The City of Poway announced that Captain Dave Schaller has been assigned to lead the San Diego Sheriff’s Poway Station. Schaller takes over for Captain Jeff Duckworth, who retired Aug. 27 after a 34-year career with the Sheriff’s department.
Just as with his predecessor, Schaller previously worked in Poway, both as a deputy from 1996 to 1998 and sergeant in 2006.
“Captain Duckworth served our Poway community especially well,” said Poway City Manager Chris Hazeltine, “and we are confident that we have the right person to take over leadership of the Sheriff’s Poway Station. Captain Schaller impressed us with his knowledge of Poway, his respect for our city and his commitment to being accessible to our community.”
Captain Schaller began his career with the Sheriff’s Department in 1992, working in the Sheriff’s Detentions division. His first patrol assignment was here in Poway.
“Being assigned to Poway feels a lot like coming home to me,” said Captain Schaller. “It’s surreal that nearly 25 years have passed since I worked at the old station on Pomerado Road and now I’m back again to work with such a great community. Everything that made Poway special then is alive and well today.”
Schaller was recently promoted to the rank of captain. His management assignments as a lieutenant included the Communications Center, Court Services Bureau, San Marcos Station, Valley Center/Pauma Valley Substation and most recently the San Diego Integrated Narcotics Task Force.
In addition to serving as the station commander at Poway for three years, Captain Duckworth’s career included assignments in Family Protection, Cyber Crimes, Internal Affairs and Criminal Intelligence.
“It has been my distinct honor and privilege to serve the community of Poway,” said Duckworth. “Upon arrival, I made a commitment to providing the best law enforcement services possible. My team of deputies, support staff, and senior volunteers at the Poway Station rose to the challenge. The crime rate in Poway decreased year after year. This does not occur without the dedication of my staff. I was honored to lead those dedicated men and women.
“I would also like to thank the mayor, council, and city management for their support and commitment to public safety. I wish my successor, Captain Schaller, continued success.”