Staff Report
Lt. Eddie Hseuh, a 31-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, is the new chief of police services for Solvang and Buellton.
The two cities contract with the Sheriff’s Office for police services. The majority of Hseuh’s time with the Sheriff’s Office has been on patrol in the North County.
“I’ve worked assignments in the central stations as a deputy, a corporal on patrol, a community resource deputy and as a sergeant on patrol. I’ve overseen the North County rural crime unit in the past and the mounted unit years ago.
“I’ve had many collateral assignments in special units and have developed programs for the department, such as programs for community youth … to the crisis intervention team to provide better services … for community members suffering from mental illness. As a lieutenant, I have overseen criminal records, warrants, the courts and civil bureaus,” Hseuh said.
Mayor Jim Richardson presented Lt. Shawn O’Grady a proclamation on Jan. 8 for his 4 1/2 years of service as the chief of police services.
Lt. Shawn O’Grady, who has served as police chief for the two cities since July 2013, has been assigned to the Human Resources Bureau. O’Grady was formally thanked for his service by both Solvang and Buellton City Councils during their first January meetings.
Hseuh brings a continued focus on relationships with the community to his new assignment.
“Quality of life in my community is the number one priority for me. I believe in partnerships with the community because it is ours together and the community should have a voice in what their police does. Collaboration is important to me because your police department can’t solve every challenge without help from the community.
“I am happy to be serving the community in the Santa Ynez Valley once again and happy to be working with the quality law enforcement officers who are dedicated to serving their communities,” he added.
For more information, visit www.sbsheriff.org.
