Post Date:12/08/2022 3:52 PMLOMPOC, CA, Dec. 8, 2022 – Lompoc Police Chief Joseph Mariani has announced he will retire at the end of this year as chief for the Lompoc Police Department.
Mariani has served in the role since March 2019, following the resignation of Chief Pat Walsh.
Notably, Mariani was the Lompoc Police Department’s first Hispanic and bilingual police chief. During his tenure as chief, Mariani was able to fully staff the police department for the first time in seven years. Among his other numerous accomplishments, Mariani collaborated with neighbor agencies to replace dated equipment and address quality of life issues in the city. He also implemented most of the recommendations made in 2018 by the Office of Independent Review, including automation of risk management reporting/tracking systems and the full implementation of a succession plan for the department. Mariani also led his department through the pandemic, maintaining service levels to the community.
Mariani’s last day with the Lompoc Police Department will be December 31, 2022. Capt. Kevin Martin will serve as interim police chief until the position is permanently filled.
The police chief said the decision to retire was not easy.
“I have enjoyed my time with the Lompoc Police Department, and am blessed and fortunate to have served with outstanding colleagues and for the wonderful Lompoc community,” Mariani said. “The members of the Lompoc Police Department serve with distinction and have a level of commitment that is commendable and unlike anything I have ever witnessed. The Lompoc community is in good hands with this police department.”
Lompoc City Manager Dean Albro said he is fortunate to have had the pleasure of working with Chief Mariani these past seven years.
“Joe is one of the best leaders and team builders I have ever met. He has been more than just the chief of police here; he is someone who truly cares about his department and the community. And when you are around him, it shows. I know the chief leaves behind an exceptional department that will ensure the continuation of excellent public safety service to our community. We thank Chief Mariani for his many years of service and wish him the very best in retirement,” Albro continued.
In September 2015, Mariani came out of retirement from his 34-year career with the Los Angeles Police Department to serve as a captain with the Lompoc Police Department: first as the operations division commander, and then as the support services commander.
Mariani worked a variety of assignments within the Los Angeles Police Department, including patrol officer, narcotics officer, D.A.R.E officer, vice officer, internal affairs investigator, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. Beginning in 2007, Mariani managed the recruitment and hiring process for the Los Angeles Police Department. During his tenure, the police department attained an authorized strength of 10,000 officers for the first time in the department’s history.
In addition, Mariani has been a member of numerous professional organizations including the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Return to full list >>
