Deputy Chief Amir El-Farra will officially begin his new role as the Chief of Police for the City of Garden Grove, California, on Jan. 1, 2023, to replace the retiring Tom DaRé.
El-Farra, a 27-year law enforcement veteran, began serving the city as an officer at the Garden Grove Police Department in 2008 after previous employment with the Los Angeles Police Department.
“Deputy Chief El-Farra has the proven character, drive, and abilities necessary to successfully lead the Garden Grove Police Department,” said City Manager Scott Stiles in a city news release. “I have no doubt that our community will place their deepest trust in him as I have.”
Over the years at the department, he has quickly risen through the ranks, becoming an acting sergeant in 2013, a sergeant in 2014—named Seargent of the Year in 2015—lieutenant in 2016, a captain in 2019, and deputy chief in 2021.
Some of the key units he has overseen in the department include SWAT, K-9, special investigations, and homeless special resources.
“I am honored and humbled to continue working with the extraordinary men and women of the Garden Grove Police Department in this new capacity,” El-Farra said. “My highest priority is to maintain our strong partnership with the community and ensure the highest commitment to service, safety, and protection.”
El-Farra and his wife Erinn have been married for 26 years and have four children and a grandson.
DaRé—who has been the chief since 2019—is retiring after 32 years of law enforcement career in Garden Grove, his hometown. He also served as the city’s emergency operations center director during the COVID-19 pandemic.
During his tenure, DaRé advocated for hiring more sworn officers, expanded the department’s resources for homelessness, and established the “Community Impact Unit”—a partnership program for residents and businesses to work together in crime prevention.
He has received the Medal of Courage, Medal of Merit, and Class A Commendations for his service at the department.
