San Gabriel Valley : JOB SWAP

Rick Shaurette took command of Pomona’s Police Department this week after the City Council approved an unusual job swap that promoted him to chief and demoted Chuck Heilman to Shaurette’s position of deputy chief.

Mayor Eddie Cortez said the council on Monday unanimously approved the swap recommended by City Administrator Severo Esquivel after Heilman requested that he be demoted.

Heilman asked to step down from the chief’s position he has held for two years so he can devote more time to his wife, who suffers from a debilitating illness, Cortez said.

“These are two fine gentlemen who are both capable of doing each other’s jobs,” Cortez said. “This is about continuity. Chuck has been doing well in cutting the crime rate and expanding community policing, and we want to continue in that direction.”

As deputy chief, Heilman will not be required to the attend dozens of ceremonial events and city meetings he was obligated to as chief, officials said.

Meanwhile, Shaurette, 52, has landed a job that officials describe as “a 24-hour, seven-day a week position.”