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South's history with Moraga began well before the police force, in that he's a hometown boy who attended Joaquin Moraga Intermediate School and later graduated from Campolindo High School. As a youngster, he always kept his eye on the prize. "Ever since I was little, all I ever wanted to do was become a police officer," he recalled. "I have always been drawn to service, helping others and protecting the vulnerable."
Prior to his long tenure with MPD, South worked a year for the Probation Department, but not as a police officer. When he leaves Moraga his new employer will be the State of California at the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). South's new title will be Law Enforcement Consultant with a variety of duties to perform. "POST sets hiring and selection standards of California law enforcement and the mission is to continually enhance the professionalism of California law enforcement in serving its communities," he explained. "I am looking forward to having the opportunity to positively impact the profession of law enforcement statewide in my new role."
MPD Interim Chief Jon King referred to South as a "true professional and the heart and soul of this department for many years. He's served the town as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, a mentor to other officers, and my right hand and partner."
South has had his share of disturbing experiences while on the job. "I have had a lot of interesting and challenging cases over the years, but cases involving children tend to be the ones that stick with me," he remembered. "One in particular involved a very vulnerable survivor, and I have always admired her courage in working with us and standing up to her abuser."
"Brian's been an integral part of this town," stated King. "Besides being a public servant he's been president of Moraga Police Officers Association, president of Moraga Rotary, a volunteer for many causes, and overall, a good community person."
The ever-humble South is proudest of his opportunity to have been a mentor to other officers and youths who are interested in law enforcement careers. "I was grateful to have had great mentors," South said.
When asked why he decided to leave the town he grew up in, South replied, "It was a difficult decision, and I will miss Moraga, but I am looking forward to the opportunity to impact the profession of law enforcement statewide in my new role."
South's legacy to the town is that "hopefully, I helped to contribute to the safety and well-being of the community. Moraga is a special place and I will miss the residents and the town staff who make it such a great place to live and work. I appreciate being able to serve the community and for all the opportunities that were provided to me over the last 20 years."
"As an officer, he's the model of what we look for," remarked King. "He can arrest the bad guys when he needs to; and he's a great community liaison for the department. We're gonna miss him."
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA