One Time Deputy of the Year Named Lake Forest Chief of Police Services

The City of Lake Forest has selected Captain David Pultz as its new Chief of Police Services.

“I am humbled to be selected and serve alongside an incredible team in Lake Forest,” Captain Pultz said. “Having worked in multiple demanding and dynamic units throughout my career, I look forward to bringing that experience to the city.”

Captain Pultz joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1998 and first worked in three of the department’s jail facilities – James A. Musick, Theo Lacy, and the Intake Release Center. In 2007, he served in Patrol Operations for the city of Rancho Santa Margarita and then the city of San Clemente, where he was named Deputy of The Year.

He was selected for the Special Investigation Bureau’s South Gang Enforcement Team in 2011 and served nearly four years leading investigations into various gangs.

Captain Pultz was promoted to investigator in 2015 and worked a variety of assignments, including the Professional Standards Division as a background investigator, the North Vice and Narcotics Detail and Special Operations, running dignitary protection, and conducting criminal investigations.

In 2019, he was promoted to sergeant and worked for the Special Services Bureau, Patrol Operations in Mission Viejo, and led the South Directed Enforcement Team, among other assignments.

Most recently, Captain Pultz served as a lieutenant at the Intake Release Center, overseeing the operational authority and safety of inmates and personnel.

Captain Pultz began his assignment as Lake Forest Chief of Police Services on May 17. 

The Chief of Police Services selection involves the Sheriff's Department and City leaders. The Sheriff's Department submits a list of qualified candidates for the position, and City Manager Debra Rose makes the final selection after the candidates are interviewed by other City administrators.