City Administrator Damien R. Arrula has announced the appointment of Brad Butts to serve as Chief of Police for the Placentia Police Department. Chief Butts is a 26-year law enforcement veteran who has filled nearly every position in law enforcement from Patrol up to Captain. Chief Butts was initially appointed as Interim Chief of Police in October 2021, following the retirement of Chief Darin Lenyi.
“I am proud to have Chief Butts serve as our Chief of Police. Chief Butts has extensive law enforcement experience, a passion for public service, and a dedication to the Placentia Police Department, which I believe will serve him well in this new leadership position,” said Mayor Rhonda Shader. “I look forward to working with Chief Butts to ensure that Placentia remains a safe community for our residents, businesses, and visitors.”
Chief Brad Butts began his law enforcement career in 1995. After graduating from the Rio Hondo Police Academy, he was hired by the Los Angeles County Transit Police Department. In 1997 he was hired by the Los Angeles Police Department and completed their Lateral Police Academy. Chief Butts was hired by the Placentia Police Department in January 2001 and has been with the City ever since. He has a Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Studies from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego.
Chief Butts has worked as a Police Officer, a Field Training Officer, and a Detective. 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.
Chief Butts has served with the Placentia Veterans Advisory Committee for the past five years and has provided leadership by completing the veterans monument expansion and updating the monument requirements to include a larger portion of Placentia’s veterans. He also initiated the active-duty banner program and coordinates the City’s annual Veterans Day ceremonies.
He is a member of the North Orange County Public Safety Task Force, which is a regional effort to address homelessness and youth violence. He is also on the Placentia Navigation Center board, a collaboration of City staff, City elected officials, and community members who work together to provide policy for the Navigation Center.
“Chief Butts has provided exceptional leadership for the Placentia Police Department and brings an unwavering commitment to public safety, service, and dedication to the Placentia community and the Department. Chief Butts is a thoughtful and determined leader with a strong work ethic who will guide our Police Department into the future,” said City Administrator Arrula. “While serving as a Captain, Chief Butts was instrumental in creating the Department’s first strategic plan, which serves as a multi-year guide for organizational goals and activities, and I look forward to working with him as he takes on his new leadership role.”
“It is a great honor to serve the City of Placentia. I am grateful to the City and the Placentia community for entrusting me with this appointment,” said Police Chief Brad Butts. “It has been a privilege to have spent most of my law enforcement career serving this great City. I look forward to continuing to work with the dedicated men and women of the Police Department, Administration, and Council to move the organization forward.”