Derek Taylor has been named the new Goleta Police Department Motors Unit deputy. Taylor, who started his new assignment Nov. 15, was born and raised in Goleta and is a graduate of Dos Pueblos High School.
“I am invested in this community and am ecstatic to be a part of the Goleta Motors Unit team,” Taylor said. “I can’t think of a better place to take this next step in my law enforcement career.”
“I am very impressed by Deputy Taylor’s knowledge and understanding of the Goleta community, as well as his interest in traffic, pedestrian and bike safety,” said Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene. “Deputy Taylor understands how important proactive education is in promoting traffic safety and is motivated to make difference in the community where he grew up.”
Taylor has been with the Sheriff’s Office since 2016. He was previously assigned to the Santa Maria sub-station and Central Valley sub-station. He also served as the liaison deputy between the Chumash Reservation Community and the Sheriff’s Office.
Goleta thanked Deputy Rockwell Ellis for his three years of service to the city on the Goleta Motors Unit, and for his quick actions (along with fellow Deputy David Ashley) to rescue a woman from an apartment fire in Old Town on Nov. 9. Ellis will now be working in the Coastal Patrol Bureau which serves the areas of Montecito, Carpinteria and Summerland.