Capt. Andrew Elia​ Tapped To Lead Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — There is a new leader at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Station. On Thursday the city announced Captain Andrew Elia has taken the helm at the station, which serves the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Canyon Lake and nearby unincorporated areas.

Elia follows former Lake Elsinore Captain Michael Lujan who was placed on administrative leave in December, just days from his retirement. At the time, Sheriff Chad Bianco told The Press-Enterprise that an internal investigation was being conducted on Lujan but declined to give specifics stating that it was a personnel matter.

On Thursday, Elia was welcomed by the City of Lake Elsinore.

“Historically, the city has been fortunate to have some of the best captains serving our community,” said Lake Elsinore Mayor Bob Magee. “We are pleased to welcome yet another well-respected, experienced leader to our team and we look forward to working with Captain Elia to make Lake Elsinore the safest it can be for our citizens.”

Elia has worked in law enforcement for nearly 22 years. He most recently served as the dedicated lieutenant for the City of Norco "where he helped to increase community relations, engagement and proactive policing concepts, while also decreasing Part 1 crimes, reducing average response times, training staff and fiscally managing the operation," according to a news release from the city.

“I am honored to serve the City of Lake Elsinore,” Elia said. “As captain, I will be visible, approachable, and highly engaged with the community while maintaining the highest standards of the department.”

Elia has worked in law enforcement since graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Academy in 1999. He joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 2001, starting as a deputy sheriff at the Jurupa Valley Station. He was promoted to corporal in 2005, sergeant in 2008, and lieutenant in 2017.

Elia has served in several parts of Riverside County from the Moreno Valley Station on the Problem Oriented Policing Team, the Robert Presley Detention Center and the Ben Clark Training Center. At the Jurupa Valley Station he was responsible for a variety of assignments including patrol, watch commander, the Special Enforcement Team, administration. He also served at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility where he oversaw operations and administration, according to the city.

Captain Elia holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and resides in Riverside with his wife and children.