Crime & Safety

There's a New Lieutenant in Town

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office appointed Lt. John Munsey as the new commanding officer for Half Moon Bay and the Coastside.

The City of Half Moon Bay and the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday the selection of Lieutenant John Munsey to the position of Coastside Lieutenant. 

Lieutenant Munsey’s assignment comes as a result of routine staff movement throughout the variety of assignments that comprise the Sheriff’s Office. He will replace Lieutenant Lisa Williams, who is moving to a position within the Sheriff’s Office Correctional Division.

“We are delighted to have Lieutenant Munsey join the Half Moon Bay community,” stated City Manager Laura Snideman. “John comes very highly recommended by the Sheriff’s Office leadership, and we feel very fortunate to have obtained such a capable leader to replace Lisa Williams – a person we greatly admire.”

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Lieutenant John Munsey hails from the City of Half Moon Bay, where he lived until the age of 12 and attended Hatch Elementary, El Granada Elementary and Cuhna Middle School. Lieutenant Munsey recalls having great memories of his childhood in Half Moon Bay, which includes riding in the very first Half Moon Bay Jr. Rodeo on 4th of July, working at Bob Marsh’s Pumpkin Patch, Chamarita, and the Pumpkin Festival. He has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 1994 and will be coming to the Coastside from his most recent assignment as Commander of the San Mateo County Narcotics Task Force. Lieutenant John Munsey has a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology as well as a Masters of Public Administration.

Lieutenant Lisa Williams has served as the Coastside Lieutenant since 2010. During her tenure, she successfully administered the operational shift in the City of Half Moon Bay’s law enforcement services to the Sheriff’s Office. Lieutenant Williams is widely credited by City officials as having a proactive, solutions-based approach to law enforcement, which has greatly benefitted the local community.

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“Having Lisa as our close partner at the Sheriff’s Office was fundamental to the success of the transition,” added Snideman. “She brought tremendous value to the City of Half Moon Bay through her thoughtful decision-making, results-oriented management, and ability to bring significant law enforcement resources to the Coastside. Whether it’s aggressively confronting a rise in gang activity, effectively supervising multiple substations, or educating our youth, Lisa demonstrated true leadership.” 

“Lieutenant Williams is a star. As a City, we are better off and we are safer because of her leadership,” offered Mayor Rick Kowalczyk. “We are incredibly grateful for her contributions over the past few years − none more so than her hugely successful efforts to reach our kids through events like the annual Youth Summit. We wish her the best and look forward to continuing this important work with her replacement, Lieutenant John Munsey.”

Lieutenant Williams will continue to serve as Coastside Lieutenant until January 2014, when Lieutenant Munsey officially takes over the position.


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