Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA COUNTY — 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, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santa Maria Police Lieutenant Paul Van Meel to its Board of Directors.
Paul 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. He 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, Paul was named “2010 Officer of the Year,” “Mark Riddering/Street Narcotics Officer of the Year,” and Santa Maria Police Dept. “Employee of the Month.” He received the H. Thomas Geary Award in 2010 as well as other certificates of commendation during his career.
“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 FSA Executive Director Lisa Brabo, “Our agency will benefit from his vast experience and his knowledge of the Santa Maria community.”
— Family Service Agency of Santa Barbara County (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 (SMVYFC) in Santa Maria and Little House By The Park (LHP) in Guadalupe, FSA helps the community’s most vulnerable children, families, and seniors meet their basic needs while simultaneously addressing mental health needs. Through this holistic approach, FSA improves the strength and well-being of our community. All services are provided free or on a sliding fee/donation scale and no one is denied assistance because of an inability to pay. Visit fsacares.org or call (805) 965-1001 for more information.