Commander Michael Beckman, a 25-year veteran of the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD), has been appointed as Deputy Chief of the department, replacing Laura Farinella who announced her departure earlier this week, according to a statement from the city.
Effective March 16, Beckman will replace Farinella, who announced earlier this week that she will leave the LBPD to assume her new role as chief of the Laguna Beach Police Department. Beckman will also assume command of the Support Bureau, a position also previously held by Farinella.
“Michael Beckman displays integrity, innovation, and leadership at the highest levels,” said LBPD Chief Robert Luna in a statement. “He has distinguished himself as an effective administrator and will be an asset to our executive team.”
Beckman most recently worked as commander of the Patrol Bureau Field Support Division, and has also worked as a field training officer, the police academy sergeant of the training division and administrative lieutenant to the deputy chief of the patrol bureau.
“I am truly humbled by this honor to serve our great city, its valued community members and our police department as deputy chief,” Commander Beckman said in a statement. “I will strive to represent the highest standards of excellence in service to our community.”
Mayor Robert Garcia said in a statement that he supports the selection of Beckman for the position.
“Commander Beckman is an outstanding choice for promotion to deputy chief of police,” he said. “In his 25 years of service to the city he has demonstrated the skill, integrity and commitment necessary to help lead our police department and keep Long Beach safe and he has my full confidence.”