Top Stories of 2001: The End of an Era

Whether it's the perfect crew cut or the old-school .45 pistol on his hip, Paul Sorrell is all cop.

Sorrell started his career in law enforcement more than 30 years ago as a police cadet in the Fountain Valley Police Department. He ended it in November after eight years as the department's chief of police.

During Sorrell’s career, he served in many key roles for the city, including SWAT team member and commander for 18 years. He also supervised the successful Law Enforcement Apprehension Program, which had the reputation of tirelessly pursuing drug traffickers and other career criminals to remove these negative elements from our communities.

As chief, Sorrell initiated many initiatives, including a comprehensive traffic safety plan, which has prevented fatalities and untold injuries in the community.  Chief Sorrell has also been known as a constant innovator, always looking for ways to effectively provide quality services to the residents of Fountain Valley. Chief Sorrell has also been a strong supporter of Special Olympics and Tip-a-Cop.

Sorrell was replaced as chief by Dan Llorens, who, like Sorrell, has spent his entire law enforcment career in Fountain Valley. Llorens is a 23-year veteran with the police department, beginning his career as a police recruit with the city in 1988. Llorens has worked on assignments as a patrol officer, gang investigator, senior police officer, patrol sergeant, special investigations unit sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and support services captain.