Signal Hill’s police chief Wayne Byerley has passed away at the age of 58. He was working on Dec. 18 when he experienced a medical emergency. According to Mayor Keir Jones, Byerley’s death was due to natural causes.
“Chief Byerley was more than a dedicated leader – he was the heart and soul of our Police Department and a cherished member of our community,” Jones said in a Facebook post.
“His decades of experience and commitment to excellence brought new energy and vision to our city. From day one, he was instrumental in strengthening recruitment and retention within the department, fostering a culture of collaboration, and inspiring every officer and team member with his optimism and leadership.
“Chief Byerley’s passion for community engagement was unmatched. He worked tirelessly to build bridges of trust and understanding between our Police Department and the residents of Signal Hill, creating a lasting foundation of mutual respect. His warmth, humility, and unwavering integrity left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
Byerley had led the Signal Hill Police Department since May of 2023. Before that, he was a police captain in Los Alamitos. For 32 years prior, Byerley worked as a division commander for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Byerley is survived by his wife and 15-year-old son.