John Anthony DeCaprio

John Anthony DeCaprio was born in Buena Park, CA in 1963, the youngest of four siblings. He was raised in Garden Grove, CA and graduated from Westminster High School in 1981. He enrolled at Golden West College in 1981 to play football and to pursue his Associate Degree in Administration of Justice. After graduation from Golden West College, he transferred to California State University, Long Beach, where he received his Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.

John was hired as a police officer for the City of Fullerton in 1986. In his career as a law enforcement officer, he has been a patrol officer; a D.A.R.E Officer, teaching that program in elementary schools; a High School Resource Officer in the Fullerton High School District; and a member of the Fullerton SWAT team.

Ultimately John was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and was later assigned to the Investigations Bureau, and then the Gang Unit. In addition, John served as an investigator on a Regional Gang Enforcement Team with the Orange County District Attorneys Office, and as a Downtown Liaison Officer to the local Fullerton Businesses.

It was during that last posting that John began to work with the local homeless population. He changed his title and his assignment to that of Homeless Liaison Officer, and later worked with a four-man detail to serve the homeless.

During this time John collaborated with the Coast To Coast Foundation to create a model to work in conjunction with the Fullerton Police Department. Today this model is being used in ten cities throughout Orange County.

In 2012 John received the Fullerton Police Department’s Police Officer of the Year Award and the Distinguished Service Medal for performing exceptional service to the community, and contributing significantly to the betterment of the community.

After 29 years of service, John retired from the Fullerton Police Department. He continues to serve on the Boards of Directors of the Coast to Coast Foundation and the Boys and Girls Club of Fullerton. He is a member of the Fullerton Rotary and the Fullerton Elks.