City Administrator Damien R. Arrula has announced the appointment of Michael “Brad” Butts as the Interim Placentia Police Chief. Interim Chief Butts succeeds Chief Darin Lenyi, who announced his resignation earlier this month. Interim Chief Butts is a 26-year law enforcement veteran who has filled nearly every position in law enforcement from Patrol up to Captain.
Interim Chief Brad Butts began his law enforcement career in 1995 and graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy, and was hired on with the Los Angeles County Transit Police Department. In 1997 he was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department and completed their Lateral Police Academy. Interim Chief Butts was then hired by the Placentia Police Department in January 2001 and has been with the City ever since.
Interim Chief Butts has worked as a Police Officer (2001-2005), a Field Training Officer (2005), and a Detective (2006-2008). He was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in August of 2008 and served as the Professional Standards Bureau Sergeant in 2015. In March 2015, he was promoted to Lieutenant, where he served as the Patrol Lieutenant for both Day Watch and Night Watch and as the Administrative Lieutenant. In September of 2018, he was promoted to Captain and has served as both the Administrative Division Commander and the Operations Division Commander.
Interim Chief Butts earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and has a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.
“Interim Chief Butts is not only highly qualified, but he has the benefit of strong institutional knowledge when it comes to working with the fine men and women of the Placentia Police Department,” said City Administrator Damien R. Arrula. “Interim Chief Butts has over 20 years experience working in our Police Department and I am confident he is prepared and ready to keep the Department advancing in a positive direction. I look forward to supporting him along the way and having him as a part of our management team.”
“We are proud to have Interim Chief Butts serve as our Interim Chief of Police,” said Placentia Mayor Craig S. Green. “Interim Chief Butts is a dedicated law enforcement official with over two decades of experience and a clear understanding of the needs of our community. I know he will serve Placentia well.”
“I am honored for the opportunity to serve the residents of Placentia as the Interim Police Chief,” said Interim Chief Brad Butts. “Most of my law enforcement career has been spent serving the residents
of Placentia, and I am excited for the opportunity to continue providing high-quality public safety services to the City of Placentia.”