Police Chief Neal Johnson, 59, will retire on December 31st after serving the city for 38 years. He plans to work for an international security management company and open an office for the firm in Arcadia.
The Arcadia Police Department sponsors a group of young people which is also sanctioned by the Boy Scouts of America and is known as the Arcadia Police Explorer Post #101.
Ron Garner, 50, has been named to head the Police Department and replace retiring Neal Johnson. Garner has more than 21 years experience with the Beverly Hills Police Department, including the last 5 as Deputy Chief.
Michael L. Oddenino specializes in family law practice with the law firm of Oddenino & Gaule located at 444 East Huntington Drive in Arcadia. He is also the author of "Putting Kids First."
Ron Garner, 50, a deputy police chief in Beverly Hills with 24 years of police experience, has been named to head the Arcadia Police Department. He will lead a staff of 76 sworn officers and 26 civilian personnel.
Arcadia High School and the Police Department will work together in the Youth and Educational Support (YES) program. A police officer will be assigned to the high school as a resource officer.
Fordyce Johnson, a former Arcadia resident, died late last month at his home in San Diego from the complications of old age. The 93 year old was former chief of staff at Methodist Hospital.
Dennis Eck has been promoted from vice chairman and chief operating officer to President of Vons Co. He replaces Bill Davila, who officially retired as president of the company.
Ron Garner, the new chief of the Police Dept., has over 21 years of experience with the Beverly Hills Police Dept. as officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant and Captain.
After months of negotiations, the Arcadia Police Relief Association has failed to find common ground with the City Council on a contract which expired Sept. 30th. Officers want to work 3 12-hour days, like the Pasadena Police Dept. does, as well as receive a 1.5% increase for overtime, pay for being on call, and for equipment. Officers have received a 25.3% pay increase over the last 3 years.