Seal Beach welcomes new interim Chief of Police

The following information was released by the City of Seal Beach.

The City of Seal Beach is pleased to announce the appointment of Keith L. Kilmer as Interim Chief of Police, following the recent service of former Interim Chief of Police Robert M. Luman.

Former Chief Luman provided leadership and oversight of the Police Department from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012, including support of all efforts related to the Salon Meritage tragedy, and analyzing several operational functions, including the City-operated jail. As a retired Chief, CalPERS restrictions prevented Luman’s employment in Seal Beach from extending beyond June 30, 2012. Given the efforts of Luman’s service to the Seal Beach community, the City is now fully prepared to secure the services of an executive search firm to conduct a recruitment process to select a permanent Chief of Police. In the interim, Chief Kilmer will serve as Interim Chief of Police.

Kilmer began his career as a Canine Officer with the United States Army Military Police Corps in 1977, and as a Long Beach Police Officer in 1982. Over the next 25 years, he rose through the ranks with the Long Beach Police Department to Police Commander. Kilmer was then appointed Chief of Police for the City of Bell Gardens in 2006 and Chief of Police for the City of San Bernardino in 2009, followed by his retirement in 2011 after a distinguished professional careeer that spanned over three decades, including over 15 years of experience in an executive and command leadership role. Chief Kilmer is a private consultant with experience in conducting administrative investigations for public agencies and is an experienced strength-based leadership trainer who promotes employee engagement, enhanced performance, and reductions in liability and job dissatisfaction. He is also a lifetime credentialed community college instructor.

Chief Kilmer possesses a Juris Doctor degree from Western State University College of Law and a Bachelor of Science degree from Western State University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the Calfiornia State Commission on Police Officer Standards and Training Executive Management Course. Chief Kilmer is a member of the California Police Chiefs Association where he served as Chair of the Standards and Ethics Committee and Community Corrections Committee Representative.

Chief Kilmer believes strongly in collaborative problem solving, personal accountability, and in developing others for future leadership roles. “I feel very fortunate to be asked to lead such a fine department as the Seal Beach Police Department during this interim period. I look forward to working with the City Council, City Manager, other departments, the community, and the men and women of the Seal Beach Police Department to continue to ensure the current high levels of public safety and quality of life in Seal Beach,” stated Chief Kilmer.

Mayor Mike Levitt stated, “We are pleased to welcome Chief Kilmer to the City of Seal Beach. The City Council, City Manager, Police Department, staff, and community look forward to working with him over the next few months.”