The City of Long Beach has selected Deputy Chief Robert Luna as its 26th Chief of Police, officials announced at a press conference Tuesday. The 29-year department veteran is replacing outgoing chief Jim McDonnell, who was recently elected Los Angeles County Sheriff. He is the first Latino to hold the top spot in the department’s 106-year history.
“I am humbled by this appointment and am ready to lead the excellent men and women of the Long Beach Police Department,” Luna said. “I am confident that my law enforcement experience and community focus will allow me to effectively serve the people of Long Beach as their Chief of Police.”
Luna, who grew up below the poverty level in unincorporated East L.A., said it was always his dream to become a cop. He began working for the department as a reserve officer in 1985 and was hired full-time in 1987. For the past eight years, he has served as deputy chief in charge of patrol. Luna was a finalist for the top job back in 2010, but was passed up in favor of McDonnell.
Luna’s appointment follows the election of the city’s first Latino mayor in June. As Chief, he will oversee a department of 1,200 employees with an operating budget of $211 million. He will earn $238,000 annually, according to Deputy City Manager Tom Modica.
Luna will officially assume the position on November 21.
Read more about Robert Luna's appointment here.