue to serve and protect Menifee for years to come,” Walsh said. “The decision to retire was difficult as I love our city staff, the amazing culture that Villa has created, and working for the ‘Best City Manager in America.'”
