By Robin GOLDSWORTHY

The Glendale community came out in force to support Carl Povilaitis on his swearing in as the new police chief of Glendale. Povilaitis succeeds Robert Castro who retired in late December.

Yasmin Beers, who also took on a new city position as manager, oversaw the swearing in. Dignitaries in attendance included Glendale City Council members Vrej Agajanian, Paula Devine, Vartan Gharpetian and Ara Najarian, representatives from several offices including those of Congressman Adam Schiff, State Senator Anthony Portantino, Superintendent Kathryn Barger, board of education members Armina Gharpetian and Shant Sahakian and members of the Glendale Community College board of trustees.

Also attending were civic leaders including members of the Kiwanis Club of Glendale and its president Toni Beck-Espinoza and Dale Dawson of the Montrose Shopping Park Assn. and his wife Mary, who owns Revelation Tops, and Elizabeth Manasserian of the Rotary Club.

Beers shared the process of selecting Povilaitis.

“It was an absolute pleasure for me,” she said of having the chance to choose him. “He has the command of modern policing and is part of the fabric of this community.”

Povilaitis is a member of several service clubs including the Elks and the Glendale Educational Foundation as well as the Kiwanis Club of Glendale.

When given the chance to speak, the Glendale City Councilmembers echoed her comments.

“When Yasmin came before the council to let us know of her selection, it was easy to support her choice,” said Najarian.

Sheriff Jim McDonnell also took the mic to congratulation Povilaitis indicating the LASD’s support of his appointment.

Povilaitis noted that Glendale is “is my home” and has been for 27 years. He noted his mother as an inspiration in his life and her philanthropic outreach includes helping people across the globe. She was there to pin his chief’s shield onto his shirt.

“She is an absolute positive influence,” he said.

He also took a moment to reminisce about his dad who passed away a few years ago.

“He would ask me why I wanted a job where you’re always looking for trouble,” Povilaitis said. “For me, it’s a calling to serve.”

The relationship between law enforcement and civic organizations is particularly valuable, Povilaitis said. He said that a goal is to provide policing services with “compassion and heart.”

“The men and women [of the Glendale police department work hard to serve this community,” he said, adding, “I am truly humbled by this honor.”

  robin goldsworthy