President
Chief Manny Cid, Glendale P.D.
Chief Cid was appointed as Glendale’s 20th Police Chief in January of 2023.
As Glendale’s Police Chief and a law enforcement leader, Chief Cid brings a collaborative leadership style to leading an organization, a proactive approach to community-centric policing, an unwavering commitment to professionalism, and a focus on fostering and preserving partnerships.
Chief Cid formerly served the Culver City community for nearly 20 years as a member of their Police Department, and as the Department’s Chief of Police from 2020-2022. Throughout his two-decade law enforcement career, Manny has had the opportunity to work a vast array of assignments, while promoting up the ranks of two full-service police departments. Manny has also had the opportunity to work on multiple local, state, and federal taskforces, impacting public safety on a regional level. He holds law enforcement executive leadership positions at the local, county, and state levels, as well as Chair of the Executive Board for the LA IMPACT Taskforce. In addition, Chief Cid also serves as a Board Member for the Glendale Memorial Hospital.
Manny possesses his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Whittier College, as well as his Master’s degree in Public Administration and Organizational Leadership from National University. In addition to his formal education, Manny is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, the West Point Leadership Program, California’s POST Executive Development Course, and the FBI’s National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Vice President
Chief Michael Ellis, Pomona P.D.
Chief Michael Ellis is a 26-year veteran of the Pomona Police Department and the 22nd Chief of Police. He started his law enforcement career with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department in 1997, later joining the Pomona Police Department in 1998. Chief Ellis rose through the ranks of police officer, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant. From January 2011 until October 2019, Michael served as a Captain and held command assignments leading the Investigative Services Division and the Operations Division.
In 2019, he was promoted to Deputy Chief, helping oversee the daily operations of the Police Department. On April 26, 2020, Chief Ellis was appointed Chief of Police.
Chief Ellis holds a Master’s Degree from the University of San Diego in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership and is a graduate of the Delinquency Control Institute at the University of Southern California. He is also a graduate of POST Class 56 of California POST’s Law Enforcement Command College. Chief Ellis has implemented effective proactive crime-fighting strategies, has institutionalized community partnerships and engagement programs, is focused on the ongoing modernization of law enforcement.
Chief Ellis is also a member of Kiwanis International and has served on the Board of Directors for the YMCA. He strives to promote a professionalism and transparency focused on reducing crime and disorder, building the community, and improving the quality of life for everyone.
2nd Vice President
Chief Sam Gonzalez, La Verne PD
Chief Sam Gonzalez is a 24-year veteran of the La Verne Police Department and currently serves as the 23rd Chief of Police. He began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department in 1997 before joining the La Verne Police Department in 2000. Chief Gonzalez’s dedication to public service is further exemplified by his service in the United States Marine Corps.
Throughout his career, Chief Gonzalez has demonstrated versatility and expertise, rising through the ranks as a police officer, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant. From 2017 to 2021, he served as the Administrative Lieutenant, overseeing the Support Services Bureau. In 2021, he was promoted to Captain, where he oversaw the Operations Bureau before being appointed Chief of Police.
Chief Gonzalez also holds key leadership positions at the local, county, and state levels. He is an active member of the Executive Board for the LA IMPACT Task Force and the Los Angeles High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA HIDTA). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership.
Chief Gonzalez is deeply committed to community engagement, fostering strong relationships through various programs. He has institutionalized community partnerships, including the implementation of the Business Assistance for Crime Reduction program, which enhances the safety and security of the business community by focusing on crime prevention and deterrence. His dedication to building safer, stronger communities extends beyond La Verne, reflecting his commitment to serving and inspiring positive change at every level.
Past President
Chief Darren Arakawa, South Gate P.D.
Darren Arakawa began his career in 1991 as a Reserve Police Officer and became a full sworn officer in 1992. He has served in every division of the police department and worked his way up in the organization until July of 2021 when he was appointed as the 16th Police Chief of the South Gate Police Department.
He is a graduate of the Police Executive Research Forum-Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University, California Peace Officer Standards and Training Command College, Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, and the Delinquency Control Institute at the University of Southern California. He possesses an Associates of Arts and Associate of Science Degree from Rio Hondo College, a Bachelor Degree and Master of Science Degree from California State University, Long Beach. He has completed post-graduate work at the University of La Verne in Public Administration. Darren is an advocate of 21st Century policing principles and is heavily involved in advocacy for sound law enforcement practices and effective policing legislation.