Interim Police Chief Karrer returns from medical leave

Interim Menifee Police Chief Chris Karrer returned to work Tuesday after a three-month medical leave due to an injury sustained while off duty.

Karrer was named interim chief in December when Ed Varso left after only five months on the job to return to his post with Escondido PD. When Karrer was injured, Pat Walsh – Menifee’s first police chief – returned in May to fill in.

Karrer is a U.S. Marine veteran and has over 20 years of local law enforcement experience overseeing numerous divisions including patrol, traffic, investigations, operations, and support services.

“I am truly thankful to Chief Walsh for returning and providing tremendous leadership to our team during my temporary leave,” said Karrer in a City of Menifee news release. “Menifee Police Department has become an extraordinary organization thanks to his efforts, and I look forward to continuing the high standards he set for our department.”

“I want to thank the City of Menifee for giving me this opportunity to come back and serve as police chief one last time,” said Walsh. “Chris Karrer has been instrumental in helping shape the development of the Menifee Police Department over the last three years and I have no doubt the department will continue to thrive under his leadership.”