Promotion results in commander departing Fallbrook Sheriff’s substation

Pat Gardner, who took over as commander of the Fallbrook Sheriff’s substation Jan. 6, served his final day in that capacity July 20 after being promoted from lieutenant to captain in the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department.

Gardner’s replacement is Lt. Mark Moreno, who has been with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department for 26 years. Most recently based at the North Coastal Station in Encinitas, Moreno took over in Fallbrook July 21.

Gardner has been assigned to the court services bureau in downtown San Diego, where he’ll be in charge of the old courthouse, the new courthouse that's being built (it is expected to be ready for occupancy in the fall), the Madge Bradley Family Court Building, the County Administration Center, the County Operations Center, and the Registrar of Voters office.

“I will be in charge of providing law enforcement services to the court services bureau, all the security that happens within the court building itself,” said Gardner. “I'm also responsible for all the field units that go out and serve arrest warrants, civil paperwork and subpoenas.”

Gardner, who recently celebrated his 30th year with the Sheriff’s Department, said he enjoyed his short, six-month stint in Fallbrook.

"I loved working in Fallbrook,” said Gardner. “The community is outstanding. The partnership and the collaboration is just amazing up here. The different agencies, North County Fire and CAL FIRE and Rainbow Fire, are outstanding partners. And the school district as well.”

Gardner also credited the team at the Fallbrook substation.

“The personnel that works up here is amazing,” said Gardner. “The professional staff and the sworn staff at the station are just top notch. The community is extremely lucky to have the team that's here in place.”

Gardner, who has served throughout San Diego County in his three decades on the job, said Fallbrook is “an extremely safe community.”

“In the Sheriff's Department, this is just a great place to work,” said Gardner. “It's a very safe community and that's because of the community involvement.”

Gardner added the combination of law enforcement being proactive on criminal behavior and the community doing its part is central to crime prevention.

“Identifying problems and working together as a community to solve problems is key,” said Gardner.

Although Fallbrook is a safe place to live, Gardner stressed that people still need to be diligent in not making themselves an easy target for criminals.

“I've driven around town and I've seen people leave their vehicles unlocked or the windows down,” said Gardner. “It's important to take steps to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. This is a very busy community and it's a big community. It's important to remember that in the age we live in today, you have to lessen your chance of becoming a victim by taking those precautionary steps, such as not leaving your home unlocked.”

Gardner said Fallbrook can look forward to a good relationship with Lt. Moreno.

“Mark is a great person and he has a vast amount of experience,” said Gardner. “Mark's been around for years and is very, very smart. He's also a fun person to work with. He'll fit in perfectly here. He's a great match for Fallbrook.”

As for Gardner, he is excited about his promotion and his new assignment.

"I feel honored to get a new privilege and challenge,” said Gardner. “I'm looking forward to it. I feel very fortunate I've been given the opportunity.”