For over 22 years, Jung Lee dedicated himself to keeping Orange County safe as a sergeant of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. Today, he brings that same commitment to Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD), where he supports campus safety. His journey is one defined by duty, deep family values, and a profound sense of pride in his Korean American heritage.
Chief David Waters is also proud to have Jung Lee on his team. “Officer Lee is a respected and seasoned veteran with the Orange County Sheriff Department and his addition solidifies our commitment to keep our campuses safe and secure for our students, faculty, and guests.”
One of Lee’s proudest moments in law enforcement came when he helped locate a missing person in crisis, an experience that continues to shape his view of public service. Relying on intuition and a phone log, he traced the individual’s last contacts and tracked them to a motel, where local police arrived just in time to intervene. “It was one of those cases where you just follow your gut,” he said. “I was supposed to go home in five minutes, but I knew I couldn’t walk away.” The individual received help, and the family later sent a heartfelt letter of thanks, one Lee still remembers to this day.
Outside of work, Lee devotes much of his time to being “Mr. Mom” to his two daughters, ages eight and twelve. “My wife works full time, so I do the drop-offs, pickups, cleaning, laundry, all of it,” he said. “I didn’t want to miss this chapter in their lives.” His flexible role at RSCCD allows him to stay present for his children while continuing to serve the community.
Fatherhood, Lee says, has softened him in ways law enforcement never could. “It’s changed how I see the world, how I approach conflict, how I talk to people, how I listen,” he said. “I used to be all about the rules. Now, I still believe in doing the right thing, but I lead with empathy first especially with students.”
Born and raised in Chicago, Lee grew up as one of the only Korean students in his school. APIDA Heritage Month brings reflection on his identity and representation in the field. “There weren’t many people who looked like me in this field when I started,” Lee said. “My father told me I’d have to work twice as hard. So that’s what I did.”
He takes pride in seeing greater representation in law enforcement leadership, especially when Dominic Choi became the interim chief of the Los Angeles Police Department. “That was a huge moment,” Lee said. “It’s encouraging to see that kind of progress, and I hope to see even more of it throughout Southern California.”
Whether he's mentoring a colleague, patrolling a campus, or picking up his daughter from dance class, Lee lives by a simple philosophy: “Do the right thing. Follow the rules, be ethical, and have integrity. No matter what uniform you wear, character is what counts.”
As he celebrates APIDA Heritage Month, Lee hopes his story encourages others to take pride in their roots and lead with purpose. “Representation matters,” he said. “When people see someone like me serving, it shows the next generation they can do it too.”
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