LT. JOHN REYNOLDS, Garden Grove Police Dept. (GGPD photo).

Lt. John Reynolds, a long-time veteran officer of the Garden Grove Police Department has died at the age of 59 Sunday morning from complications of COVID-19.

Reynolds served in a variety of capacities with the GGPD, including patrol, gang officer, SWAT, undercover and the Youth Services Unit. He was also well-known and recognized for his volunteer work in the community, including the Boys and Girls Club of Garden Grove and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Garden Grove.

“John was profoundly cared for, respected, admired, and just so deeply loved by the entire community of Garden Grove. His genuine love of people, especially young people, warm personality, enthusiasm, integrity, humility, never-ending support of the community, and truest commitment to law enforcement made him a hero, to me, and everyone who was privileged to know him.  On behalf of the Garden Grove City Council, our deepest thoughts and condolences to his beautiful family,” said Garden Grove Mayor Steve Jones.

“Lt. Reynolds was a true professional in every sense of the word. He was all about serving our City and community, and his contributions to Garden Grove will live on for years to come. Despite an already long and distinguished career with the GGPD, retirement wasn’t in his vocabulary—he wore his badge with enormous pride every day. He carried that same pride for our community, never turning away an opportunity to volunteer or mentor a young person.  He will be very deeply missed, but always remembered fondly,” said Scott Stiles, city manager.

Garden Grove Police Chief Tom DaRe’, a long-time colleague and close friend of Lt. Reynolds said, “The loss of Lt. John Reynolds will have a significant impact not only in the Garden Grove Police Department, but in the entire community as well. He loved and cherished his family, but always had enough love in his heart to share with the community. He was a consummate professional, a man of integrity, and a very dear friend who will be missed by all.”

Over the years, Reynolds has been honored by the GGPD, the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce and the Garden Grove Unified School District. He is survived by his wife, Jena, two adult daughters and his 18-month-old son.