No Changes Now, Interim Anaheim Police Chief Says
The Police Department will not undergo any changes in the near future because of the death of Chief Joseph T. Molloy, his interim replacement said Wednesday.
Capt. Randall Gaston, who was named interim police chief by City Manager James D. Ruth on Tuesday hours after Molloy’s death by heart attack, said “the department will conduct its business as usual and serve the city as we have been.”
He said that, while the situation is obviously different emotionally, the department has to operate as if the chief was simply absent.
“We have tragically had a loss and we are in mourning, but police departments have to have a great deal of resolve,” said Gaston, a 28-year member of the department who has been a captain for 10 years. He will be assisted by the department’s four other captains.
Molloy’s funeral will take place at 11 a.m. Friday at the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove. No burial arrangements have been announced. Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. today at Bachs-Kaulbers Baggott & Schott Anaheim Mortuary, 1617 W. La Palma Ave.
Ruth said no announcements will be made until next week on how a search for a new chief will be conducted.
Molloy, 54, was found dead in his office early Tuesday, apparently stricken as he prepared to go for his customary morning jog.
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