Kodadek retires, triggers change of command

A change of command will take place at the Fallbrook Substation of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department effective June 10 due to the retirement of Lt. Clyde Kodadek on June 9. Assuming leadership of the 138-square-mile Fallbrook command area, powered by an annual budget of $4.5 million that provides for 42 employees (sworn and civilian support personnel), will be Lt. Grant Burnett, 29-year veteran of the force most recently serving as Administrative Lieutenant of the Vista Station.

“I have a lot of mixed emotions right now,” Kodadek said. “I have spent half of my career in Fallbrook and it worked out really well for me. I’ve always had a passion for this kind of work. In the beginning, when I was a young deputy, I couldn’t believe they were paying me; it was so exciting.”

Kodadek, well-liked and respected in the community, has served as a sworn member of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for over 31 years.

“I’ve had a wonderful career, a fabulous career,” he said. “I think I’ve done a lot of good things. I have to admit I’m going to miss Fallbrook.”

Kodadek started his career as a deputy in 1973 and worked patrol assignments out of the Vista Patrol Station and Fallbrook Substation. For five years Kodadek was a detective at the Fallbrook Substation, handling crimes of violence and property crimes.

In 1983 Kodadek was promoted to sergeant and assigned to the Vista Detention Facility. He subsequently worked at Fallbrook Substation, Vista Patrol Station and the San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force (NTF). Kodadek supervised East County NTF Team II. NTF Team II specialized in methamphetamine laboratory cases, indoor and outdoor marijuana grows and airport transport cases. Kodadek’s team was responsible for the first successful wiretap case ever done under California state law. Kodadek’s NTF team also holds the distinction of being responsible for the largest inland cocaine seizure in the history of the Narcotic Task Force.

In 1994 Kodadek was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to the George Bailey Detention Facility. He subsequently worked at Vista Detention Facility, San Marcos Patrol Station, Valley Center Substation and North County Regional Gang Task Force. As Task Force Coordinator, Kodadek oversaw Operation “Grand Canyon” (known nationally as Operation “Tar Pit”). This investigation was in concert with the Drug Enforcement Administration and resulted in 27 federal search warrants simultaneously served in 18 cities across the United States. Some 200 suspects were arrested and over 30 pounds of heroin was seized through the course of the investigation.

Kodadek has enjoyed being a member of the Rotary Club of Bonsall and The Farm Bureau of San Diego County. He is a life member of the California Narcotic Officers Association. He has received many honors over the years, including two Proclamations from the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, a Police Citation/Commendation from the City of El Cajon and Certificates of Appreciation from the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Marshal’s Service and Federal Bureau of Investigation.

In Fallbrook, Kodadek has led a successful team working toward the common goal.

“It’s no secret that I have been surrounded by really good people,” he said. “In any job, if you are surrounded by good people it makes your job easier. I had a lot of good people on my team — Tracy, Rich [Hendrickson] and Cliff [Johnson], the deputies, professional staff, the volunteers — my secret weapon. I have got to give them all credit.”

Kodadek’s retirement doesn’t mean he will live an idle lifestyle. He has accepted a position with Akal Security, a company based out of New Mexico that provides security on a nationwide basis, a substantial amount through government contracts. Kodadek has accepted a position as a US Marshal’s Court Security Officer. He will be assigned to the federal building in San Diego.

“It’s a unique situation in the private sector; very high-end security,” he explained. “I’m the kind of guy who just likes working. I think I’ll be retired for three days and then go back to work.”