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West Covina council appoints Antonio Cortina as police chief; sworn in at ceremony
Summary
The City Council unanimously appointed longtime West Covina officer Antonio Cortina as police chief Jan. 7, 2025. Cortina was sworn in at a public ceremony and pledged to emphasize community engagement, transparency and procedural justice.
The West Covina City Council on Jan. 7 appointed Antonio Cortina as the city’s next police chief and immediately swore him into office in a public ceremony at the Civic Center.
City Manager Paulina Morales recommended Cortina after an internal recruitment, saying he has “28 years of law enforcement experience and a distinguished record of leadership, service, and community engagement.” Councilmember Brian Gutierrez moved to appoint Cortina; Mayor Pro Tem Lopez Viado seconded the motion and the council voted 5-0 to approve the appointment.
At the swearing-in, Judge Joseph James Copeland administered the oath. Cortina told the audience he was “truly honored and humbled to stand here today as your new police chief,” and said he would prioritize transparency, professionalism and community partnerships. “The badge that every West Covina officer wears is a symbol of public trust,” Cortina said. “That trust is the most important thing to maintain and build.”
Multiple retired chiefs and colleagues addressed the council and attendees before Cortina’s remarks. Former Chief Frank Wills praised Cortina’s career and described him as “a cop’s cop” with extensive experience in patrol, detectives, SWAT and training. Richard Bell, the outgoing chief, and other law-enforcement leaders also offered remarks and support during the ceremony.
Morales told the council she favored an internal recruitment and described Cortina as “the epitome of what you would want in a police chief,” citing his collaborative approach and community engagement. Council members from across the dais offered congratulations; Councilmember Brian Gutierrez and others noted Cortina’s long record of community outreach and training.
Cortina introduced family members and mentors during his remarks and said he plans outreach to schools, neighborhoods and community organizations in the coming months. He described procedural justice and visible community engagement as central priorities and said officers would continue to focus on “treating those we contact with dignity and respect.”
The appointment was conducted during the council’s regular meeting; there was no separate closed session vote recorded. The council recessed after the ceremony for a reception in the community room.
What happens next: Cortina will lead the West Covina Police Department as chief. He did not announce specific new programs or personnel changes during the ceremony; the council and city manager discussed future resource requests generally during later agenda items.
