Behind the Badge
Garden Grove native and new Police Chief Tom DaRé was sworn into his role as the city’s 13th police chief on Tuesday night in front of a packed crowd of supporters.
“This is my home and my entire life has been dedicated to serving the city of Garden Grove,” DaRé said before thanking his mentors, police department employees, and his family for their hard work and support.
Garden Grove Police Chief Tom DaRé during the swearing-in ceremony at the Garden Grove Community Center.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
DaRé’s childhood friend Ric Lerma delivered the oath of address and his wife of 26 years, Jeanine, pinned his new badge in a heartfelt moment on stage.
“I’m truly humbled to have been chosen to lead the men and women of this Garden Grove Police Department into the future,” DaRé said. “I want you to know that I will not let you down and I gladly accept the torch from the successful leaders who have preceded me in this great organization.”
New Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé before a swearing-in reception in Garden Grove.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
The homegrown chief is a 29-year Garden Grove police employee. He and Jeanine are graduates of Garden Grove High School, located across the street from the Community Meeting Center where the swearing-in was held.
“He’s always been someone I’ve looked up to,” said Brandon DaRé, the chief’s son.
DaRé officially took office April 20, the day Chief Todd Elgin retired.
New Garden Grove Police Chief Tom DaRé shakes hands with Congressman Alan Lowenthal before a swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
“I think we’re at the onset of a very exciting new era for the police department and for the city,” said Mayor Steven Jones, who has known DaRé since he went on a ride-along with the then-officer in 1999. “Chief DaRé epitomizes the hometown spirit of Garden Grove and the commitment by law enforcement to serve and protect this community.”
The department is currently hiring, and at full staff will be “the largest it’s ever been in its more than 50-year history, and it will be led by a chief that can motivate, support and encourage teamwork from a committed group of men and women who believe in their cause and in their mission,” Jones said.
Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles, Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, center, and Congressman Alan Lowenthal share a laugh before a swearing-in reception for DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Lt. Carl Whitney, who was as a cadet and became an officer the same time as DaRé, applauded his life-long dedication to the organization.
“He’s very enthusiastic about continuing on the great traditions we have here with community policing, customer service, and just keeping the community safe,” Whitney said. “He’s going to do an outstanding job here.”
From left to right, Garden Grove First District Council Member George S. Brietigam, Garden Grove Mayor Steven Jones, Garden Grove Fifth District Council Member/Mayor Pro Tem Stephanie Klopfenstein, Third District Council Member Thu-Ha Nguyen, Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, Sixth District Council Member Kim B. Nguyen, Fourth District Council Member Patrick Phat Bui and Second District Council Member John R. O’Neill during a swearing-in reception for DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
DaRé got his start as a city employee mowing lawns for the public works department in 1989, his father-in-law said. He joined the police department as a cadet in 1990, became a reserve officer in 1991, and was hired as a recruit in 1992.
Since, he promoted to master officer in 1997, sergeant in 2002, and lieutenant in 2015, City Manager Scott Stiles said. As lieutenant, he oversaw the Special Resource Team homeless task force and the resort district. He promoted to captain in 2017 and was responsible for the patrol, gangs, traffic, narcotics and SWAT teams. He’s received the department’s Medal of Courage and Medal of Merit, as well as Class A commendations, Stiles said.
Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles introduces the new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during a swearing-in reception at the Garden Grove Community Center.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Stiles said DaRé demonstrates the qualities necessary for a police chief: “great commitment to our community, has the command presence necessary to lead the largest department in our organization, demonstrates humility, is respected by the men and women of the police department, not afraid to make tough decisions, and is a trusted leader throughout the entire community.”
DaRé plans to lead the department in strengthening relationships with the community. He asked police employees to continue focusing on leadership, work ethic, integrity, loyalty, and humility.
Garden Grove Mayor Steven Jones introduces new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
“We must elevate this successful endeavor to the next level,” DaRé said. “We need a team approach to be successful in solving the problems in our community, in building a successful partnership with our community and business leaders. Positive community relations is an investment that will provide benefits to our entire city now and in the future.”
The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries including District 1 Councilman George Brietigam III, District 2 Councilman John O’Neill, District 3 Councilwoman Thu-Ha Nguyen, District 4 Councilman Phat Bui, and District 6 Councilwoman Kim Nguyen, as well as Congressman Alan Lowenthal, and representatives from the offices of Congress members Lou Correa and Harley Rouda, State Senator Tom Umberg, and State Assemblyman Tom Daly.
Garden Grove City Manager Scott Stiles introduces new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
“He was elected unanimously by so many of us,” District 4 Councilman Phat Bui said. “I had the privilege to work with Tom on many things, especially the homeless issue. He’s very responsive and is always out there in the front supporting various communities.”
County Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Garden Grove Unified Board President Lan Quoc Nguyen, and Chamber of Commerce CEO/President Cindy Spindle also were in attendance.
From left to right, Brandon DaRé and his mother, Jeanine DaRé, look on as family friend Ric Lerma delivers the oath of address to Brandon’s father, Jeanine’s husband of 26 years, and new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during a swearing-in reception at the Garden Grove Community Center.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Police and command staff from Garden Grove and other agencies also attended the ceremony, including Cypress Chief Rod Cox, Orange Chief Tom Kisela, Placentia Police Sgt. Bryce Angel, Santa Ana Deputy Chief Eric Paulson and Commander Michael Claborn, Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes, Orange County District Attorney Bureau Chief Paul Walters, and Chief Probation Officer Steven Sentman.
Ric Lerma deliverers the oath of address to his good friend and new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during a swearing-in ceremony at the Garden Grove Community Center.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Ric Lerma deliverers the oath of address to his friend and new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during a swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Brandon DaRé looks on as his mother, Jeanine, pins her husband and Brandon’s father Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during his swearing-in ceremony across from the high school the couple both attended.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Brandon DaRé looks on after his mother, Jeanine, pinned on the new badge of her husband and Brandon’s father Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during a swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Brandon DaRé hugs his father, Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, after his father was sworn into his new role. Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Family of Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, from left, son Brandon, wife Jeanine, Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, son Brett, and daughter Jayden, during a swearing-in ceremony at the Garden Grove Community Center.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé speaks after being sworn into his new job heading the agency.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé gives a speech after being sworn into the role.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes attends the swearing-in reception for Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé laughs with the audience after he was sworn in to lead the agency.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé during his swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Jeanine DaRé, wife of Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, during his swearing-in ceremony in Garden Grove.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé waves to audience members during his speech at his swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove police officers attend the swearing-in ceremony for new Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, center, poses with family and friends after his swearing-in ceremony, held at the Garden Grove Community Center on April 23, 2019.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
Garden Grove Chief of Police Tom DaRé, third from left, poses with command staff after being sworn into the role heading the agency.
Photo by Stephen Carr/Behind the Badge
