Full Notification

For Immediate Release
October 3, 2019

Media Contact:
Julie Banz
(818) 968-6962

LAAPOA Commends Appointment of Cecil Rhambo to LAXPD Chief

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association commends the appointment of Cecil Rhambo as chief of the Los Angeles Airport Police. Los Angeles World Airports has never before had a chief of the caliber and experience of Mr. Rhambo, who has served with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department and commanded in areas including Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB, more commonly known as SWAT), Arson/Explosive Detail and Emergency Operations Bureau, as well as the Crisis Negotiations and Mental Health Response Unit. Most significantly to LAWA, Mr. Rhambo was a member of the LASD’s Aero Bureau and worked with the Metro Transit Authority in the policing of Metro rail and bus lines. Mr. Rhambo continued his public service after retiring from LASD in 2014 at the rank of assistant sheriff, becoming assistant city manager for the City of Carson and city manager of the City of Compton.

In the history of the Los Angeles Airport Police, which dates back to 1946, no police chief or safety/security executive has had the depth of on-the-ground and highly specialized policing experience, combined with civilian management experience, that soon-to-be LAXPD Chief Rhambo has.

LAWA CEO Deborah Flint, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti have selected in Mr. Rhambo a chief that LAAPOA highly respects at a crucial time of unprecedented growth at LAX and during the lead-up to very high-profile events like the Major League Baseball All-Star Game in 2020, the NFL Super Bowl in 2022, the College Football National Championship in 2023, the Tennis U.S. Open in 2023, the FIFA World Cup in 2026 and the Olympics in 2028. LAX will continue to be the focus of the world with these and other special events, making it crucial for LAXPD to have a chief who is ready for the challenges that accompany them. In addition, with the Landside Access Modernization Program (LAMP) project coming to LAX, Mr. Rhambo’s experience supervising the MTA countywide law enforcement patrol operations will help LAXPD as we undertake yet another new aspect of the multi-faceted job of patrolling the nation’s busiest airport.

Soon-to-be Chief Rhambo also brings a diverse heritage to LAXPD, which is a majority-minority police force. His appointment is an inspiration to those who may be considering the honorable profession of policing during very trying times for law enforcement.

“On the very day of the announcement of the appointment of Chief Rhambo to LAWA, the morale within LAAPOA has surged,” says LAAPOA President Marshall McClain. “His leadership will change the culture of the airport police force and instill the values of respect, dedication and diversity among its officers and its higher-ups. On behalf of the rank and file of LAAPOA, thank you to CEO Flint, President Wesson and Mayor Garcetti for this inspiring choice. The LAAPOA Board of Directors recently met with Chief Rhambo and is excited about working with him to move the Department forward.”

###

Founded in 1982, the Los Angeles Airport Peace Officers Association (LAAPOA) represents the sworn police officers of the Los Angeles Airport Police, the Los Angeles Municipal Police and the Los Angeles Park Rangers assigned to protect and serve Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Van Nuys Airport (VNY) and the city of Los Angeles, and provide emergency medical services, law enforcement and wildland firefighting in the open space parks and throughout the city of Los Angeles.

Join the Conversation! We Want to Hear From You.
Website: http://www.laapoa.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AirportPoliceLA
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LAAPOA
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/LAAPOATV
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/laapoa