Ron Lawrence was sworn in as the second Citrus Heights police chief during the city council meeting on November 10, 2016. He was formerly the police chief of Rocklin, California.

The ceremony began with the presentation of colors by the Citrus Heights Police Honor Guard.  Lawrence, with his wife, Jennifer at his side was sworn in by former Citrus Heights police chief, Christopher Boyd. Boyd, who was accompanied by his wife, Marci is the new Citrus Heights city manager.

Following the swearing-in, the honor guard performed a special rifle salute welcoming Lawrence to his new job.

Lawrence then recognized Chad Butler, his replacement as Rocklin’s new chief of police, and admitted that it was hard at first to see someone else wearing ‘his’ uniform. Boyd then admitted it was also hard to see Lawrence in his old uniform, albeit not exactly the same size.

“Being police chief is a lifestyle” Lawrence said. He then presented his wife with a beautiful bouquet of yellow roses. He was accompanied to the event by his mother, two brothers and two children.

Surveying the room filled with friends, colleagues and the public, Lawrence joked that he didn’t know he had so many friends. He had worked with many in attendance. Police Chiefs and other representatives from more than a dozen California police jurisdictions were present including from the cities of Rocklin, Roseville, and Marysville to Walnut Creek, Emeryville, Gridley-Biggs and the California Highway Patrol. Over two dozen of Citrus Heights own finest were in attendance.

Lawrence commented this is “one of the most fantastic police departments I’ve ever seen” and a model in the state”. FBI records shows crime down almost 30% since its inception in June of 2006. His goal is to continue this trend.

According to a press release from PIO Lieutenant Russo, Lawrence began his official tenure as Citrus Heights’ second Chief of Police on October 31, 2016. Some of Chief Lawrence’s initial priorities include preparing for public safety challenges from the recent passing of Proposition 57 (Criminal sentences and Parole) and 64 (Marijuana Legalization).  He assures all that his department is ready.

Other priorities are to “focus on gearing-up property crime prevention and driving under the influence enforcement during the upcoming holiday season.”

In a previous media release quote Boyd said of Lawrence, “I have tremendous respect for Chief Lawrence as a law enforcement executive and know his standards in leadership, community service, and public safety will well lead the Citrus Heights Police Department into its next chapter.”     

Chief Lawrence has over twenty-seven years of law enforcement experience in the Sacramento and Bay Area regions, five in Rocklin. He has an excellent reputation with law enforcement professionals in the region and statewide.

Lawrence said, “I am honored to oversee the exceptional police department former Chief Christopher Boyd worked so hard to build. This opportunity is exciting for me both personally and professionally.  I am ready for a new challenge and am much looking forward to working alongside outstanding law enforcement professionals, that is, the men and women of the Citrus Heights Police Department.”

Source: Citrus Heights Police Department