Mayor Ward L. Smith, District 5

Mayor Ward Smith has been a Placentia resident for most of his life. In 1965, the Smith family moved from the City of Los Angeles to the bedroom community of Placentia. As a student, Ward attended Golden and Brookhaven Elementary schools, Tuffree Jr. High and El Dorado High School. He graduated from Fullerton Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in Police Science and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of La Verne.

In 1981, after attending the police academy at Golden West College, Ward joined the Placentia Police Department. He worked for the department for 35 years, serving the community in nearly every law enforcement assignment. He rose through the ranks from Patrol Officer to Chief of Police before retiring in 2016.

Upon his retirement, Ward ran for Placentia City Council and was elected in November of 2016. Currently, he serves as the City's elected representative for City Council District 5. Ward is serving as the City Council liaison to the Southern California Association of Governments and is the chairperson for the Community Advisory Board for Bridges at Kraemer Homeless Navigation Center. He enjoys working with other council members and City staff as they cohesively continue to address issues, solve problems and move Placentia toward a bright, sustainable future.

Outside of City Hall, Ward is active with many community-based organizations. He serves on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Adult Achievement Center (My Day Counts), Rotary Club of Placentia, Love Placentia, and the Orange County Peace Officers Association. His activities also extend to several local non-profits such as H.I.S House, With Hope, LOT318, Placentia Chamber of Commerce, Santa Fe Merchants Association and the Placentia Post of the American Legion. All of whom benefit from his advocacy and volunteer time. On Sundays, you'll find Ward active with his church.