Northwestern welcomes new Community Relations Officer

For three years, Officer Gaylon Sells was Carmel Valley’s friendly neighborhood community relations officer. Through community meetings, forums and an e-mail list with hundreds of residents signed on, Sells was always available to dispense safety tips or dispel one of those fast-spreading Carmel Valley rumors.

June 10 was Sells’ last day at the Northwestern Division — on Saturday night, he will serve his first shift on his new beat, as a patrol officer in the Mid City division.

Mid City includes the communities of College Area, Oak Park, Rolando, Talmadge, Chollas Creek and Azalea/Hollywood Park — quite a contrast from the mostly quiet Carmel Valley.

“I expect a very, very busy time,” said Sells, who has 23 years of experience in law enforcement.

Pacific Highlands Ranch resident Aaron Johnson, who worked with Sells on his Neighborhood Watch program, said Sells was a very dedicated CRO — offering countless crime tips, e-mail updates and in-person meetings.

Officer Adrian Lee, who replaces Sells, has 15 years of experience as a police officer and has been at Northwestern since September 2007. For the last 1 1/2 years, Lee has worked on the juvenile service team at schools within the district.

The father of four said he’s used to dealing with juveniles and said it will take time to get used to handling all the different interest groups in the district.

“I wish Gaylon was sticking around a little bit to show me how he stays so calm,” said Lee with a smile.

Contact Lee

• Direct line: (858) 523-7031
• Station line: (858) 523-7000
• E-mail: avlee@pd.sandiego.gov
• Schedule: Monday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.