Ex-LAPD Official Picked for Chief’s Post in Santa Ana

Clyde L. Cronkhite, a former Los Angeles deputy police chief, was named chief of the Santa Ana Police Department Friday.

Cronkhite, 49, was chosen from a field of 60 applicants for the $85,000-a-year post, City Manager David Ream said.

He will assume the job, overseeing about 370 police officers and 200 civilian employees, by Nov. 23. He replaces Raymond C. Davis, who retired in April after 14 years as chief.

Last year, Cronkhite, who lives in Huntington Beach, retired from the Los Angeles Police Department after 26 years to become vice president in charge of security for Columbia Savings & Loan Assn. in Irvine.