After 32 years of “serving and protecting his hometown of Garden Grove,” Police Chief Tom DaRé will retire at the end of the year.
“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,” DaRé said last week in announcing his plans to retire on Dec. 31.
DaRé has been a part of the department since 1990. His career included working as a patrol officer and in the special investigations and gang suppression units. Through the decades, DaRé rose through the ranks, and in 2019, he became Garden Grove’s 13th police chief.
“Chief DaRé has proudly dedicated his entire 32-year law enforcement career to serving and protecting his hometown of Garden Grove,” said Garden Grove City Manager Scott C. Stiles.
“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.”
DaRé is credited with creating the department’s “Community Impact Unit” that, among other things, partners with neighborhoods and businesses to engage in joint problem-solving efforts and crime prevention. During his tenure, he also expanded a “Special Resources Team” to handle calls for services related to homelessness issues and community blight. And when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the chief served as the city’s emergency operations center director.
Over the years, DaRé was honored with numerous awards and commendations from the department, including the Medal of Courage.
Stiles, the city manager, said the chief will be honored during a Dec. 13 City Council meeting. Information on his replacement will come in the next few weeks, Stiles said.
