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New Police Chief Joe Ortiz will officially be welcomed to the city on Monday, April 29, during a pubic ceremonial oath of office inside the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Chambers.
The event, slated for 7 p.m., begins at 7 p.m. at 1414 Mission Street. A light reception will follow.
Ortiz, who was appointed the city’s chief of police on April 1, joins the department after holding the same position in Sierra Madre. He replaces Art Miller, who left last August to become the police chief in Peoria, Arizona. Brian Solinsky served as interim police chief for the City of South Pasadena prior to the arrival of Ortiz, and will remain as a captain for the department.
Ortiz launched his law enforcement career with the Glendora Police Department, where he was promoted to corporal and also assigned as a detective. In 2010, he joined the police department at Sierra Madre as a patrol sergeant. Four years later he became a captain and chief in 2016.
South Pasadena’s new police chief holds a masters of science degree in emergency management and a bachelor of arts degree in occupational studies from Cal State Long Beach. In addition, he has earned multiple certifications in law enforcement over the years.
In the service, Ortiz served as an Air Force and Air National Guard veteran.
He is married with two sons, one of whom also works in law enforcement.
