Lompoc Police Chief Walsh announces resignation

Lompoc Police Chief Pat Walsh has announced his resignation from the police department.

Walsh will continue on as chief until a replacement is named and the transition can be done so smoothly.

Chief Walsh has served the city since Sep. 2014, and released a short statement on his plans to leave the department.

“I have enjoyed my 35 years of law enforcement, and would not change a thing. It is time for the fine men and women of the Lompoc Police Department to take the lead and carry on. I can think of no better people to guide the Lompoc Police Department into the future,” Walsh said. “Lompoc is a special community full of people who genuinely care about this city, and it has been my honor to call Lompoc residents my friends and neighbors.”

City Manager Jim Throop also released a statement on behalf of the city.

“Chief Pat Walsh has done an outstanding job leading the Lompoc Police Department,” Throop said. “He exemplifies community policing at its finest, and can always be found out in the neighborhoods, getting to know those his department serves and protects. Chief Walsh is well-loved in Lompoc, and his departure will leave a hole in the heart of the Lompoc Valley. We are grateful for Chief Walsh’s time with our city.”