LOMPOC, Calif- Larry Ralston has been chosen has the new Lompoc Police chief. He will replace the current Police Chief, Timothy L. Dabney, when he retires in August.
"I am very pleased to accept the position of Lompoc Police Chief, having the opportunity to lead the exceptional police team, building upon the successful programs and operations developed under the leadership of Chief Timothy Dabney," said Ralston.
News Release From City of Lompoc
Holding the position of Lompoc Police Captain since June of 2007, Ralston currently manages the Operations Division of the Department, and managed the Department's budget of $8.5 million. Starting his law enforcement career in 1983, working for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, and having spent 18 years working for the City of Santa Maria Police Department, Ralston brings to the Lompoc Police Chief position nearly three decades of experience, including more than nine years of law enforcement management experience. Having the respect from his police peers, subordinates and POA members, Ralston's objective as Chief is to manage his law enforcement team through an open, participative management style, encouraging involvement of stakeholders to develop policing strategies that ensure a safe community and quality of life for the residents of Lompoc. "Ralston is a competent and confident leader who will give the Lompoc Police Department solid direction for the future, working to implement policing objectives that support the City Council's goals and priorities of economic development and code enforcement," said City Administrator Barcelona.
Competing for the position through an internal recruitment process, interviewing before a professional management and technical panel, as well as a community panel, Ralston was selected for the top police position as Chief of Police, based on his combination of career accomplishments, background, education and training. Ralston holds a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, as well as having completed the FBI National Academy and POST Command College. He has a proven track record of integrity-driven leadership, promoting excellence within the organization and the Lompoc community. He is well respected by other law enforcement agencies, regarded by the County of Santa Barbara District Attorney, Joyce Dudley, as "one of the go-to people at the Lompoc Police Department. He is approachable, responsive, and a team player."
Ralston's wife, Ellen, works for the Lompoc Unified School District, having been a teacher for 26 years. Together, they have two adult children, a daughter who is completing her Master's Degree at Colorado State University, and a son who recently enlisted in the United States Air Force.
"I am very pleased to accept the position of Lompoc Police Chief, having the opportunity to lead the exceptional police team, building upon the successful programs and operations developed under the leadership of Chief Timothy Dabney," said Ralston.
Chief Ralston will be sworn in as Chief of Police on August 14, at 6:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers.
