MONTEBELLO (CNS) – Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Paul Espinosa will succeed Brad Keller, who is retiring, as chief of the Montebello Police Department effective April 11.
Espinosa ‘brings a wealth of knowledge and insight from serving with 11 different LAPD stations and having worked in numerous specialty divisions including training, community policing, gang impact and counter narcotics’ ‘ Deputy City Manager Arlene Salazar said at Wednesday’s city council meeting announcing Espinosa’s appointment.
Espinosa said he looks forward to working to “find meaningful ways to improve policing and public safety.”
‘I want to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to create a culture of protection and service that is focused on improving the quality of life here in Montebello,’ said Espinosa, who spent 28 years with the LAPD and is assigned to the Southwest Community Police Station.
Espinosa grew up in the northeast San Fernando Valley, earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Cal State Northridge, and is pursuing a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership at the University of San Diego.
Keller is retiring after 31 years with the Montebello Police Department, including nearly four years as chief.
Keller said at Wednesday’s board meeting that it was bittersweet to retire.
“I’m excited for the town of Montebello and can’t wait to retire,” Keller said.
Councilman Salvador Melendez called Keller an “incredible person and an incredible individual” who “brought so much stability to the city.”
