By Sara Beth Williams–
Citrus Heights Police Department Lt. Nicole Garing says she knew she wanted to be a police officer ever since she saw an officer present at a career day at her junior high.
In an interview with The Sentinel, Garing said her father was a volunteer firefighter, and she had always loved the idea of working in emergency services and helping people. Garing said her strong suits include remaining calm in emergencies and working directly with people.
Garing began working with Citrus Heights Police in 2007 as a police officer and has held various positions since, including detective and investigations detective sergeant. Before working with Citrus Heights Police, Garing worked with the Santa Cruz Police Department from 2000 to 2005.
Before being appointed to the Office of the Chief, Garing worked as a lieutenant on patrol. When asked about how she feels regarding the differences in her duties now, which are more administrative, Garing said she always likes a challenge.
“I like to learn new things. I think I have a lot to offer as far as my knowledge and skills and abilities,” Garing said. She also explained that specialty assignments, such as hers, are specifically assigned by the Chief of Police and are always filled in-house.
Garing told The Sentinel that the Police Department is a “really supportive environment,” adding that the department has a great relationship with the City Council and city staff. Garing said she appreciates that there is a lot of opportunity for the local community to become involved in different organizations, and that has had a “huge impact” on the department and on the city.
In discussing challenges, Garing said negative incidents involving police outside of the city and the state can affect all police officers, including Citrus Heights officers.
“We all know how hard everyone works every day, and they’re battling something that’s completely out of their control,” Garing said, adding that when something unfolds that is a “black eye” on one agency, it can become a black eye on Citrus Heights Police as well.
In her new position, Garing said her goals are to strive to prioritize and maintain professionalism and to ensure the department’s standards are where they need to be.
Garing replaces former Citrus Heights Police Lt. Chad Morris, who served in the Office of the Chief from November 2021 to December 2023, according to his LinkedIn profile. Morris served with the Citrus Heights Police Department for 15 years and three months.
