Police chief Carl Charles. Photo by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY – After a 28-year career in law enforcement, the city of Downey officially said goodbye to Police Chief Carl Charles on Wednesday.

City officials, school district and Board of Education representatives, law enforcement, and residents gathered at the Rio Hondo Event Center to celebrate and honor the retiring police chief, who will step away effective Dec. 5.

Charles earned a bachelor of arts degree in criminology and corrections from Cal State Northridge and a master of public administration degree from USC. He entered the Downey Police Department in 1990 as a police officer, rising through the ranks before becoming the successor to former Chief of Police Rick Esteves in December 2012.

During his time as chief, Charles is credited with equipping all officers with body-worn cameras, installing license-plate readers citywide, the creation of 10 new police officer positions, the formation of a homeless outreach team, improved communication with the public and media, including on social media, the implementation of quarterly “coffee with a cop” outreach events, the development of a citizen volunteer program, the reinstitution of K9 and mounted horse programs, allowing mental health professionals to ride with officers, and citywide active shooter training.

It is also generally accepted that Charles was influential in keeping the department strong and focused after the killing of Officer Ricky Galvez.

Overall in the department’s history, Charles was the department’s 10th chief. He was also Downey’s first chief of African American descent.

Flanked by his family, Charles sat and listened as many city officials, colleagues, and friends stepped forward to give warm and fond remarks of himself and his service to the community.

“You’ve been under the spotlight as the head of the department and in times you’ve faced undeserved scrutiny from both within and outside the department, not just for your actions and decisions but for the conduct of your employees,” said recently retired police captain Steve Garza. “You were judged on your every decision, and on even on decisions that weren’t yours. Still you always remained calm and professional…You made difficult decisions, sometimes not the most popular decisions, but as you often said, ‘the right decision is often the most difficult one.’ That took courage.”

“To say you’ve had a few demands and expectations placed on you over the years is an understatement. You’ve gone above and beyond everything asked and expected of you as chief. You’ve been a counselor, a healer, a mentor, a parent, and a voice of reason. But most of all you’re our chief, our leader, and our friend.”

City Manager Gilbert Livas reflected on Charles’s role during the tragedy of the Ricky Galvez murder.

“The job of a police chief is a tough one; making sure the department is trained, equipped, motivated and they adhere to the highest ethical standards. While you do that you need to maintain a close relationship with the community, your core constituent groups, and other law enforcement agencies,” said Livas. “As a city manager I was very fortunate when I had Carl there during one of the darkest moments in the city’s history, when we lost Ricky Galvez…it took somebody like Carl with a steady hand to get us through that process.”

Charles’s successor, current Captain Dean Milligan, also spoke.

“Through it all, Carl has remained true to his nature: a kind, caring, loving, respectful, dedicated professional with utmost integrity and the highest moral character,” said Milligan. “From him I have learned so much.

Capt. Dean Milligan and Police Chief Carl Charles embrace. Photo by Alex Dominguez

“Carl to you, I will always be grateful. I can never thank you enough for the opportunities that have provided me, as well as the challenges you presented me, to continue to grow and develop myself to become better.”

When it came time for the man of the hour to speak, his words were filled mostly with thanks.

Firstly, Charles addressed the men and women who serve in the department which he has led for six years.

“It is my distinct honor to have been able to have been your chief for the past six years,” said Charles. “It’s easy for me to sit up here being mentioned, a lot of programs put into action. It’s easy to have an idea, but none of that happens unless you put it into motion…from the bottom of my heart, I love every one of you guys and I respect you. Please keep doing what you’re doing.”

Charles went on to point out and thank several in the audience, including former police chiefs, staff, council members, friends, and fellow officers.

He also took time to thank Livas.

“Gil took over slightly before I was appointed. I think the police chief appointment was his first department head appointment,” said Charles. “I will be forever grateful for you giving me the opportunity. The confidence you showed in me I’ll never forget.”

Charles also took some time to honor his family, many of which who were present, including a touching tribute to his mother and father.

“My parents have been married for almost 55 years. They grew up in a very segregated south in the 40’s and 50’s…but that didn’t deter them,” said Charles. “My mother went to nursing school, and she was a nurse for over 40 years, the last 20 at Kaiser as a registered nurse. My dad got his bachelor’s in biology and chemistry, served in the US Army, got his Master’s degree, and then his Juror’s Doctorate and was a practicing attorney for many years.

“When I looked for role models, I didn’t have to look far. I know that you guys are extremely proud of me, but I am even more proud of you.”

Charles also honored his wife.

“I missed a lot of holidays…not once did she complain about me going to work. She’s very supportive,” said Charles. “The day Ricky [Galvez] died, I got a call about midnight…For a second, I started to think about Ricky, and I couldn’t move. Angie came up behind me, and she said ‘It’s alright. You’ve gotta take care of them, and I’ll take care of you.’ After that I was fine. I respect that, I thank you, I love you.”

Of course, Charles also thanked the community for which he served for 28 years.

“Downey has some of the best citizens – bar none – in the country,” said Charles. “They are well informed, they are supportive, they are proactive, and they are absolutely willing to engage in partnerships with their police department.”

“For the citizens of Downey, it has been my honor to have served you and protected you for the past 28 years. I wouldn’t trade our residents and our citizens for any city in this country. So thank you, Downey citizens, for having me.”

Downey says goodbye to police chief Carl Charles