Hail to the chief

MEDIA CITY CENTER - Citing his accessibility and efforts to break down

cultural barriers, outgoing Burbank Police Chief David Newsham was

honored by the Burbank Human Relations Council at its annual community

mixer.

“Through his leadership, his department has become more culturally

aware and sensitive to the community,” said council member Marsha Ramos

at Wednesday’s event at the Burbank Family YMCA. “He is dedicated and

generous and his door is always open.”

Newsham told the audience of about 30 that he worked with the Burbank

Human Relations to establish the departments’s first cultural diversity

training program.

He said he learned much working with the council.

“There are people in this community who need a voice,” Newsham said.

“The police chief is a position that people expect access to.

“People expect to get a hold of somebody who can make a difference.”

State Assemblyman Scott Wildman (D-Burbank) was on-hand to present

Newsham with a State Assembly Certificate of Recognition.

The police chief was also given a plaque by the human relations

council commending him for “bringing a vision of justice and tolerance to

law enforcement and making Burbank a better community.”