Don Rhea began his career as a
deputy with the Marshal’s Office in 1960. He was
appointed as the Marshal of the South Judicial
District in March, 1969. When the consolidation of
the Marshal’s Offices occurred in 1970, Rhea was
appointed to the Assistant Marshal position under the
newly appointed Marshal, D. O. Wilkirson.
Don Rhea was appointed Marshal of
Orange County in 1974, following the retirement of
Marshal Dillard O. Wilkirson. Shortly after his
appointment, Marshal Rhea provided Mutual Aid
assistance to the Laguna Beach Police Department
during the "Williams Canyon Love-In." In
1975, Rhea successfully fought another attempt by the
Board of Supervisors to eliminate the Marshal’s
Department. The Department was reorganized as a
result, highlighted by the deletion of the Assistant
Marshal’s position he had previously held, and
two additional Captain’s positions.
Under Marshal Rhea’s
leadership, the Marshal’s Office began to
utilize non-sworn personnel to replace sworn officers
in certain field positions. The Marshal’s
Technician position was created to serve non-enforcement
civil process.
Marshal Rhea retired in 1982, and
was succeeded by Marshal James Byham.
