Police Chief Named Head of Public Safety Agency
Police Chief Barney Melekian was named Thursday as director of the city’s Public Safety Agency and will oversee the city’s Police and Fire departments.
His appointment comes as acting Pasadena Fire Chief Peter Pederson prepares to retire this week. Pasadena officials have already started efforts to recruit a successor to Pederson.
“Chief Melekian will help bridge the gap between Chief Pederson’s retirement and the appointment of a permanent fire chief,” Acting City Manager Cynthia Kurtz said.
Before coming to Pasadena two years ago as police chief, Melekian spent 23 years with the Santa Monica Police Department, rising to the rank of captain.
In his new position, Melekian will be in charge of 534 employees and an annual budget of more than $50 million, about half the city’s budget.
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