Familiar Face Returning to Lead Vista Sheriff’s Station

Vista is getting a new Sheriff’s captain — although “new” might not be quite the right word.

David LaDieu is set to take command of the Vista Sheriff’s Station on Friday, August 21, according to a City of Vista news update reported by The Vista Press.

LaDieu will replace Captain John Malan, who is being promoted to commander.

And for LaDieu, taking charge of the Vista station will also mean returning to familiar territory.

A Career With the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office

LaDieu has spent years with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and has risen through the department to the rank of lieutenant.

Official Sheriff records confirm that LaDieu has served as the department's Media Relations Director. The Sheriff's current command staff directory still lists him as “Lieutenant / Media Relations Director.”

The Sheriff's 2023 Annual Report also identifies LaDieu as its Media Relations Director, providing independent confirmation that he has held one of the department's more public-facing leadership positions.

That job put LaDieu in the position of communicating information to the public and news media about Sheriff’s Office incidents and investigations throughout San Diego County.

He Has Worked in Vista Before

LaDieu also has previous experience in Vista.

According to the City update, he served as a sergeant at the Vista Sheriff’s Station from November 2018 until January 2020.

His connection to the station during that period is also supported by archived San Diego County Sheriff’s Office records that identify Sergeant David LaDieu in connection with incidents handled in Vista.

Now, more than six years after leaving that assignment, he is set to return in a much different role — this time leading the station.

Why the Captain Matters in Vista

Unlike cities with their own municipal police departments, Vista contracts with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement.

That makes the captain of the Vista Sheriff’s Station an important local public-safety position.

The station handles law enforcement services for Vista as well as nearby unincorporated areas, with deputies providing patrol and investigative services and working with specialized Sheriff’s units when needed.

For Vista residents, the person running the station ultimately helps oversee the deputies and law-enforcement operations serving the community every day.

Another Promotion Brings Another Change

The transition comes as current Vista Captain John Malan moves up within the Sheriff's Office.

Malan became captain of the Vista Sheriff’s Station in December 2024. The City announced his appointment at the time after his predecessor, John Boyce, was promoted to commander.

Now Malan is following a similar path.

According to the latest City update, Malan is being promoted to commander and LaDieu will take his place beginning August 21.

For Vista, that means another change at the top of its local law-enforcement operation.

For LaDieu, it means coming back to a station where he has already served — only this time, he'll be the one in charge.

Questions About The New Vista Sheriff 

Who is taking over the Vista Sheriff’s Station?

David LaDieu is set to become captain of the Vista Sheriff’s Station.

When does David LaDieu take over?

According to the City update, the transition is scheduled for Friday, August 21.

Has LaDieu worked in Vista before?

Yes. The City reports that LaDieu served as a sergeant at the Vista Sheriff’s Station from November 2018 through January 2020.

Who is he replacing?

Captain John Malan, who is being promoted to commander.

Does Vista have its own police department?

No. Law-enforcement services in Vista are provided through a contract with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.