By Allison Jarrell
Members of the San Juan Capistrano City Council recognized Lt. John Meyer, former chief of police services, at their Feb. 3 meeting. Meyer recently retired following more than 30 years devoted to serving the residents of Orange County. His last four years have been spent serving San Juan Capistrano as chief of police.
Mayor Derek Reeve spoke to some of Meyer’s accomplishments, including making over 600 DUI arrests in his career, being honored by Mothers Against Drunk Drivers for seven consecutive years for his DUI enforcement efforts, improving communications within the community, starting business and neighborhood watch programs and establishing a full-time homeless liaison officer and full-time crime prevention community outreach specialist.
“You’ve done a tremendous job reaching out to the community and serving in a fair and unbiased manner,” said Councilman Sam Allevato upon presenting Meyer with his plaque.
Lt. Meyer thanked his volunteers, deputies, city manager Karen Brust and members of the previous councils for their support.
“I’ll never forget the memories here, and the accomplishments,” Meyer said while gazing across the room. “What I’m humbled by most is our senior volunteers here and our deputies here. I really appreciate you guys being here. It means so much to me.”
Following Lt. Meyer’s departure, the department selected Lt. Scott Spalding as the city’s new chief of police. Lt. Jeff Hallock of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department said Spalding was selected after a lengthy evaluation process.
“The department is confident Lt. Spalding will do an outstanding job managing San Juan Capistrano Police Services while continuing the great partnership that exists between the city and the sheriff’s department,” Hallock said.
