Fountain Valley Police Department Announces Promotions

During a ceremony Monday afternoon, the Fountain Valley Police Department promoted officer Ron Varner to sergeant, promoted Sgt. Rob Sweaza to lieutenant, and promoted Lt. Mike Simko to captain.

Varner began his law enforcement career with the Riverside Sheriff’s department and was hired by the Fountain Valley Police Department in 1994. During his tenure at FVPD, Varner has worked patrol, narcotics investigations, and most recently as a property crimes detective. Varner served as a field training officer for 10 years, and on the SWAT team for seven years. He has been awarded the FVPD Medal of Merit and Medal of Valor.

Sweaza began his career as a reserve police officer with the Garden Grove and Costa Mesa Police Departments. He was hired by the Fountain Valley Police Department in 1997, and has worked patrol and detectives, both as an officer and a sergeant. He has also served as a field training officer, crisis negotiator, police explorer advisor, and as the police association president.

Simko began his career with the Fountain Valley Police Department in 1988. He was promoted to sergeant in 1994 and lieutenant in 2000. He has worked patrol and detectives as an officer and supervisor, and was one of the founding members of the department’s Special Enforcement Team. Simko has also supervised the traffic bureau, and served on the SWAT team for 19 years, and was commander of the West County SWAT Team for seven years.