Hermosa Beach Names Paul LeBaron As New Police Chief

HERMOSA BEACH, CA — Hermosa Beach named a new police chief of the city, it was announced Monday.

Paul LeBaron, a 27-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department, will begin serving as Hermosa Beach's new top cop on April 16, Hermosa Beach City Manager Suja Lowenthal said.

LeBaron most recently served as commander of the LBPD's port police division, which oversees the security of Long Beach's coastline, beaches and marina. Previously, he served as commander of the LBPD's detectives division and its east patrol division, as well as chief of staff to the LBPD's chief.

"I am excited by this opportunity to work with such a great community and police department," LeBaron said. "I have always been impressed by Hermosa Beach and its unique beach culture, and I will strive to help make a great department even better and to continue to maintain and enhance trust between the police and the community."

LeBaron will replace Interim Chief Mike McCrary, who has been leading the department since December. The city's former police chief, Sharon Papa, retired Oct. 1 after serving seven years as chief.

LeBaron was selected from a field of 38 applicants, which was narrowed to six finalists. A panel composed of McCrary, police chiefs from Redondo Beach and Santa Monica, as well as Manhattan Beach's city manager, interviewed the finalists and recommended LeBaron for the job.

City News Service contributed to this post