Montebello swears in Luis Lopez as police chief after 32 years with department

The Montebello City Council on Feb. 19 formally welcomed and administered the oath of office to Luis Lopez as chief of police. Lopez, who the mayor said spent 32 years with the Montebello Police Department before retiring in May 2024, accepted the role after a decision to return from retirement.

City leaders read a summary of Lopez’s career, noting duties in patrol, detective assignments, supervisory roles and leadership positions including captain and bureau supervisor. The mayor and council members offered congratulatory remarks prior to the oath, highlighting his decades of community service and department leadership.

Chief Lopez took the oath of office and addressed the chamber, thanking the council, city staff, his family and the community. "It's a privilege to be your servant leader," Lopez said after his swearing-in, and he described Montebello as “a proud community” the department serves with ‘‘transparency and equality.’’ He said he looked forward to collaborating with staff and residents.

Council members and staff praised Lopez’s professional record and community ties. The mayor thanked Lopez and noted that the Montebello Police Officers Association hosted a luncheon in his honor. City Manager Raul Alvarez welcomed Lopez back to the department and noted the chief had already begun work in his new role.

The council recessed briefly after the ceremony for photos and a reception; Lopez then joined officials at the dais and later participated in community events.

Ending: Lopez’s swearing-in concluded the ceremonial portion of the meeting; no council action was required to effect the oath, which followed presentation remarks and public acknowledgement.