San Diego County Sheriff’s Capt. David LaDieu has been appointed to lead the Vista Sheriff’s Station, effective Friday, Aug. 21. LaDieu succeeds Capt. John Malan, who is being promoted to commander with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

Captain David LaDieu

LaDieu brings two decades of law enforcement experience to the position, including a previous assignment at the Vista Sheriff’s Station. From November 2018 to January 2020, he served as a sergeant at the station, giving him firsthand knowledge of the community and its public safety needs.

“Captain LaDieu’s familiarity with Vista and his broad leadership experience make him an excellent choice to lead the Vista Sheriff’s Station,” City Manager John Conley said. “His previous service at the station gives him an established understanding of our community, while his experience as the Sheriff’s Office media relations director reflects his ability to communicate openly and build public trust. We look forward to welcoming him back to Vista and working with him to keep our community safe.”

LaDieu began his career with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office as a detention deputy sheriff in 2005. During his career, he has served in patrol, gang and border crime suppression, the Special Enforcement Detail, the Sheriff’s Communications Center and the Narcotics Task Force. He also served as the Sheriff’s Office media relations director from March 2023 to April 2024. Most recently, he has led the department’s Major Crimes Division as a captain since January 2025.

“Stepping into this position is an incredible honor,” LaDieu said. “I look forward to working collaboratively with our residents, community organizations and the dedicated deputies who serve this community each day. I am committed to fostering meaningful engagement, strengthening public trust and improving quality-of-life issues for our residents. I am optimistic about the opportunities ahead and remain dedicated to ensuring our continued partnership with the community.”

LaDieu has received multiple departmental honors, including meritorious and sheriff’s unit citations and recognition for exemplary performance.

Malan has led the Vista Sheriff’s Station since December 2024. As captain, he has overseen law enforcement services provided to the City of Vista.

“The City congratulates Captain Malan on his well-earned promotion and thanks him for his leadership and service to Vista,” Conley said. “We wish him continued success in his new role as commander.”

The Vista Sheriff’s Station provides law enforcement services under contract with the City of Vista through the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.