Fullerton : LAPD Captain to Head Police Dept.

Pat McKinley, a captain with the Los Angeles Police Department, was selected Tuesday to become chief of the Police Department. He will start Feb. 8.

McKinley, 51, is a 29-year veteran of the LAPD. He will replace Chief Philip A. Goehring, who retired Dec. 28 after 31 years with the department.

City Manager James L. Armstrong, in making the appointment, praised McKinley’s leadership and community involvement.

Mayor Molly McClanahan said McKinley described his leadership style as being “more of a coach.”

“I really like that leadership approach,” McClanahan said. “It’s helping people fulfill their potential.”

Mayor Pro Tem A.B. (Buck) Catlin said: “I was very impressed with McKinley. He has a great depth of experience.

“Those problems that they’re having in the big cities are beginning to infringe on us.”

McKinley was born in South Dakota and grew up in Minnesota. He joined the LAPD in 1964 and has been assigned to patrol, investigation and the SWAT team. He also was chief investigator for the department’s Internal Affairs Division.

McKinley was promoted to lieutenant in 1973 and to captain in 1979. As captain, he has commanded the 77th Street Division, a detective support division, the Metropolitan Division and, most recently, the West Los Angeles Division.