San Clemente Police Chief Announces His Retirement

Police Chief Albert C. Ehlow has announced his retirement, after a career that began 29 years ago as the department’s dog catcher.

Ehlow, 53, told city officials last week about his plans to step down in July.

“We’re all going to miss him,” City Manager Michael W. Parness said Saturday. “He has done a terrific job.”

The overwhelming majority of the 70-member department had expressed “some sadness” over the chief’s plans to retire, Parness said.

Ehlow was appointed chief in 1987, after the city fired Kelson McDaniel from the position.

“He took over the department in turbulent times and he has had a calming and stable influence,’ Parness said. “Before he became chief, there was a lot of tension and a lot of factions within the department. Al has provided leadership for a department of a community in transition--from a small town-type atmosphere to a community with big-city problems.”

The Police Department, however, recently came under fire after the arrest of one of its officers on rape charges. Further, a recent audit criticized the leadership for slow responses to emergencies, lack of training for officers and a disorganized detective bureau.

But Parness said the recent troubles did not trigger Ehlow’s resignation. In fact, Parness said, Ehlow had indicated for some time that he planned to retire so that he could “maximize his retirement benefits.”

Parness said he plans to meet with the council soon to discuss exactly how the city should recruit a replacement.

“As a city manager, this is the most crucial appointment,” Parness said. “We plan to take our time because we want to do it right. I want the best man possible.”