Police Chief Mike Lorenz honored; council approves compensation package tied to incoming Chief Rudy Lopez

The Ontario City Council recognized Police Chief Mike Lorenz on his retirement after 28 years with the department and approved a consent calendar that includes a compensation range for the incoming police chief.

Chief Lorenz, who joined the Ontario Police Department in 1998 and was sworn in as chief in 2020, accepted a certificate and tributes from the mayor and council. “It’s very humbling,” he said, reflecting on his career and thanking members of the department, partner agencies and his family. Lorenz described leading an organization of about 450 employees and a “$130-plus million” budget, and he endorsed the department’s incoming leadership.

Jason Anderson of the District Attorney’s office praised the department’s professionalism and commended the council’s succession planning. Multiple council members—calling Lorenz “a strong leader” and crediting him with building a positive culture—wished him well in retirement.

Earlier in the meeting, staff reported on item 15, a resolution that outlines a proposed base salary range for the incoming police chief (presented in open meeting per government reporting requirements). The council approved the consent calendar 5-0, which included that item. Councilmember Wagner noted that Deputy Chief Rudy Lopez will become the next police chief and said the formal swearing-in is expected at the next council meeting.

The council’s approval on the consent calendar enacted multiple routine items in a single 5-0 vote. No separate vote was recorded on an individual motion for the chief’s hire beyond the consent action and the salary-range report made in open session.

The council recessed for a brief reception after the ceremony and resumed the agenda for public comment and other business.