Long Beach Police Commander Wally Hebeish, whose most recent assignment was chief of staff to Police Chief Robert Luna, has been appointed deputy chief, the Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) announced today.
In his new assignment, Hebeish will lead the Support Bureau—a position left vacant by Deputy Chief David Hendricks who was selected as the police chief for the Fullerton Police Department, according to Karen Owens, an LBPD administrator.
The changeup has also moved Deputy Chief Michael Beckman—who assumed command of the Support Bureau as part of his appointment in 2015—to the Patrol Bureau and Commander Paul LeBaron who will be the new chief of staff to the chief of police, Owens added.
Hebeish was appointed following an internal promotional review process of many highly qualified applicants, LBPD Police Chief Robert Luna stated.
“I would like to commend all of the candidates for their accomplishments and the leadership they provide to the Long Beach Police Department and the City of Long Beach,” said Luna in a statement. “Deputy Chief Hebeish is known as a leader who promotes the Department’s core values of ethics, intelligence and respect. His consistent dedication and effort has earned the trust and respect of those within the Police Department, other City departments, and our community.”
Hebeish has served the LBPD for over two decades, officials stated. He began his career in law enforcement in 1994 with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and transferred to the LBPD in 1995. He was promoted to sergeant in 2005, to lieutenant in 2013 and to commander in 2015.
“I am very grateful for this opportunity and look forward to assuming a new leadership role in the organization,” said Deputy Chief Wally Hebeish in a statement. “As Deputy Chief of the Support Bureau, I am honored to oversee the recruitment and hiring of new police officers as well as ensuring that all police employees receive the most current training available. Our city and community partners are an essential part of our public safety team and I am excited to continue to build and maintain these important relationships.”
Hebeish’s diverse work history includes assignments such as patrol, field training officer, community policing, narcotics, internal affairs, financial crimes, homicide, Investigations Bureau administrative sergeant and Criminal Intelligence Section.
Hebeish received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Cal State Long Beach and is a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute.
Above, left photo courtesy of LBPD.