The City of Bell has tapped Suisun City Police Chief Edmond Dadisho to head its police department, according to an announcement issued by the city council Monday. The selection initially came at the behest of City Manager Doug Wilmore and follows an extensive search involving at least 40 candidates.
The city council has already approved at $160,000 contract with Dadisho, who is scheduled to begin in early January. Dadisho’s predecessor, Randy Adams, was earning an astronomical salary of $457,000 per year before he resigned.
"I'm excited to be returning to the Los Angeles area," said Dadisho in a statement. "I'm also excited for the opportunity to step into a community like Bell and lead the Bell Police Department. It's an honor to be chosen and one I don't take lightly."
Dadisho has served as Suisun City’s police chief for the past eight years. For the preceding 25 years, he worked for the Los Angeles Police Department. He is a graduate of the West Point leadership program and holds a master's degree in emergency services management from California State University, Long Beach. He is also a member of several professional law enforcement organizations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police and the California Police Chiefs' Association.
"We are extremely gratified that Chief Dadisho is excited to come to the city of Bell," Mayor Nestor Valencia remarked. "Attracting leaders with his experience, honesty and commitment are important for our Police Department and for our city as we continue to make progress."
Dadisho’s hiring is seen as a fresh start for the city, which has seen a number of police chiefs since its infamous corruption scandal. Anthony Miranda, who became acting chief in 2012, is now leading the Irwindale Police Department. Interim Chief Roy Campo is currently occupying the position in Bell.
Read more about Edmond Dadisho here.