La Mesa Police Officers' Association

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La Mesa Police Officers' Association

Founded in 1954, the La Mesa Police Officers Association (LMPOA) represents the dedicated and professional sworn and non-sworn members of the LMPD.

The La Mesa Police Officers Association (LMPOA) was incorporated in 1954. The association was originally founded due to poor relations with the city administrators, low pay, poor benefits, and a lack of training for the officers. Prior to the formation of the LMPOA, the officers had no way to negotiate better pay and benefits. The officers were also "at will" employees and could lose their job at

any moment. With the formation of the LMPOA, officers started receiving better pay and benefits. With the support of all the police officers associations around the state, legislation was passed that made the job of a police officer a better one. That strong bond between all of the police officers associations has continued since then and has made the job even better. The LMPOA represents the sworn Police Officers,non-sworn Community Service Officers, Dispatchers, and Animal Control Officer of the La Mesa Police Department. We have a 100% membership of all available positions and represent all ranks within the department, including the Chief of Police.

05/29/2026

The La Mesa Police Officers Association and the La Mesa Police Officers Association Foundation are honored to announce Charlie Cobb of El Capitan High School as the recipient of the 2026 Officer Christine Rath Memorial Scholarship.

Officer Christine Rath proudly served the citizens of La Mesa for more than 23 years as a sworn police officer. Throughout her career, she was known for her dedication, compassion, and commitment to serving others. Sadly, Christine passed away from cancer at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire those who knew and worked alongside her.

Outside of her service to the community, Christine had a special love for her horses and cherished the time she spent with them. Her passion, kindness, and unwavering spirit touched countless lives.

We are proud to continue Officer Rath’s legacy through this scholarship, recognizing outstanding students who exemplify the values she lived by. Congratulations to Charlie Cobb on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for helping us keep Christine’s memory and impact alive for future generations.

05/20/2026

"Working in Partnership with our Community"

Just as the community stepped up with incredible support following the tragic loss of Officer Craven in October 2025, that same compassion and generosity continued as her colleagues traveled to honor her memory.

Because of the overwhelming support, financial and otherwise from our community, more than 25 La Mesa officers were able to attend the Sacramento memorial, and 16 officers traveled to Washington, D.C. to stand together in remembrance of Officer Craven's service and sacrifice.

Thank you for always supporting our membership.

05/05/2026

We were honored to stand alongside our law enforcement community in Sacramento for the California Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony, paying tribute to the officers who gave their lives in service to others.

This year, we remember and honor Officer Lauren Craven, who we tragically lost in the line of duty on October 20, 2025. Her sacrifice, courage, and dedication will never be forgotten.

The ceremony served as a solemn and powerful reminder of the risks taken every day, and the strength and commitment it takes to wear the badge. Today, we honor their names, reflect on their sacrifice, and reaffirm our unwavering support for those who continue to serve and protect our communities.

As we honor Lauren, we also honor the officers who paid the ultimate sacrifice and all those who came before them, officers who made the same ultimate sacrifice in service to their communities.

💙🖤

04/30/2026

We cordially invite our community to join us as we honor Officer Lauren Craven by adding her name to the La Mesa Police Department Peace Officer Memorial at the front of our station on Thursday, May 7th, at 4pm. This event is open to the public and all are welcome. Parking will be extremely limited and the surrounding area may be impacted by increased traffic. Please plan accordingly and arrive early or use public transportation. Officer Lauren Craven made the ultimate sacrifice on October 20, 2025, and will forever remind us all that,
“In Valor There is Hope.”

03/19/2026

The LMPOA Foundation, the charitable arm of the La Mesa Police Officers’ Association, is now accepting nominations for the Officer Lauren Craven Memorial Service Award. This $1,000 scholarship honors Officer Craven, who was tragically killed in the line of duty in October 2025, and this is the first year the award will be presented.

The scholarship will recognize a La Mesa high school senior who demonstrates an outstanding commitment to public service and servant leadership. Nominations must come from a school or service organization employee and include the student’s name and a brief explanation of why they deserve the award.

📅 Nominations due: April 30
📧 Send nominations to: [email protected]

For any questions, please email the foundation at [email protected]. Help us honor Officer Craven’s legacy by recognizing a student who is already making a difference in our community.

02/08/2026

With the recent tragic event involving Officer Lauren Craven, and the overwhelming support shown by our community, we were inspired to take the next step and create the La Mesa Police Officers Foundation.

The Foundation is an officially recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring fallen officers, supporting active officers and their families, and giving back through meaningful community giveback, scholarships, and charitable programs.

As a 501(c)(3), donations to the Foundation may be tax-deductible as allowed by law, and every contribution directly supports our mission of service, remembrance, and community partnership.

To learn more about our mission, programs, and how to get involved, visit our website:
👉 https://lmpoafoundation.org

Thank you for standing with those who serve and supporting the community we’re proud to protect. 💙

12/25/2025

Merry Christmas from the La Mesa Police Officer's Association!

11/25/2025

Chief Sweeney swore in our newest promotions this week! Congratulations to Lieutenants Gaytan and Garcia, Captain Lynch, and Sergeants Dreyer and Wilson!! Your hard work in and out of our association has never gone unnoticed!

10/28/2025

The men and women of the La Mesa Police Officer's Association join the Department in mourning the loss of Deputy Andrew Nunez. Deputy Nunez was tragically killed in the line of duty today, October 27th. His courage to protecting others and service over self, will never be forgotten. The LMPOA extends its condolences to Deputy Nunez' family, partners, and community.

10/27/2025

is honored to release this pre-order fundraiser design in memory of Officer Lauren Craven, a dedicated and compassionate public servant who tragically lost her life in the line of duty on October 20, 2025. This design was created with heartfelt input from her family and fellow officers and includes personal elements that made Lauren so special. From her love of cats and Uncrustables, to her pride in her hometown of Bend, Oregon, every part of this tribute reflects the lighthearted, genuine, and caring person she was beyond the badge. Her badge number and End of Watch date are displayed as a lasting reminder of her service and sacrifice. 100% of the proceeds from this shirt will go directly to Officer Craven’s family through the Relentless Defender Foundation, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible and will provide meaningful support to her loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

Address

8085 University Avenue
La Mesa, CA
91942

Website

http://www.lamesapoa.com/

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