El Cajon police chief announces retirement after 29 years of service

EL CAJON, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The leader of the El Cajon Police Department will be stepping down later this year after over 29 years of service, according to a release from the city Thursday.

Chief Michael Moulton, who began his career with the department in November 1995, announced he will retire on Dec. 17.

Before serving as El Cajon’s 15th police chief, Moulton worked various positions from starting in the Community Policing Unit to becoming a detective in the Gang Suppression Unit, the release stated.

He was appointed as chief by city manager Graham Mitchell in September 2019.

“Leading this department through the pandemic and the unprecedented challenges of 2020 was one of my proudest moments,” Moulton said. “The resilience of our officers and the support from our community helped us emerge stronger, and I’m proud to have been a part of that.”

During his time as chief, Moulton oversaw the hiring of 110 officers. The department currently has 199 full-time positions, including 136 sworn officers and 63 civilian staff.

He has lived in San Diego County since childhood and currently has two children — a son in college and a daughter in high school.

“Always remember why you’re doing this job. Our core mission is to protect and serve the community, and that should be the guiding principle in every decision,” he said, addressing the department.

He added, “To my successor, never lose sight of the importance of listening to your officers. They are the ones on the front lines every day and their insights are invaluable. For new recruits, understand that this is a noble profession, and while the challenges are many, the rewards far outweigh them. Make moral and ethical decisions, and you will have a long and successful career.”

Moulton officially retires on Dec. 30. The city of El Cajon will start searching for his replacement in the coming months.

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