STOCKTON – The  San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday recognized retired Ripon Police Department Sergeant Stephen Meece as part of their efforts to celebrate the service our first responders provide to local communities.

Sgt. Meece began his Law Enforcement career with the California Department of Corrections in 2000 as a Medical Technical Assistant (Correctional Officer/Nurse). In 2003, he transitioned to a Ranger with the California Department of Parks and Recreation. He joined the Ripon Police Department in 2006. Sgt. Meece has held several sworn-officer job designations within the department over his 17 years of service to the Ripon community.

Prior to his Law Enforcement Career, Sgt. Meece served in the US Navy, active duty and reserves, from 1991-2002, participating in Operation Desert Stay in Kuwait and saw combat in Mogadishu, Somalia in 1995 during United Shield performing Search and Rescue Operations in support of the United Nations troop withdrawal.

He is active in his community as a member of  American Legion Post 190 and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1051, volunteers as a cycling coach for JDRF Ride to Cure in his daughter’s honor raising funds to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes, and rides for the Police Unity Tour raising funds to support the National Law Enforcement Officer’s Memorial.

 “It was a privilege to honor and recognize Sergeant Meece and his outstanding service to the residents of Ripon and San Joaquin County,” Board of Supervisors Chair Robert Rickman.