IRVINE, CA (August 27, 2015): City Manager Sean Joyce announced today the retirement of Irvine Police Department (IPD) Chief David L. Maggard, Jr. after 13 years of distinguished service to the Irvine community.
Chief Maggard has served as IPD Chief of Police for 12 years and Deputy Chief for one year. During Chief Maggard’s tenure, the City of Irvine was recognized as the safest city in America for 10 consecutive years. His leadership and vision have earned the Department national recognition for crime victims care, excellence in criminal investigations, innovative use of technology, support of members of the National Guard and Reserves, and use of volunteerism in emergency preparedness. Chief Maggard has served as President of the California Police Chiefs Association, President of the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriff’s Association, California’s representative to the State Associations of Chiefs of Police, and has just completed his appointment by Governor Brown as an inaugural member of the Board of State and Community Corrections.
Chief Maggard has been recognized for building community partnerships with schools, houses of worship, and multicultural groups, and leading an organization known for excellence in customer service and contemporary policing strategies.
City Manager Joyce also announced today that he has appointed IPD Deputy Chief Mike Hamel as the next Irvine Chief of Police upon Maggard’s retirement.
Deputy Chief Hamel began his law enforcement career at the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), where he was the Honor Graduate at the LAPD Academy. He has served the Irvine community for 20 years and has extensive management experience, working in virtually every area of the Department. Deputy Chief Hamel has made significant contributions toward the care of victims and victim services, being recognized in 2015 with the Ambassador of Peace award. He received the Department’s Meritorious Service Award and was named Most Inspirational Student at the prestigious California Peace Officer Standards and Training Command College. Deputy Chief Hamel is a member of the Community Service Programs Governing Board and serves on the Team Kids Board of Directors. He is a graduate of the University of California, Irvine, and earned a Master’s in Public Administration from California State University, Long Beach.
The transition in leadership will occur during the next two months. A specific retirement date for Chief Maggard will be announced at a later time.
“Chief Maggard has elevated the Irvine Police Department to a world-class, nationally recognized law enforcement agency,” said City Manager Joyce. “He has led with integrity, thoughtfulness, vision, and genuine, heartfelt care for the well-being of our community. Deputy Chief Hamel is a capable and experienced leader, who is prepared to assume his new role and drive the Department forward to new levels of excellence. I know Deputy Chief Hamel shares Chief Maggard’s admiration and care for the men and women of the Irvine Police Department. I am grateful to these two outstanding men for their service and leadership, and know they will continue to work together over the next two months to ensure a seamless transition.”