The Citrus Heights Police Department marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration that was not only a milestone event, but also a reflection on a promise made to a newly formed city two decades ago. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Police Department

CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) – The Citrus Heights Police Department marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration that was not only a milestone event, but also a reflection on a promise made to a newly formed city and the people who have spent 20 years working to fulfill it.

Hundreds of current and former employees, elected officials, community partners and residents gathered on June 26 at the Citrus Heights Event Center to celebrate the department's anniversary. The event featured remarks from city leaders and elected officials, including Assemblyman Josh Hoover, Sen. Roger Niello and Rep. Ami Bera, along with historical displays, video tributes and recognition of employees who have served since the department's founding in 2006.

“The police department being here for 20 years is a fulfillment of a promise,” said Mayor MariJane Lopez-Taff. “It was a promise to our community that when we became a city that we would bring safety and law and order to our city.”

Citrus Heights Police officers perform the national anthem during the departments 20th anniversary on June 26. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Police Department

That promise dates back to Citrus Heights’ incorporation in 1997. For nearly a decade, law enforcement services were provided through a contract with the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office before city leaders elected to establish their own police department.

Former Mayor Jeannie Bruins, who helped guide those discussions, recalled the challenges of creating an agency from the ground up.

“We started with nothing,” Bruins said. “We made history when we became a city. We made history again against all odds when we formed a successful police department.”

Bruins said then-Police Chief Chris Boyd was tasked with creating the department before the city’s contract with the sheriff’s office expired.

“He did it in six months,” Bruins said. “It was such an amazing task.”

Since opening its doors in 2006, the department has grown into a full-service agency recognized for its community-policing approach and innovation.

Police Chief Alex Turcotte said one of the department’s strengths has been its willingness to evolve rather than rely on tradition.

“We were never mired in tradition or the way we always did things,” Turcotte said. “The folks that we attracted were innovators, big in community policing, never stuck to the way that things always have been.”

Community partners in attendance at the Citrus Heights Police Department's 20th anniversary celebration included Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Chief Adam A. House. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Police Department

That culture continues today through the department’s use of technology, including aerial systems and crime-detection cameras, while maintaining a focus on relationships within the community, Turcotte said.

“One of the cornerstones of what we do is try to be where the people are,” he said. “Wherever community members are going to get together and have discourse about a problem, I want myself or somebody to be there, so we can hear and we can help.”

The department’s emphasis on community engagement was a recurring theme throughout the celebration.

In remarks to attendees, Lopez-Taff said the department’s success extends beyond crime statistics.

“From National Night Out to school visits, from safety fairs to neighborhood meetings, Citrus Heights Police has shown up not just as a police department but as a partner in this community,” she said.

City Manager Ash Feeney highlighted what he described as measurable results from the department’s work, noting that crime in Citrus Heights has declined by more than 50% since the agency's early years.

“In fact, last year the city experienced the lowest crime rate in its history,” Feeney said.

Hundreds of current and former employees, elected officials, community partners and residents gathered on June 26 at the Citrus Heights Event Center to celebrate the Citrus Heights Police Department 20th anniversary. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Police Department

Feeney credited those results to collaboration between city departments, residents and law enforcement, as well as initiatives such as the city's CARES campaign, which focused on issues including homelessness prevention and nuisance crimes.

“Results like this don’t happen by accident,” Feeney said. “They happen through intention.”

The celebration also served as an opportunity to honor those who helped build the agency. Employees with 20 years of service were recognized alongside retirees and alumni who played a role in the department’s development.

“Twenty years of service is more than a number,” Garing said. “It represents dedication, resilience, professionalism and a deep investment in something bigger than oneself.”

Throughout the afternoon, guests viewed historical displays documenting the department’s evolution and watched video messages from city officials, regional partners and allied agencies. The Citrus Heights Police Department Honor Guard presented the colors, accompanied by the Sacramento Firefighters Band of Brothers Pipes and Drums.

The event concluded with remarks from Turcotte, who reflected on the sacrifices made by those who wear the badge.

Citrus Heights Police officers perform the national anthem during the departments 20th anniversary on June 26. Photo courtesy of the Citrus Heights Police Department

He recalled a conversation with a young officer who asked whether the community truly understood what police officers experience on the job.

“While you are loved and appreciated, no, absolutely not. They don’t get it,” Turcotte said. “The reason they don’t get it is because until you’ve walked a mile in that person's shoes, you really never will truly understand their experience.”

Still, Turcotte said the support shown at the anniversary celebration demonstrated something equally important.

“You are supported and loved in this community,” he told department members.