Police Chief Varso leaves position after only five months

Editor's note: Story has been updated with salary information for Varso.

By Doug Spoon, Editor

In the first big surprise since the inception of the Menifee Police Department in July 2020, Police Chief Ed Varso is leaving his position after five months to return to his previous job, city officials announced Monday.

Varso (right), who succeeded Pat Walsh as Menifee Police Chief on July 5, came from the City of Escondido, where he served as police chief. According to Monday’s announcement, Escondido had not yet named a replacement for Varso, who “felt comfortable making this decision based on the Menifee Police Department’s strong foundation and internal leadership,” according to a news release.

Varso was quoted as saying, “Since its launch in July 2020, the Menifee Police Department has attracted the best and brightest officers and personnel from all across California. I believe the team here is well-suited to carry on the operations of the police department and continue its successful trajectory well into the future.”

No other explanation was given for Varso’s departure, but it appears that money was the primary factor. The San Diego Union Tribune reported that Varso will be paid a base salary of $250,000, an 18 percent increase from the $212,000 he was making when he left. According to the newspaper, Varso's base salary in Menifee was $224,000.

Varso’s last day with Menifee will be Dec. 17. Chris Karrer, a captain with Menifee PD since its creation, has been named interim Chief of Police by city manager Armando Villa.

“During his short time here in Menifee, Chief Varso made a strong positive impact on his officers and our community,” said Villa. “We thank him for his service and know the department will be in good hands under the direction of Captain Karrer.”

Karrer (left) is a U.S. Marine veteran and has over 20 years of local law enforcement experience overseeing numerous divisions including patrol, traffic, investigations, operations, and support services, according to the news release.

“It has been an honor serving Menifee along with the exceptional men and women of the Menifee Police Department who selflessly put their lives on the line every day to protect our community,” said Karrer. “I look forward to building upon our success and continuing to grow the department with talented officers and support staff.”