ESCONDIDO — Escondido Police Chief Ed Varso will retire on Dec. 6, concluding a 27-year law enforcement career that included nearly 23 years with the Escondido Police Department.
The city will launch a nationwide search for his replacement after the first of the year, with plans to appoint a new chief by June.
Varso, who announced his retirement last month, began his career in 1997 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before joining the Escondido Police Department as a police officer in 2001.
Over the next two decades, he rose through the ranks, holding positions as sergeant, lieutenant, captain, and assistant chief before becoming chief in early 2020.
“It has been an honor to serve as chief of police through some of the most challenging times ever to face the city of Escondido,” Varso said in a news release.
In 2022, Varso briefly left EPD to help build the newly established Menifee Police Department, where he worked to instill core policing values before returning to Escondido as chief.
During his tenure, he gained experience in nearly every division of the department, including special investigations, traffic, and emergency negotiations, and served as the public information officer.
Before his appointment as chief, Varso managed the services bureau, overseeing the Police and Fire Communications Center, the backgrounds and training unit, property and evidence, records, and business divisions. He also temporarily worked in the Escondido City Manager’s Office to address public safety, homelessness, and code enforcement issues.
Varso’s community engagement extended beyond his role in the department. He worked with at-risk youth, chaired the Escondido Drug-Free Communities Coalition, co-chaired the Escondido Gang Reduction and Intervention Program, and participated in the San Diego Shop with a Cop program for over 15 years. He also served on the board of the California Police Chief’s Association.
City Manager Sean McGlynn praised Varso for his contributions to the department and city.
“Ed has been an incredible leader during his time in Escondido,” McGlynn said. “He has been extremely visible in our community and has proactively made himself available to our residents.”
The city plans to rotate the department’s three current captains as acting chief until a successor is named.
“I want to thank (McGlynn), the Escondido City Council, and our entire community for entrusting me to lead your police department, not just once, but twice,” Varso said. “I have my full faith in the current EPD management team and look forward to seeing them take this exceptional police department to new heights.”
Varso, a graduate of the FBI National Academy and California POST Supervisory Leadership Institute, holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and a master’s degree in public administration.
Varso and his wife plan to move to Texas to be closer to family and friends.
“Escondido, you will always have a special place in my heart,” he said.
The city will recognize Varso’s service during a public ceremony at Escondido City Hall at 4 p.m. on Dec. 4.
