On Thursday Nov. 4, the City of Costa Mesa held a dedication ceremony for Neth Park, named in honor of former Police Chief Roger Neth, Costa Mesa’s second chief and the longest tenured chief at 22 years.
Neth also was one of the city’s first three sworn officers.
Mayor John Stephens emceed the event joined by District 3 Council Member Andrea Marr and current Police Chief Ron Lawrence.
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“It’s thanks to Chief Neth that Costa Mesa’s Police Department has a reputation of being one of the finest in the state and it was his accomplishments and innovations that set the stage early on,” Mayor Stephens said. “Chief Neth we are so grateful for your leadership and dedication and this seems like this is the least we could do honor your incredible legacy.”
Chief Neth implemented the use of video cameras for DUI arrests, the first in nation, and put in place Police Officer Standards of Training for all Costa Mesa Police Officers
Under his leadership, Costa Mesa PD was the first department in U.S. to place computer terminals in police cars
He created the SWAT team, scholastic achievement and tuition reimbursement programs, a helicopter program, youth services program, motorcycle program, Cop on Campus program, and the Area Policing concept
He helped develop the CAD/RMS system, employed the first handwriting expert in Orange County and in his spare time, became a licensed helicopter pilot.
He was also a distinguished marksman and was named the top gun in Orange County three times.
He is a Charter Member of the California Police Chiefs Association, a former President of Orange County Police Chiefs Association and a member of the Golden West College Orange County Police Training Academy Advisory Committee.
On hand to congratulate Neth were City Council Members Manuel Chavez and Jeff Harlan, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison, Assistant City Manager Susan Price, Second District Supervisor and former Costa Mesa Mayor Katrina Foley and multiple members of the City, Police and Fire Department staff.
Also in attendance were former Chiefs Dave Snowden, Tom Gazsi and Bryan Glass, former City Managers Fred Sorsabal (who flew in from Idaho or the event) and Allan Roeder and former mayors Mary Hornbuckle and Arlene Scheafer.