Former Undersheriff Jay LaSuer has been a California Peace Officer for thirty-one years. Born January 24, 1940, in Hutchinson, Kansas, Jay grew up in San Diego and El Cajon. After graduating from El Cajon High School, Jay enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served his country in the 101st Airborne Division. He was honorably discharged in 1961. Jay is married to his wife of forty-five years, Lynn. They have two daughters, and three grandchildren.

Jay joined the San Diego Police Department in 1961. In 1967 Jay resigned from the San Diego Police Department to attend San Diego State University. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Administration in 1969.  Jay joined the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department in 1970.  He advanced through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and ultimately obtained the rank of Undersheriff.  He served as the Undersheriff for four years until he retired in 1994. During his twenty-five year tenure with the Sheriff’s Department, Jay attended and graduated from the FBI National Academy.

In 1990, Jay successfully ran for the La Mesa City Council where he served for ten years subsequent to his election to the California State Assembly in 2000.

Jay honorably served six years in the California State Assembly representing the Seventy-Seventh Assembly District from 2000 to 2006. While serving the 77th District, Jay received many awards and recognitions:

AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS:

• Legislator of the Year, Crime Victims United of California.
• Legislator of the Year, California State Sheriff's Association.
• Legislator of the Year, Golden Badge Foundation, California Coalition of Law Enforcement Associations.
• Legislative Leadership Award, Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff's Association.
• Legislator of the Year, California Association of Behavior Analysis.
• Assemblyman of the Year, California Rifle and Pistol Association.
• Samuel Adams Award for Outstanding Leadership, Local Government Council.
• Member of Distinction Award, Boy Scouts of America.
• Elected Official of the Year, California Independent Grocers & Convenience Stores.
• Golden Mouse Technology Hero Award, Technology Training Foundation of America.
• Legislator of the Year, San Diego County Republican Party.
• Legislator of the Year, California Off-Highway Motor Vehicles Recreation Program.
• Legislator of the Year, ABATE of California.
• Legislator of the Year, Associated Builders and Contractors.