Irvine’s police chief to retire

Irvine Police Chief David Maggard will retire soon after more than a decade with the department, the city announced Thursday.

Deputy Chief Mike Hamel will take over as chief when Maggard leaves, according to the city.

The city did not announce Maggard’s last day but said the transition will happen over the next two months.

Maggard was appointed chief in 2003. He served as deputy chief for a year before his promotion.

“Chief Maggard has elevated the Irvine Police Department to a world-class, nationally recognized law enforcement agency,” City Manager Sean Joyce said in a statement.

Irvine’s announcement touted the city’s 10-year streak as the safest big city in the nation, according to FBI statistics on violent crime per capita in cities with more than 100,000 residents.

Hamel arrived at the Irvine Police Department in 1995 and rose through the ranks, being named deputy chief in 2012.

Hamel began his law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Police Department.

“I know Deputy Chief Hamel shares Chief Maggard’s admiration and care for the men and women of the Irvine Police Department,” Joyce said. “I am grateful to these two outstanding men for their service and leadership and know they will continue to work together over the next two months to ensure a seamless transition.”