Chief Jeff Fitchett
El Rancho Unified School District Police Chief, Jeff Fitchett, brings a varied background into his role as head of the District’s school police department. Chief Fitchett, a former Marine, came to the District in 2004 to serve as the Director of Purchasing under the District Business Services Division. He has utilized his bidding and contract negotiation skills to bring about improved services to school sites that all together have an average daily attendance of 11,000 students while reducing costs for those goods and services. Now with the implementation of the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant Initiative, Jeff will be taking his Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy training to new heights as Chief in charge of all school police officers. He will not only be responsible for the overall management of the department, but will also partner with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in order to improve, develop, and share resources for the safety and well being of ERUSD students. Chief Fitchett has taken over responsibility for emergency management mitigation, intelligence on criminal matters, preparedness, response, and recovery programs. In addition, he is overseeing all grant programs and personnel and will continue to serve as a presenter, trainer, and speaker on subjects that include bullying prevention, gang awareness, and safe environments for district staff and students. Another component of Chief Fitchett’s duties is the newly installed G.R.E.A.T. Program provided by the U.S. Department of Justice. ERUSD is extremely fortunate to have been awarded this grant that is a law enforcement officer-instructed curriculum. Prevention is the primary objective and is intended to be a kind of “immunization” against delinquency, youth violence and gang membership. Chief Fitchett believes that teaching grade schoolers, middle school students and families basic life skills will help them avoid using violent behavior to solve problems. It also fosters a positive relationship between law enforcement with the community’s youth and their families. Chief Fitchett is a family man with four children who enjoy Lake Havasu vacations and deep-sea fishing. He has longtime community involvement with his church as a camp counselor and other youth programs as well as commitments with the Boy Scouts of America. His duties with the District, community activities, and family involvement require the dexterity of a juggler, but his considerable experience and skills help keep the balance for this dedicated professional. |
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