Huntington Beach Police Union’s Leader Supports City Council’s Choice for Chief

The Huntington Beach police officers’ union Tuesday said Police Chief-designate Ronald E. Lowenberg will be an “excellent representative” of the 213-member force.

“We’re going to serve our chief 100%,” said Sgt. Bill Martin, president of the Huntington Beach Police Officers Assn.

The Huntington Beach City Council on Monday night named Lowenberg its new top law enforcement officer after a national search. He was one of three finalists vying for the $80,000-a-year job.

Will Assume Post Sept. 25

Martin called Lowenberg, now chief of police in Cypress, a good leader and teacher of law enforcement. Lowenberg, 43, will assume his new post Sept. 25.

Although the council took more than two hours to approve the choice of City Administrator Paul Cook behind closed doors, the vote was unanimous, Mayor Wes Bannister said.

“He was good in the interviews, and he’s committed to police work,” Bannister said Tuesday. “And he’s not eligible for retirement for eight years. We might actually keep him for more than two.”

Lowenberg will succeed Grover (Bill) Payne, who retired Aug. 4 after two years as chief.

Bannister said Lowenberg, president of the county police chiefs’ association, said he is active with state law enforcement groups and will add visibility to the department.

Before the selection, Martin criticized the job-selection process as too fast and said Cook’s refusal to hear suggestions from rank-and-file members of the department tarnished the relationship between the union and the city.

But Martin said all that is behind them for now. “I’m optimistic,” he said.

Sees Transition Ahead

Lowenberg, who acknowledged Monday night that he will have to make a transition from a smaller city to a larger one, described himself as a “high-energy communicator” who can quickly get to know the operation.

Martin said the new chief faces a lot of challenges.

“What lies before him is getting the department heading toward one goal,” he said.