Walsh receives award for previous service with Lompoc PD

City of Menifee officials re-emphasized their confidence this week in selecting Pat Walsh as the city's first municipal police chief, citing an award Walsh recently received related to his prior post.

Walsh was recognized April 12 by the Santa Barbara District Attorney's Office for his commitment to the City of Lompoc and services to the victims of crime during his time as police chief there. After spending 22 years with the Portland Police Bureau, Walsh served as Lompoc Police Chief for five years. He earned a reputation for positive interaction with the community and for standing up for victims' rights.

"We stand together with the individuals being honored [today, who are] committed to protecting and upholding victims’ rights as well as the public’s safety," said Santa Barbara District Attorney Joyce Dudley in making the presentation. "Our office is dedicated to the pursuit of truth and justice by employing the highest ethical standards in vigorously prosecuting the guilty as well as protecting the innocent; this we do by seeking to insure that all crime victims are treated with fairness, dignity and respect."

Walsh was hired April 2 to oversee creation of the Menifee Police Department, which will replace the city's contract with the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in July 2020.

"We are very proud of Chief Walsh, and commend the Santa Barbara County District Attorney Office for recognizing Chief Walsh for his work and commitment to the victims of crime," said Menifee City Manager Armando Villa. "This award is a testament that Menifee has the right police chief for our growing community, and that Chief Walsh is exactly the kind of leader for our police department that we need."