Walsh, Menifee's first police chief, announces retirement

Pat Walsh, shown here being sworn in as Menifee Police Chief, announced his retirement today. (File photo)

By Doug Spoon, Editor

Pat Walsh, who has overseen the Menifee Police Department since its inception in 2020, today announced his retirement after 38 years in law enforcement.

Walsh spent a year building the state’s first new police department in years, making it a model for other cities from across California. Since its official start in July 2020, Menifee PD has grown to 95 police officers and personnel. It has expanded to include multiple divisions, including investigations, support services, records, crime scene investigation, traffic, and K9 units.

Walsh will remain with the department until July. His last official day has not been determined.

“Establishing the Menifee Police Department and working with our brave men and women has been the pinnacle of my career,” said Walsh. “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.

“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. 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.’”

Walsh began his law enforcement career as a Los Angeles County Deputy Sheriff in 1984. He transferred to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992 and remained there for 22 years, many spent as an undercover narcotics investigator assigned to a Federal Drug Interdiction Task Force.

While in Portland, Walsh 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 named police chief in Lompoc, serving in that role until moving to Menifee.

Walsh is also a graduate of the prestigious United States Naval Postgraduate School - Center for Homeland Defense and Security, holding a master’s degree in homeland security.

“We can never thank Chief Walsh enough for his valuable contributions to our City and his lasting legacy in launching Menifee’s Police Department,” said Villa. “I look forward to working with Chief Walsh over the coming months to select a successor to build upon his success in developing a top-tier law enforcement agency for Menifee.”