From what the news Reports say he is the Best man for the job, however not knowing the other Candidates it is hard to make up my mind if this guy is the best choice for the job. However we might end up getting our old Capt back from Baldwin Park. We lost a Sgt. who was acting as a LT. for almost a year, however Meyers at the last minute gave the permenent Job to Lt. Little. Little went on to another agency as a Capt.
However, the Lt. that left is still working at Baldwin Park and could very well put in for the Lt. Job here in Rialto once again, since Rialto is a Lt. or Two short. We will see if the Lt. takes the job. If he does that speaks volumes for this guy, however if he stays in Baldwin Park then that also speaks for this guy!! We will see what happens.
I am looking forward to meeting the new chief, and I hope that he is looking forward to meeting me? that is if he knows me? doubt it?
BSRanch
Kling named new Rialto police chief
Kling built his reputation in part on rebuilding Baldwin Park’s department, which bordered on dissolution five years ago. Rialto’s police department weathered a similar struggle after the City Council voted in September to disband it in favor of contracting with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. The council reversed its position in March.
"I look at this as an opportunity, and I see a city on the verge of explosive growth. The challenge motivates me," Kling said.
Garcia said Kling, who was chosen after a final round of interviews Monday and will be paid $153,000 yearly, said he was the best fit for the situation and the city.
"Mr. Kling and I share a serious commitment to reinventing this department," Garcia said. "He is the perfect leader to change the organizational culture from one that has been distanced to one that is integrated."
Garcia’s decision is final and does not require City Council approval. His selection followed recommendations from a seven-member interview committee that shaved a field of seven candidates down to the two Garcia interviewed Monday.
Garcia sketched Kling as tough, principled and brainy, pointing to his success in leading the Baldwin Park department since 2001 and his doctorate in public administration from the University of La Verne.
"He shares with us a desire for a cultural change and a confidence and focus to lead the city into the future," Garcia said. "There is no plan B, because we will accomplish plan A (of rebuilding the department)."
Baldwin Park city and police officials, unaware their chief was stalking the Rialto position, were jolted Wednesday morning.
"It took me aback, it was totally unexpected," said Baldwin Park Mayor Manuel Lozano. "He’s one of the most talented, innovative leaders I’ve ever met. He’ll be tough to replace."
Kling "turned around" the department in the city with a population of 84,000 when he ascended from captain to chief in 2001, according to Lozano. Kling helped revive a department that some in city leadership at the time suggested be scrapped in favor of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s.
Kling will be stepping up from a department with 124 personnel to Rialto’s, which employs about 160 when fully staffed. Currently, staffing is down nearly 25 percent.
"In 2001, the Baldwin Park Police was in roughly the same condition Rialto is in now," Kling said. "I’m ready to get in and develop a plan to return the department to premiere status."
Kling said he hoped to start his new job by late August.
Members of the seven-person interview committee that screened the seven top applicants July 6 overwhelmingly favored Kling. Councilman Ed Scott said Kling was "dynamite" in the interview, impressing his interrogators with his energy, communication skills and knowledge of Rialto’s community and department.
"He clearly did his homework," Scott said.
Questions swirled between community members closely watching the saga unfold as to what would happen if Garcia flouted the committee’s consensus and opted against Kling.
But it didn’t happen, and virtually everyone seemed satisfied Wednesday.
"I’m just glad it’s over and (Garcia) didn’t mess it up," said resident Angie Consolo, who was a member of the citizen group that opposed Garcia and the Council’s since-abandoned plans to disband the department.
Rialto Police union president Andrew Pilcher said Wednesday Kling was a "wise choice" who would have the support of the force’s rank and file.
During his tenure at Baldwin Park’s helm, Kling’s major accomplishments included expanding traffic forces, launching a narcotics enforcement team and a full-time gang enforcement team and upgrading communications and weapons and defense systems, according to a Baldwin Park police association presentation to the City Council in 2004.
"But most of all, Chief Kling has established an atmosphere of trust and fairness within the Police Department," wrote Officer Mark Adams in the report.
Kling called the commendation one of his greatest personal achievements.
Kling, 48, was born in Montebello in 1957 and graduated from Montebello High School. He earned a bachelor’s from the University of Phoenix, and a master’s and doctorate from the University of La Verne. He completed his dissertation and received his degree in 2003, moonlighting as a student between duties as police chief.
After serving as a police explorer at age 14, Kling got a job as a reserve officer with the Monterey Park police in 1981 and worked there until 1999, when he joined the Baldwin Park force.
Kling said he plans on staying in Rialto long-term.
"Rialto today is nothing like what it’s going to be like in the future," Kling said. "I wouldn’t come here if I didn’t want to be a part of that equation, that future."
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