Updated on July 1, 2021 at 7:40 pm
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The La Mesa City manager appointed a new Chief of Police on Thursday after Chief Walt Vasquez announced his retirement in August 2020.
Greg Humora appointed Ray Sweeney to serve as La Mesa Chief of Police, effective immediately.
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Sweeney served as a captain with the La Mesa Police Department since 2015. Before joining the La Mesa Police Department in 2001, Sweeney served in the U.S. Army and subsequently in the California Army National Guard.
“Having just hit a 20 year milestone with the La Mesa community, it is a huge honor and responsibility to be selected as the next Chief of Police. I am truly humbled to lead the great men and women of the La Mesa Police Department into the future, as we reimagine policing for our community, Sweeney said. My commitment is to strengthen community trust, provide the best public safet
According to the city, 25 applications have been filled for the role and are now being screened. The most qualified candidates will be interviewed by two panels: one community stakeholder panel and a professional one.
The professional panel includes executives in local government around San Diego while the former includes representatives from La Mesa’s school district, its citizen task force on homelessness, the La Mesa Community Police Oversight Board, the faith-based community and the city’s police officer association.
Those who are selected to advance in the hiring process will then be interviewed by La Mesa city staff.
The city estimates that with interviews being completed by the end of March, a new hire announcement may be made in April.