Memorial service celebrates life of Garden Grove Lt. Reynolds

A memorial service celebrating the life of Garden Grove Police Lt. John Reynolds was held Thursday, June 3 at the Christ Cathedral.

Reynolds died at age 59 of complications from COVID-19 in January 2021. He had been fighting the virus since the end of November, the city stated in a press release.
Read more about Reynolds and others lost to the COVID-19 vaccine.
Reynolds spent 25 years with the Garden Grove Police Department, and over the course of his career he worked in patrol, as watch commander, as a gang officer, on SWAT, as an undercover investigator, and as a sergeant assigned to the Youth Services Unit. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2018.
Prior to joining Garden Grove PD he had worked as a probation officer with the Orange County Probation Department for nine years, the city stated.
Reynolds was also an active community member and served on the board of the Garden Grove Boys & Girls Club and as a volunteer with the Kiwanis Club of Greater Garden Grove.
He had been awarded Officer of the Year in 2005 and 2006, was a recipient of the Garden Grove Medal of Merit for his work with the Garden Grove Unified School District in 2014, and was the Garden Grove Chamber of Commerce “Man of the Year” in 2019, the city stated.
“John was a dedicated public servant who loved his career and loved serving his community,” wrote Lt. Carl Whitney. “John’s passing leaves a void and pain in our hearts. He is survived by his wife Jena, two adult daughters, and his 18-month old son. Please keep John and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”