It is with great sadness that the City of Citrus Heights announces the passing of Council Member Melvin D. Turner. Council Member Turner passed away early this morning at his home in Citrus Heights following an extended illness. He was 67 years old.

Mayor Jeff Slowey has requested all flags at city facilities be lowered to half-staff. He said, “Our city mourns the loss of Council Member Mel Turner, a dedicated public servant throughout his life. Mel has been a tremendous leader in this community and deserves much credit for helping improve the quality of life in Citrus Heights. He will be deeply missed by his city colleagues, our city’s residents, business owners, key stakeholders, and staff. On behalf of the City Council and the entire city team, I want to extend our deepest sympathy to Mel’s family and friends. Mel loved serving the people of this community. He was an actively engaged City Council member and served the people of Citrus Heights with great pride.”

Council Member Turner began serving the City as a Planning Commissioner in January 2009 and was elected to City Council in November 2010. He served as Mayor from December 2010 to December 2011. Among his many community service and volunteer roles, he was a founding board member of the Citrus Heights Police Department’s Police Activities League (PAL), a member of Neighborhood Association Area 7/8 (CHASE), a member of the Citrus Heights Rotary Club, and served on the Sacramento Metropolitan Cable Television Commission.

Council Member Turner was retired from the State of California, Department of Corrections. During his 24 years of service with the State of California, he worked at the Department of Justice and the Department of Personnel Administration in senior management positions. Prior to joining the State of California, he worked as an Adult Probation Officer with San Mateo County. He received national recognition in the field of crime prevention as the Director of C.A.P.T.U.R.E., a countywide community-based crime prevention program in San Mateo County. Council Member Turner earned his Master’s Degree from the University of San Francisco in Human Resources and Organization Development.

His wife Connie, his two adult children Talaya and Melvin Jr., and five grandchildren survive Council Member Turner.

A rose wreath will be placed near the front entrance of City Hall. Those wishing to do so are invited to place flowers or cards near the wreath; city staff will see that all condolences are delivered to the family. Service arrangements have yet to be determined.