The City of El Cajon announced Capt. Jeremiah Larson’s promotion to Chief of Police, effective Dec. 18. Larson has served the El Cajon community for over two decades and will succeed the current Chief of Police Mike Moulton, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
Larson grew up in El Cajon and graduated from Granite Hills High School and joined his hometown police agency in 2002. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2014, Lieutenant in 2019, and Captain in 2023 before being selected by El Cajon City Manager Graham Mitchell to become the city’s 16th Chief of Police.
Larson has worked on various assignments, including patrol, investigations, the Special Enforcement Division, and the Training Division. Larson served as a field training officer, a cadet advisor, and a SWAT member for 18 years. Additionally, he has been a piv¬otal ECPD peer support team member for the past 11 years.
“I can’t think of anyone more qualified to serve and lead the department than Captain Jeremiah Larson,” said Mitchell in a press release. “Captain Larson’s extensive experience, high ethical standard, and love for our community make him the right choice as El Cajon’s Police Chief. I think his approach to law enforcement will truly serve our department and our community.”
“Today, I’m excited to celebrate Captain Jeremiah Larson to succeed me as your next Chief of Police. This decision reflects his exceptional qualifications and the trust and confidence placed in him to lead our department into the future. Throughout his career, Captain Larson has demonstrated an unwavering work ethic and a steadfast commitment to the values of our department. His leadership abilities have been evident in every role he has taken on. I am confident he will continue to serve our community and this department with integrity, vision, and dedication,” said Moulton.
Larson earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from National University and a master’s in public safety leadership from the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Leadership Institute for Police in Boston, MA. Captain Larson resides in East County with his wife and four children.
Captain Larson will be sworn in as El Cajon’s Police Chief during the El Cajon City Council meeting on Jan. 14, 2025, at 3 p.m.
