After a comprehensive search, the El Centro City Council has chosen its newest member. On April 17, Michael Crankshaw was unanimously appointed to fill the seat vacated by Tomas Oliva. Crankshaw was sworn in April 21.
For more than three decades, Crankshaw has worked as a professional in law enforcement. From 1988 to 2013, he was an El Centro police commander. He then served as Chief of Police for the City of Brawley and Interim Police Chief for the City of Imperial.
Crankshaw also has a background in education. He previously served as Interim Academy Director at Imperial Valley College where he has been an adjunct professor since 1995. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Administration of Criminal Justice from the University of Phoenix, underwent advanced law enforcement training at the University of Virginia in Quantico, and completed the FBI National Academy and West Point Leadership program.
“Michael Crankshaw is a respected leader with deep roots in our region and a lifetime of service to the Imperial Valley,” Mayor Pro Tem Sonia Carter said in a news release. “His experience in public safety and education will bring valuable insight to the Council as we continue working toward a stronger future for El Centro.”
Crankshaw was one of eight finalists who were interviewed on April 16. The seven others were former City Councilmember Edgard Garcia; Imperial County Workforce Board Member Jason Jackson, who also previously served on the Council; former City Councilmember Cheryl Viegas Walker; Imperial Valley Continuum of Care Council Executive Board Member Richard Lopez; former City Councilmember David Dhillon; and Raymond Loera, who previously served as Imperial County Sheriff and El Centro Chief of Police.
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