La Verne’s first female police chief in the city’s 118-year history, Colleen Flores, announced her retirement earlier this month due to health complications.
She began a long leave of absence in February 2022 due to a “work-related injury,” according to a city news release, and had planned to return. Ultimately, however, Flores had to retire due to the complexity of her diagnosis, according to a city spokesperson.
“It is with a heavy heart yet sense of deep gratitude that I share with you my decision to retire from my position as Police Chief due to complications from a brain injury,” Flores said in the news release.
Flores joined the department in January 2018 as its first female captain and eventually rose to the position of chief in January 2022.
Acting Chief Sam Gonzalez continues to lead the Police Department while City Manager Ken Domer and the City Council work toward finding a permanent solution.
Officials expect to continue the discussion on appointing a new police chief during closed session at the council meeting Monday, March 4.
Editor’s note: The story has been updated to correct information about the process to appoint a new police chief.
