The City of Lompoc has appointed a new Police Chief. Current Captain Larry Ralston will be taking over for current Chief Tim Dabney when he retires this month. Ralston was among three current members of the Police Department who applied for the position besides Captain Don Deming and Sgt. Ed Lardner. Ralston began his law enforcement career in 1983 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deparmtner, served 18 years with the Santa Maria Police Department before being hired by Lompoc Police Department in 2007.
In a statement from Lompoc City Administrator Laurel Barcelona, she says Ralston was chosen based on his combination of career accomplishments, background, education and training. Ralston holds a Bachelor's Degree in criminal justice and has completed the FBI National Academy and Post Command College. Ralston will be sworn in on Tuesday, August 14th at 6:00 pm at City Council Chambers along with recently hired Fire Chief Kurt Latipow.