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Sydney selects Sam Lovato as police chief; promotes John Nathan Heffley to sergeant
Summary
City administration announced Samuel “Sam” Lovato as the City of Sydney’s next police chief and promoted Officer John Nathan Heffley to sergeant during the Feb. 11 City Council meeting. The selections were presented by city staff and marked by remarks from Lovato; no council vote on the chief selection appears in the transcript.
City officials announced Samuel “Sam” Lovato as the next chief of police for the City of Sydney during the City Council meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11.
The selection was presented by city staff and followed by remarks from Lovato, who said, “I stand here today deeply honored and humbled to accept this position of chief of police for this great city.” He described a focus on community policing, partnerships and transparency.
Lovato outlined priorities including community policing, stronger coordination with the Sydney Fire Department and regional medical responders, and partnerships with other law-enforcement agencies to share information and avoid duplication. He said the department will “work diligently to create opportunities for positive interactions” such as neighborhood watch programs and community meetings.
At the same time, the city announced the promotion of Officer John Nathan Heffley (referred to later in the meeting as Jonathan Heffley) to the rank of sergeant. Lovato praised Heffley’s “calm demeanor,” “keen observational skills” and leadership qualities, and asked the assembly to join him in congratulating Heffley.
City staff said the selections followed a search process conducted by city administration and the civil service commission; the transcript does not record a separate council vote on Lovato’s appointment. Council members in the meeting offered congratulations and remarks of support.
Officials said they will continue to work on staffing and training needs for the department and to coordinate with partner agencies to implement Lovato’s stated priorities.
The council adjourned after the announcements and other routine business.
