Local News in Brief : Westminster : City Narrows Choice for Police Chief Down to 1

A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department captain is the leading candidate to take over for the city’s police chief, who retired nearly four months ago, a city official said Tuesday.

After screening 28 applicants for the job, the field has been narrowed down to one: James Irwin Cook, 51, captain of the Sheriff’s Department juvenile investigations bureau, officials said. If Cook passes a routine medical background check, he will begin his new duties as soon as possible, Councilwoman Joy L. Neugebauer said.

The present police chief, Donald Saviers, 51, who has been with the Westminster Police Department for 28 years, retired in January. He has remained as acting police chief until his replacement could be named.

Saviers, who plans to pursue a work management position in the Asian community, said he supports the selection of Cook. “I think he will be very good for the department,” Saviers said.

A formal announcement on the selection of the new chief is expected to be made within the next week, City Manager Murray Warden said.

Cook, who has 25 years experience in law enforcement, was formerly a captain with the Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood division. Cook’s work experience includes stints in the budget and administrative divisions of the Sheriff’s Department, as well as field work with a patrol unit, Los Angeles County officials said.