Chief Steve Deardorff Retires: Honoring 40 Years of Exemplary Service to La Porte Police Department. Congratulations!

Retirement of Chief Steve Deardorff

Steve Deardorff joined the La Porte Police Department in July of 1982. He served as a patrol officer until April 1986 at which time he was promoted and assigned to the Criminal Investigation Division as a Detective Sergeant. When the department was reorganized, he was moved back to the Patrol Division serving as a Patrol Sergeant. In January 1997, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and remained in the Patrol Division as a Watch Commander. In 2003 he returned to CID as Criminal Investigation Division Commander. In August 2008, he was appointed Assistant Chief and served as the Patrol Bureau Commander. As the Assistant Chief of the Patrol Bureau, he was responsible for all patrol operations including bike patrol, K9’s, traffic enforcement, accident investigations, field training, jail operations, and commercial vehicle enforcement. He also served the department as a SWAT operator, supervisor, and Commander of the team. He is a firearms training instructor and served as the department’s range master for many years.

Steve received numerous awards and commendations during his tenure at the La Porte Police Department. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Law Enforcement and Police Science (1980) and a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice Management (1987), all from Sam Houston State University. Also, he graduated from the FBI Executive Leadership Course and the Command Staff Leadership Course. He served on the Baytown Police Departments Training Academy Advisory Board and served as an adjunct firearms instructor for the University of Houston/Downtown Criminal Justice Training Center. He was a member of the United States Practical Shooting Association, and he competed in shooting sports for over 35 years at the local, regional, state, and national levels. Steve is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a member of the Texas Tactical Police Officer’s Association.

Steve grew up in the area and currently resides in Deer Park with his wife Kelly. Steve is looking forward to spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. He will now have time to do more hunting, and fishing and spend time in his workshop putting custom knives together. Happy Retirement Chief!

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