Ex-Police Chief Is Made Head of Center

In a unanimous vote by trustees, retired La Palma Police Chief Dave Barr has become the director of the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center.

Barr, who has worked as acting director for the past year, also will head the campus Public Safety Department as part of his new duties.

“(Barr) is known for his integrity, his compassion and a broad background in law enforcement,” campus President Ken Yglesias said.

Barr is the first chief to direct the training center; he has taught at the college since 1988. He retired as La Palma’s police chief last July, 32 years to the day after his career began in Placentia. He joined the La Palma force in 1973.

“My goal is to create better police officers who will serve in our communities,” Barr said.