Walsh Returns as Menifee Police Chief for a Spell

Pat Walsh, Menifee’s first Chief of Police, Returns

“One of the hardest things to do is to leave the people that you work with because they’re so great,” was the final radio transmission from Menifee’s first Chief of Police, Pat Walsh as he ended a 38-year law enforcement career at 16:01 hours on June 28, 2022.

Or not. Not the last final transmission.

The city has announced that Walsh is returning on an interim basis, as Menifee searches once again for his permanent replacement. It appeared that was all set when Escondido Police Chief Ed Varso, a Menifee resident, was named the 2^nd head to lead Menifee PD.  But that lasted only 6-months when Varso was re-hired – to his old job in Escondido.

This past December, Menifee City Manager Armando Villa named Menifee Police Captain Christopher Karrer as the interim chief, as the city undertook another search for a new chief. Karrer was an original hire of the new department in 2020, moving over from Los Alamitos PD where he had the same rank of captain.

But Wednesday, the city announced that Karrer has suffered an undisclosed injury while off-duty, and Walsh is returning temporarily, to helm the force once again.

“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.” 

“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, Walsh disclosed.”

The temporary assignment begins next Monday, May 15 and is projected to be for 8 to 12 weeks. It’s not known whether the interim chief or a permanent replacement, will assume the responsibilities at that time.

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