Chief Pat Walsh, who successfully led the creation and operations of the Menifee Police Department for two years, will be returning temporarily to manage the department while Interim Chief Chris Karrer is out on injury medical leave due to an injury he sustained while off-duty.
Chief Walsh, a law enforcement veteran with nearly 40 years of experience, provided critical leadership during the establishment of the Menifee Police Department in July 2020. He began his law enforcement career as a Los Angeles County deputy sheriff in 1984 before transferring to the Portland Police Bureau in 1992 where he served for over 20 years. In 2014, Chief Walsh became the police chief in Lompoc and served in that position until taking the same role in Menifee. He retired from the Menifee Police Department in July 2022.
“Chief Karrer has done an outstanding job leading the Menifee Police Department and we will continue his great work to keep our communities safe,” said Chief Walsh. “While my service here in Menifee will be brief, I am looking forward to once again working with the talented men and women we have here at the department.”
Interim Chief Karrer, who has served with the Menifee Police Department since its inception, was appointed by City Manager Armando G. Villa in December 2022. 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.
“We wish Chief Karrer a speedy recovery and look forward to having him back on the job soon,” said Villa. “In the meantime, we are grateful to have Chief Walsh back with us and know he will do a great job in leading the Menifee Police Department.”
Chief Walsh will officially begin his temporary assignment on Monday, May 15, and is expected to serve for approximately eight to twelve weeks.