CHPD Officer Jeff Schouten served as full-time law enforcement representative and CHPD liaison to the Sunrise Mall since May 12, 2020. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - Sunrise Marketplace celebrated the start of its 25th anniversary with a celebratory open house on Friday, December 8th at its administrative offices in the Greenfaire Village shopping center at 8095 Greenback Lane, Suite D in Citrus Heights.

The occasion provided a special opportunity for business and property owners within Sunrise MarketPlace (SMP) as well as board members, city staff and officials and Nor-Cal security officers to say farewell and thank you to Citrus Heights Police Officer, Jeff Schouten who will be retiring at the end of the year as an SMP specialist.

As a full-time law enforcement representative and the CHPD department liaison to the Sunrise Mall, Officer Schouten began serving as the Sunrise MarketPlace (SMP) specialist on May 12, 2020.

With over 27 years of experience, Officer Schouten was also one of the founding “legacy” officers who helped build the foundation of the CHPD when it launched in 2006.

CHPD Chief Alex A. Turcotte recognized his friendship and the professional career of Officer Schouten who he recalled came up with him through the ranks together at the Citrus Heights Police Department.

CHPD Chief Turcotte wishes Officer Jeff Schouten well as he transitions to another profession. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

“Jeff is leaving a solid legacy behind him,” Turcotte said. “We share a long history together and I wish him well in the next chapter of his professional career.”

In 2014, Officer Schouten was first selected to serve as a dedicated CHPD officer for the Sunrise Mall.

Since accepting his initial assignment, Schouten has dedicated his career toward improving overall shopping experience throughout the entire Sunrise Marketplace, according to SMP Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter.

“He’s been a wonderful colleague and a great friend to work with,” she said. 

SMP Executive Director Kathilynn Carpenter thanked Officer Jeff Schouten for helping improve the overall shopping experience throughout Sunrise Marketplace. Photo by Thomas J. Sullivan

In May 2020, the Citrus Height City Council approved an agreement between the police department and the largest business district in the city to provide a full-time police officer dedicated to problem solving and crime prevention in the commercial district.

The Sunrise MarketPlace business improvement district (SMP), which is made up of 400-plus businesses in the Greenback-Sunrise commercial corridor, agreed to pay Schouten’s full salary and benefits in exchange for the dedicated patrol services.

In his career, Officer Schouten has also served as CHPD lead on its merchant detention program (MDP) developed to help business owners aggressively combat theft suspects. The MDP allows participating businesses in SMP to file reports directly with the Sacramento County District Attorney to aid in the efficient and timely prosecution.

Scouten was also awarded a Life Saving Ribbon by CHPD for a July 13, 2021 incident at Smashburger in the Sunrise Marketplace. Two employees arrived at the location when one of them collapsed and began showing signs of an overdose, according to reports. Officer Schouten arrived within minutes and began rendering aid for over six minutes until paramedics arrived. The victim’s brother credited officer Schouten with saving his brother’s life.

Large display panels which showcased the history and accomplishments of the SMP since its inception 25 years ago were also recognizing the memory of special moments, concerts and public events with an eye towards new milestones.