9:45am | Deputy Chief Laura Farinella, a 21-year veteran, made department history by becoming the first female deputy chief. She began her career with the LBPD in October of 1990, and in 1996 was promoted to corporal, then rose to the rank of sergeant in 1999, lieutenant in 2003, and named a commander in 2004.

In total, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) promoted six employees at a ceremony held yesterday in the City Council Chambers.

Commander Laura Farinella was promoted to Deputy Chief, Lieutenant Michael Beckman was promoted to Commander, and Sergeant Donald Wood was promoted to Lieutenant.

Additionally, Public Safety Dispatcher IV Melina Runnels, Public Safety Dispatcher IV Leslie Griggs, and Public Safety Dispatcher II David Barrow were promoted to Communications Center Supervisor
 
During her career, Deputy Chief Farinella has worked as an officer in Patrol, as a Field Training Officer, Recruit Training Officer, and an Academy Instructor. She then became the North Division Administrative Corporal, and as a sergeant she worked in the South Patrol Division, Internal Affairs, and as the Administrative Sergeant for the Investigation Bureau. As a lieutenant, she supervised the North Patrol Division, then the Communications Division before rising to the rank of commander where she oversaw the Communications Division, East Patrol Division, Gangs and Violent Crimes Division, and served as the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Chief of Police.
 
Deputy Chief Farinella serves as the liaison for the Chief’s Gay & Lesbian Advisory Group, and her other professional involvement includes membership in the Command Officers’ Association, Long Beach Management Association, National Association of Women in Law Enforcement, Long Beach Police Officers’ Association, and serves as the Executive Director for the Long Beach Police Historical Society.
 
Deputy Chief Farinella is active in her community, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications from Chapman University, a Master’s Degree from CSULB, and is a 2004 graduate of the Leadership Long Beach Program.
 
Lieutenant Michael Beckman, who was promoted to the rank of commander, is a 17-year veteran of the department, has served as a Field Training Officer, an Academy Instructor, Recruit Training Officer, and Field Training Program Administrative Officer. After promoting to sergeant, he served as the Field Training Officer Program Sergeant, and worked in the Support Bureau, and as Basic Academy Coordinator. Upon becoming a lieutenant he worked in the East and West Patrol Divisions, and as the Administrative Lieutenant of the Patrol Bureau.
 
Sergeant Donald Wood was promoted to the rank of lieutenant, and is an 11-year veteran of the department. He has worked in Patrol, as a Field Training Officer, and as a detective has worked in Auto Theft, Burglary, and Domestic Violence Details. As a sergeant he has worked in Patrol and Internal Affairs.
 
Public Safety Dispatchers IV Melina Runnels (17 years of service) and Leslie Griggs (26 years of service), and Public Safety Dispatcher II David Barrow (21 years of service) were promoted to Communications Center Supervisors.                   
 
In addition to the promotions, Chief McDonnell also be presented Purple Heart Medals to the following past Purple Heart Award recipients who were unable to attend the Police Awards Ceremony earlier this year:
 
Detective Matthew Kennison (2009)
Retired Officer Roy Wade (2007)
Detective Tjimothy Van Coutren (2002)
Sergeant Brenda Relph (1999)