Montclair Police Department

Wha happen?! 🤔

The Montclair Police Department is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Lieutenant Jim Michel. Lt. Michel was just 5 months into his retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the Montclair community. The Montclair Police Department sends its thoughts and prayers to Lt. Michel’s family during this difficult time.

Lieutenant Jim Michel began his career with the Montclair Police Department in December 1997. In 1993, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served three years in a Light Infantry Air Assault Unit assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, Schoefield Barracks, Hawaii. He deployed to Japan and Haiti. Lt. Michel was honorably discharged in 1996.

Lt. Michel attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy in 1997. Lt. Michel worked uniformed patrol, he was an FTO, DRE, a member of the POP team, and a narcotics investigator with SBWESTNET. Lt. Michel held a four-year assignment as Detective where he worked fraud, property crimes, and crimes against persons.

In 2011, Jim was named Officer of the Year. He is also a two-time recipient of both the MADD Award and Life Saving Award.

In August 2013, Lt. Michel promoted to Sergeant. He supervised Patrol, the Major Accident Investigation Team and the Field Training Program. In October 2016, Lt. Michel supervised the Detective Bureau and supervised several significant cases including major assaults, robberies, and homicides.

In November 2018, Lt. Michel promoted to Lieutenant. As a Field Services Lieutenant, he managed patrol operations, dispatch, Mobile Field Force, the Field Training Program, the Special Enforcement Team, the Major Accident Investigation Team, volunteers, the Police Explorer Program, recruitment, and community relations.

As a Support Services Lieutenant, he served as the Department’s POST Coordinator, managed the Detective Bureau, Tech Services, Evidence, and the Records Bureau.

Lieutenant Michel thank you for your 28-years of service to the citizens of Montclair and the Montclair Police Department.


Rest easy Jim, we will take it from here.

The Montclair Police Department is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Lieutenant Jim Michel. Lt. Michel was just 5 months into his retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the Montclair community. The Montclair Police Department sends its thoughts and prayers to Lt. Michel’s family during this difficult time.

Lieutenant Jim Michel began his career with the Montclair Police Department in December 1997. In 1993, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served three years in a Light Infantry Air Assault Unit assigned to the 25th Infantry Division, Schoefield Barracks, Hawaii. He deployed to Japan and Haiti. Lt. Michel was honorably discharged in 1996.

Lt. Michel attended the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Academy in 1997. Lt. Michel worked uniformed patrol, he was an FTO, DRE, a member of the POP team, and a narcotics investigator with SBWESTNET. Lt. Michel held a four-year assignment as Detective where he worked fraud, property crimes, and crimes against persons.

In 2011, Jim was named Officer of the Year. He is also a two-time recipient of both the MADD Award and Life Saving Award.

In August 2013, Lt. Michel promoted to Sergeant. He supervised Patrol, the Major Accident Investigation Team and the Field Training Program. In October 2016, Lt. Michel supervised the Detective Bureau and supervised several significant cases including major assaults, robberies, and homicides.

In November 2018, Lt. Michel promoted to Lieutenant. As a Field Services Lieutenant, he managed patrol operations, dispatch, Mobile Field Force, the Field Training Program, the Special Enforcement Team, the Major Accident Investigation Team, volunteers, the Police Explorer Program, recruitment, and community relations.

As a Support Services Lieutenant, he served as the Department’s POST Coordinator, managed the Detective Bureau, Tech Services, Evidence, and the Records Bureau.

Lieutenant Michel thank you for your 28-years of service to the citizens of Montclair and the Montclair Police Department.


Rest easy Jim, we will take it from here.

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to for visiting us this week and generously providing care packages for the men and women of the Montclair Police Department. is a Southern California–based nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and giving back to law enforcement agencies. We are truly grateful for their continued generosity, kindness, and unwavering support of our personnel.

The Montclair Police Department would like to remind everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly. Please make smart choices. Plan ahead, and never drive under the influence. Have fun and be safe and remember there’s no pot of gold at the West Valley Inn. Happy St. Patrick’s Day. 🍀 ☘️🌈🎩