Auburn Chamber of Commerce Celebrate the Community Awards: County of Placer – District Attorney Morgan Gire and his team

I am truly honored to nominate District Attorney Morgan Gire and the entire Placer County District Attorney's Office for this year's Placer County Award in recognition of their extraordinary leadership, innovation and commitment to public safety and community wellbeing. Since taking office in 2020, Gire has led with a clear vision: Protect the public while strengthening trust and connection between the justice system and the people it serves. Under his leadership, the DA's Office has tackled some of the most pressing issues facing our county with urgency, compassion and creativity. Perhaps most notably, Morgan and his team have been on the front lines of the fentanyl crisis. To date, the office has filed seven criminal cases involving fentanyl-related deaths – six of which are murder cases. Three have already resulted in second-degree murder convictions, including California's first conviction of its kind. But their response hasn't stopped at prosecution. Recognizing the importance of prevention, the office has reached more than 40,000 students through 92 school assemblies, held more than 50 parent and community presentations and launched a powerful public awareness campaign that earned both a CAPIO EPIC Award and an Emmy in 2025. In 2024, the DA's Office launched the Placer Retail Theft Initiative in response to growing concerns from local businesses. Thanks to a competitive grant, the office was able to assign a dedicated prosecutor, investigator and crime analyst to focus on organized retail theft. Morgan personally engaged with Chambers of Commerce across the county, explaining the law, the office's approach and practical steps businesses could take. The initiative included distributing window signage, placing billboards around the county and reinforcing that Placer County stands with its business community. Beyond their prosecutorial work, the District Attorney's Office plays a vital role in connecting residents with support services. Their team organizes three annual resource fairs – focused on families, mental health and senior services – and their victim advocates provide daily support to crime victims across the county. Morgan's professional background is impressive – he brings nearly two decades of prosecutorial experience, including time as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Chief Deputy in Sacramento. But it's his vision, community-centered leadership and the tireless work of his department that make him – and the entire DA's Office – so deserving of this award. Through all of this work, Morgan has brought a steady hand, a collaborative spirit and a genuine care for the people of Placer County. His unwavering pursuit of justice for victims, and his clear message that Placer County is not the place to commit crimes, has set a powerful tone for safety and accountability in our county. Please join me in thanking District Attorney Morgan Gire and the Placer County District Attorney's Office for their extraordinary service to our community.