Former Laguna Beach police chief returns to Dixon

Laguna Beach’s former police chief returned to his old stomping grounds in Northern California, according to a news release issued by the city of Dixon last Friday.

Robert Thompson initially arrived to protect and serve in the city of Laguna Beach on Jan. 18 of this year to replace retiring chief Laura Farinella. Thompson was selected from a candidate pool of about 47 applicants, only 10 of which went on to a panel interview of professionals and city executives.

The city announced on May 21 that Thompson resigned just four months into the job but gave no details as to the reasons for his departure. The brief announcement stated Capt. Jeff Calvert — a Laguna Beach Police Department officer and law enforcement veteran of 24 years — would be serving as the interim police chief.

Prior to his arrival in Laguna Beach, Thompson was the police chief in the Northern Californian city of Dixon.

“I am extremely pleased to announce the return of Chief Thompson,” said Dixon City Manager Jim Lindley in his news release. “He is a true leader, deeply respected by our police officers and truly appreciated by our community. His modern approach to law enforcement has made Dixon a better, safer and more welcoming place to live.

“We are very happy he is back,” Lindley said.

Thompson initially came into his role as police chief in Dixon in March 2017. Laguna Beach city officials said Thompson left the service of the coastal city on May 28 and Dixon city officials said that Thompson was officially reinstated on Memorial Day.

“I am deeply invested in the city of Dixon, its residents and the members of this police department,” Thompson said in a statement.

“I’m honored to continue to lead the forward-looking evolution of the Dixon Police Department at a time of unprecedented growth for the city,” he continued. “There are many residents and officers who I have missed and can’t wait to see again.”

“It feels like I am returning home,” he said.

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