Police Chief Retires After 34 Years

With approximately 250 citizens in a  "Who's Who" of the City of Seal Beach and the surrounding community, many paid their respects and in part roasted retiring Chief of Police, Jeff Kirkpatrick.  From 5:30 to nearly 11 pm, on June 16th at the Old Ranch Country Club, laughter, some tears and heartfelt thanks were the order of the evening.

Starting with the Los Angeles Police Emerald Society Bagpipes, and a stirring string of awards and recognition from: Chief Mike Sellers (Former Seal Beach Chief...now Fullerton), Chief Eric Nunez - Chief of La Palma Police department, Chief Dave Maggard - Chief of Irvine PD representing the California Chiefs of Police Association, Chief Todd Mattern - Los Alamitos representing Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs and others, the Cheif was acknowledged for bringing a tremendous amount to our community and policing in general.

Kirkpatrick, or as many fellow officers knew him "JCK," was more than just an officer or even a Chief of Police, he was a great mentor. Awarded the Police Medal of Valor, and he was twice selected as Police Officer of the Year, Kirkpatrick is highly decorated.

He came to Seal Beach as Chief in 2005 and in his six years of leadership, he developed and implemented a small-agency accountability program for management, supervisory and line level personnel modeled after New York and Los Angeles department's "CompStat" system. A chairman of several committees including the Orange County Training Manager's Association and Orange County Law Enforcement Regional Consortium on Recruiting and Retention, JCK was a strong leader in policing and our region.

He also holds a lifetime California Community College Teaching Credential and has taught at Fullerton and Golden West Colleges.  One of his greatest accomplishments is the extensive work he did at the FBI's National Academy in Quantico, the DOJ Southwest Command College and the FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development program.

The event, produced by Seargent Steve Bowles and MC'd by Sergeant Ron Lavelle, included quite a ribbing for JCK.  Organizations like RACES and his own department waxed on about his impact.

Perhaps the most powerful comments came from Chief Kirkpatrick's daughter, Jennifer, as she recounted the man and the dad behind the badge and uniform.  Many were brought to tears by her thoughtful and emotional tribute to her dad.

Some may not know, but JCK was involved in a life changing bank heist shooting in September 1989,  in which 200 bullet holes managed to make Swiss cheese out of his police cruiser.  He managed to continue pursuit while laying down against the passenger seat of his vehicle.  Thankfully, he managed to assist in the capture of the criminals, and to this day, still has a piece of the police cruiser with a bullet hole twisting through the metal.

During JCK's remarks, it was clear that he was particularly proud and thankful for his wife Carolyn, daughter Jennifer and her husband, Chris, and their daughter Abigail.  He also shared his pride and support of his fellow officers and organizations in and around Seal Beach.

JCK left a mark on Seal Beach and it was not only as an officer, but a community leader, educator, manager, husband, father and grandfather.  Thank you for all you have done, Jeff and we hope you take time enjoying your family, your homes and the travel you have been looking forward too!