Garden Grove Police Chief Tom DaRé has notified Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles of his decision to retire from the City of Garden Grove, after 32 years of service, three and-a-half-years as police chief. His official retirement date is December 31, 2022.
“It has been an honor and privilege like no other to have worked alongside the men and women of the Garden Grove Police Department for over three decades and end my career while serving as chief of police for the city I’ve always called home,” said Chief Tom DaRé.
“Chief DaRé has proudly dedicated his entire 32-year law enforcement career to serving and protecting his hometown of Garden Grove. Our City, residents, businesses, visitors, and others are deeply grateful for his commitment, professionalism, leadership, and strength which contributed to making Garden Grove an even better community, and the Garden Grove Police Department a model law enforcement agency. We wish him all the best in his retirement,” said Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles.
Chief DaRé was born, raised, and educated in Garden Grove, beginning his career with the City in 1990 as a police cadet. A year later, he became a reserve police officer, and in 1992, was hired as a police recruit.
After working five years as a patrol officer, he became a master officer, working in the Special Investigations and Gang Suppression units.
In 2002, he was promoted to sergeant, and in 2015, became the East/West Patrol Division lieutenant in charge of the SRT (Special Resources Team) homeless task force, and the Grove District – Anaheim Resort area.
In 2017, he was promoted to captain and assigned to managing the largest division of the police department that includes patrol, gangs, traffic unit, narcotics, and SWAT.
On April 20, 2019, he became Garden Grove’s 13th Chief of Police. During his tenure as chief, Chief DaRé advocated for an increase in the number of sworn police officers needed to adequately serve the community. He is credited with creating the police department’s Community Impact Unit; the expansion of the Special Resources Team; and commercial enforcement within the Neighborhood Traffic Unit. He also served as the City’s Emergency Operations Center director during the COVID-19 crisis.
He has been honored with numerous awards and commendations from the Garden Grove Police Department, including the Medal of Courage, Medal of Merit, and Class A Commendations.
According to City Manager Scott Stiles, he will be discussing transition plans with Garden Grove Police Department Deputy Chief Amir El-Farra.