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Melissa Desmarais has been named Palm Springs’ acting police chief.
Capt. Desmarais took over Aug.19 for Bryan Reyes, who retired as chief after a 27-year career with the department, according to a statement on the city’s website.
“We are fortunate to have a great leader with a proven track record in Cap. Desmarais that can step up to serve as acting Chief while we remain in the recruitment phase for a permanent replacement to Chief Reyes,” City Manager Justin Clifton said in the statement. “I’m confident that the police team and the broader community are in good hands.”
Desmarais began with the Palm Springs Police Department in 2002. She was the department’s first female motor officer and first female sergeant before being promoted to lieutenant in August 2015.
She was named the department’s officer of the year in 2007, according to the statement.
I have complete confidence in the abilities of Captain Desmarais to head up the Palm Springs Police Department. She is a true leader and has shown this time and again by her meteoric rise in the ranks. We should be proud to have such a capable woman at the helm. Congratulations Captain