Family Service Agency (FSA) of Santa Barbara County, also known as Santa Maria Valley Youth & Family Center and Guadalupe’s Little House By The Park, has appointed of Santa Maria Police Lt. Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.
Van Meel has worked in various capacities within the Santa Maria Police Department since 1999 including in the detective bureau, oversight of the Special Enforcement Team, as patrol/watch commander, and currently as the administrative lieutenant-chief’s adjutant. He received his police training at the Los Angeles Police Department.
Van Meel holds a master’s degree in criminal justice from the California Coast University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Columbia College.
The recipient of numerous awards and commendations, Van Meel was named 2010 Officer of the Year, Mark Riddering/Street Narcotics Officer of the Year, and Santa Maria Police Department Employee of the Month. He received the H. Thomas Geary Award in 2010.
“I am looking forward to working with FSA, providing support and gaining insight on how I can engage with the community holistically,” said Lt. Van Meel.
“We are thrilled to have Lt. Van Meel on our board,” said Lisa Brabo, FSA executive director. “Our agency will benefit from his vast experience and his knowledge of the Santa Maria community.”
FSA is a nonprofit social service agency that has served the people of Santa Barbara County since 1899. Operating as Santa Maria Valley Youth and Family Center in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs.
For more, visit fsacares.org or call 805-965-1001.