Due to an unexpected medical leave for La Verne Chief of Police, Colleen Flores, the City has designated Captain Sam Gonzalez as the Acting Chief of Police. Chief Flores began a leave for medical reasons on Monday, February 6, 2023.
On Tuesday, February 7, 2023, City Manager, Ken Domer, informed the City Council of the designation of Captain Sam Gonzalez as the Acting Chief of Police. Captain Gonzalez has been with the La Verne Police Department for 22 years. Before making La Verne PD his home, he worked for the Los Angeles Police Department and served in the United States Marine Corps. His assignments and ranks have included, Field Training Officer, Police Corporal, Detective, Range Master, Police Sniper, Tactical Flight Officer, Drug Recognition Expert, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, and as the Administrative Lieutenant overseeing the Support Services Division before being promoted to Captain.
“Chief Flores is a tremendous individual and her leadership of the La Verne Police Department has fostered a culture that promotes professionalism, community partnership, trust, and respect,” stated Mayor Tim Hepburn. “I know the entire community and all City employees join me in wishing her a speedy recovery so she can continue to lead the women and men of the Police Department in service to the community.”
Acting Chief Gonzalez has also been designated as the liaison to Chief Flores’ family during her leave and in-lieu of reaching out to Chief Flores, it is requested that all inquiries be directed to Acting Chief Gonzalez.
Contact: Ken Domer, City Manager
Telephone: 909-596-8726