Dixon Police Chief Robert Thompson will head south to Orange County this winter. He’s been selected as the next chief of police for Laguna Beach.
Thompson will replace Laura Farinella, who is retiring. Her successor “brings an understanding of leading a similar-sized agency, as well as having experience with our federal partners,” Farinella said.
Thompson started out as a police officer in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1990s. He worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Sacramento Division for 15 years and was also part of the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association. He later joined the Dixon Police Department, becoming its chief three years ago.
“I am excited and humbled by this opportunity and committed to continuing the strong Community Oriented Policing programs in Laguna Beach," said Chief Thompson (Patch). "I enjoy engaging community leaders, business owners, and citizens while creating an environment of public trust in the police department and where employees feel connected to the community they serve."
Thompson will earn an annual salary of $210,000.