WATSONVILLE—Mike Ciglar, a retired Watsonville Police Department officer and fixture in the local law scene for 30 years, died Oct. 15 at 62.
A longtime Watsonville resident, soft-spoken and easy going, Ciglar, among other things, played a huge role in community involvement and served at length as a DARE (Drug Awareness Resistance Education) officer at a host of area schools.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Mike since the early 1980s,” said former Watsonville Police Chief Manny Solano. “Mike knew the importance of being a good officer and lived a life serving his community and family. He especially shined as a DARE officer in our schools and made a big difference in the lives of many children.”
WPD posted a statement on Facebook: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of retired Officer Michael Ciglar #205. He joined WPD in 1980 and retired in 2009 with 30-years of service. We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.”
Former Watsonville High Principal Elaine Legorreta also weighed in on Facebook: “I remember his work with youth. Very genuine in helping elementary kids learn that police are helpers.”
Former WPD Police Chief Terry Medina said he acted as chief for much of Ciglar’s employment at the department.
“Mike was always dependable, always there and a good soldier—if you’ve got to have soldiers,” Medina said. “When I signed him up with DARE, he really excelled with that program; he took it to another level. Mike enjoyed being a police officer and it showed in his work.”
