John Stites was born on June 20, 1953 and was raised in Los Angeles County. He attended Griffith Junior High and Garfield High School in East Los Angeles, leaving to enlist in the U.S. Army in 1970. After Airborne Jump School at Fort Benning, GA., John served in Special Forces units overseas and stateside.

Specifically trained as a communications specialist and medic, he left the military in 1979 after leading a medical platoon with the 82nd Airborne Division, Ft. Bragg, NC. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve accumulating 27 years of service. He is a Master Parachutist, Expert Field Medic and has received over twenty decorations and awards.

John returned to Los Angeles County in May 1979. After working a short stint as a Corrections Officer with the Federal Correctional Institute, Terminal Island, CA, he joined the Sheriff's Department in 1980.

He has experienced all aspects of law enforcement during his tenure with the Sheriff's Department with assignments in custody, patrol, gang investigations and court services. He was promoted to Sergeant in 1989. He has served at Sheriff Patrol stations in Lennox, Marina Del Rey, West Hollywood, Lynwood and Pico Rivera. During the 1990s he was an "on the ground" leader during the Rodney King riots, the Malibu and Azusa fires and the Northridge Earthquake.

An unsuccessful bid for the Sheriff's Office in 1994 ensured that his professional progression within the department was significantly impacted, but he continues to do the job wherever the assignment. He has over fifty written commendations and awards from the public and the Department. He is the recipient of the Sheriff's Department Meritorious Conduct (Valor) Award for actions in saving a distraught suicide victim who had set himself on fire. He was awarded the Lifesaver's Recognition by the Los Angeles City Fire Department for his actions in saving a heart attack victim in 1997. He has been awarded both the Advanced and Supervisory Certificates by the California Peace Officers Standard and Training Commission.

John currently oversees the Sheriff Operations in the El Monte Court of Court Services which is located in the San Gabriel Valley. He graduated with honors (Cum Laude) from National University, San Diego, CA, with a Bachelors in Public Administration. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors, Los Angeles County Professional Peace Officers Association (AFL-CIO). He is a member of the American Legion, and life member of the NRA, CRPA, and LEAA.

John Stites is a widower with two stepsons, three daughters and two granddaughters. His wife of 17 years, Elizabeth Reyes, passed away in February, 1998, after a valiant battle with breast cancer initially diagnosed in 1991. She was a Child Abuse Investigator with the Sheriff's Department. He enjoys riding his Harley-Davison for relaxation and participates in many charitable events as an appointed club officer with a national law enforcement motorcycle club. He currently lives in Avocado Heights, CA., an unincorporated county area in the San Gabriel Valley.

________________________________________________________________go to top of page