Oakland’s new police chief is official.
Deputy Chief and 22-year department veteran LeRonne Armstrong became Chief Armstrong on Monday morning.
Mayor Libby Schaaf, who swore him in, acknowledged the weight of the position.
"We could not have a better chief for this city at this moment than you, Chief Armstrong," Schaaf said. "Thank you for accepting this awesome responsibility."
The ceremony took place in the outdoor pavilion of McClymonds High School in West Oakland, where Armstrong graduated. "I’m honored that you selected me to lead this department," an emotional Armstrong said.
He said the challenge of the position was not lost on him as the city comes out of its deadliest January in 20 years, with 15 murders so far.
"We will work as hard as we can to reduce violent crime and heal this community together," Armstrong said.
He follows outgoing interim chief Susan Manheimer and is the department’s 13th chief since 1993.
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