Community bids chief farewell

LOS ANGELES — More than 300 friends and colleagues gathered Friday at the Autry National Center of the American West in Los Angeles to bid retiring Glendale Police Chief Randy Adams farewell as he prepared to start a new job as head of the Bell Police Department.

Adams, a 37-year police veteran, announced his retirement in April after 6 1/2 years with the Glendale Police Department, saying his salary would help the city save money for at least a year during the recession and stem layoffs in order to keep officers on the streets.

Taking over Adams’ position is interim Police Chief Ron De Pompa, who has been with Glendale police for 32 years.

“I have been honored to be the coach of a winning team,” Adams said. “They day in and day out fight the battle on the street. They have done a tremendous job in keeping this community safe. I am very proud of them.”

The Glendale Police Foundation hosted the $75- to $100-per-person retirement ceremony.

“It’s an extremely overwhelming and touching moment,” Adams said. “It’s really a very touching time. I am overwhelmed that so many people would come out. I’m glad we could do it in a way that’s beneficial to the Glendale Police Foundation.”

The Western-themed ceremony made for a casual atmosphere as those in attendance discussed the legacy Adams is leaving behind.

“I think if you look at what he did, it’ll show you the kind of individual he is,” said John Gantus, president of the Glendale Police Foundation.

Adams often met with Gantus to discuss the foundation and ensure that it remained afloat, he said.

“He was really on top of it,” Gantus said.

Soon after Adams announced his retirement, the city of Bell courted him to take over its own troubled police department. Adams signed a contract with Bell in mid-June to join its department on July 27.

That gives Adams a two-week vacation, which he said he plans to partly spend helping with wedding preparations for his stepson, Kyle Brantner, who is getting married next week.

“We have a wedding and lots of family things to do, so that will pretty much take up most of the time and keep us from going anywhere,” he said.

Before accepting the Bell police position, Adams wanted to travel to the Mediterranean with his wife, Kathleen, but he said those plans are on hold for now.