Across Southern California this year, a wave of leadership changes led to the appointment of 18 new police and fire chiefs. They now hold the power to steer the trajectory of their respective departments, dictating the culture, priorities and manner in which their officers will uphold their oaths to serve the public in 2026. Seventeen of the 18 appointees are men.
Here’s a look at the new leaders tasked with helping to shape the future of public safety in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and Orange counties.
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles Fire Department:Jaime Moore was appointed to the position of fire chief in November.
Burbank Police Department:Rafael Quintero was appointed as the department’s police chief in April.
Glendale Fire Department:Jeff Brooks was appointed as fire chief in June.
Torrance Police Department:Robert Dunn was appointed as the department’s police chief in September.
Gardena Police Department:Todd Fox was appointed as police chief in June.
Hermosa Beach Police Department:Landon Phillips was appointed as the department’s police chief in May.
Downey Fire Department:Anthony Hildebrand was appointed to the position of fire chief in January.
Montebello Police Department:Luis Lopez was appointed as the department’s police chief in February.
Covina Police Department:Ric Walczak was appointed to the position of police chief in January.
Claremont Police Department:Mike Ciszek was appointed as the department’s police chief in April.
Orange County
Orange Police Department:Adam Jevec was appointed to the position of police chief in March.
Newport Beach Police Department:Dave Miner was appointed as the department’s police chief in February.
Tustin Police Department:Sean Thuilliez was appointed to the position of police chief in March.
Anaheim Police Department:Manuel Cid will take over as police chief at the end of December.
Costa Mesa Police Department:Joyce LaPointe was appointed to the position of police chief in December, the first woman to serve in this role, according to the department.
Riverside County
Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department:Robert Fish was appointed as the department’s fire chief in December.
Beaumont Police Department:Chris Ramos was appointed to the position of police chief in July.
San Bernardino County
Big Bear Fire Department:Luke Wagner was appointed as the department’s fire chief in June.