Covina, CA – The City of Covina is pleased to announce that Ric Walczak has been selected as the City’s next Chief of Police following Chief David Povero’s announced retirement at the end of December. Chief Walczak will be responsible for continuing to provide responsive policing services, leadership for Covina Police Department team members and facilitating engagement with community stakeholders.
Chief Walczak has strong ties with the Covina community, starting as a Police Officer in 1996 and progressing through the leadership ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant and most recently, Captain, where he has served since 2019. In the role of Captain, Walczak has overseen both the Operations and Support Services Divisions within the Department, leading a staff of 100 sworn and non-sworn team members and overseeing the Department’s operating budget. Through his 29-years with Covina Police Department, Walczak has participated in a variety of functions with the Department, including patrol operations, investigations, communications, crime prevention, administration and community relations.
In learning about his appointment to serve as Chief of Police, Walczak expressed his sincere appreciation to the men and women that serve in the Department, the City Council and the Covina community noting, “Covina has been home for my family over the last several decades. It is my privilege to work with our exceptional team and community to foster new opportunities and enhance the City’s reputation of being a great home town.”
Ric Walczak grew up in Covina, where he attended Northview High School and later received a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration at the University of La Verne and a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego. A strong believer in training and education, Ric has also attained a P.O.S.T. Management Certificate and was a graduate of the California Police Chief’s Executive Development program. Outside of work, Ric enjoys spending time with his wife Mary, his sons Ollie, Andrew and Ricky, and his parents Richard and Mary Lou.
Please help us congratulate Ric on his appointment to Chief of Police, as he assumes this new role on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
Contact:
Chris Marcarello, City Manager
cmarcarello@covinaca.gov
(626) 384-5410
