CLEARLAKE — The City of Clearlake welcomed its new Chief of Police on Monday, June 18. Alan McClain was sworn into duty during a ceremony held at Clearlake City Hall.
“Many months ago, our city set out on a journey to find a leader who could direct our police department into a new era,” said Clearlake Mayor Judy Thein as she introduced McClain. “Our journey was filled with hope and anxiety that we would be able to find a leader who could offer our community a better future. Happily this long journey has finally come to an end.
“Our city has finally turned the corner, as we are on the threshold of a new beginning to a new journey within our police department,” Thein continued. “The men and women of our police department will have a mentor, which will enable each and every one of them to reach new heights of performance and distinction as they continue to work in earnest to surround our city with safety and protection.”
Interim Chief of Police Larry Todd was in attendance to administer the oath of office and pass on the duty of the position to McClain. “This is a new starting point for the Clearlake Police Department,” Todd began. “Now is the opportunity for you (McClain) to take the department to the next level.”
Along with welcoming and thanking all those in attendance, including former Clearlake Police Chief Bob Chalk, Todd welcomed McClain”s wife, Tammy, and their sons, Steven and Brandon, to the city. “Tammy, this is a family and the family would like to offer you this bouquet of flowers,”
McClain expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to serve the Clearlake community. “My whole family is excited to be here,” he said. “I”m looking forward to some of the challenges we”re going to meet. We are going to have a bright future here in Clearlake and you”re all going to be a part of that.”
McClain comes to the City of Clearlake with more than 26 years experience in law enforcement. His experience includes service as the sheriff, coroner and public administrator for the Kings County Sheriff”s Office from 2004 to 2007. He also spent a year with the California State Police and two years with the College of the Sequoias Police Department.
McClain”s experience also includes service on several law enforcement and emergency response-related boards and commissions as well as time spent as an instructor at the College of the Sequoias where he taught at the police academy.
McClain has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and Organizational Development from Fresno Pacific University and an Associate of Science degree in Criminology from the College of the Sequoias.
McClain”s employment agreement with the city is for “at-will” employment at a pay rate of $114,000 annually. The agreement includes reimbursement for moving expenses, up to a maximum of $5,000. It also includes a vehicle allowance for personal use limited to a distance of a 100-mile radius of the city limits.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
