Behind the Badge
Members of the law enforcement community and their families gathered together Wednesday, March 29 at the Westminster Rose Center for the swearing-in ceremony of new police Chief Ralph Ornelas.
In addition to the Westminster Police Department, other agencies represented were La Habra, Long Beach and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where Ornelas spent his law enforcement career prior to coming to WPD.
Ornelas, smiling and shaking hands with old friends and new before the ceremony, commented on seeing all the “tan and green,” referring to the LASD uniforms.
Ralph Ornelas is sworn in as Westminster’s new police chief by Judge Lori Ann Fournier.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Chaplain Robert Benoun began the ceremony with an invocation, followed by a bagpipe-accompanied presentation of colors by the Westminster Police Honor Guard and the Pledge of Allegiance.
Commander Cameron Knauerhaze acknowledged some dignitaries in attendance, including Westminster Mayor Tri Ta, Mayor Pro Tem Tyler Diep, councilmembers Sergio Contreras, Kimberly Ho and Margie Rice, and City Manager Eddie Manfro. Sitting alongside Ornelas was his family – his wife, Susan, daughter, Kristin, son, Gabriel and aunt, Robin.
“Tonight’s ceremony means much more than just gaining a new police chief … after working with Chief Ornelas for a few weeks now, I know in my heart that we are gaining a leader, a coach, a mentor and a passionate individual that cares about our employees and our community,” said Knauerhaze.
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas gives Judge Lori Ann Fournier a hug after his swearing in.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Manfro followed with an introduction to the new chief by giving a summary of his work in law enforcement, which has spanned 36 1/2 years.
“My personal observations and very personal dealings with him have been outstanding,” Manfro said.
Before starting the swearing-in ceremony, Knauerhaze pointed out a chair in the area where the Ornelas family was sitting honoring Ornelas’ uncle and mentor, Gabriel, who passed away Jan. 8. On the chair stood a photo of Gabriel, his police hat and flowers.
“He is now part of our family in spirit,” said Knauerhaze to Robin, Gabriel’s wife and Ornelas’ aunt.
Law enforcement personnel, including La Habra Police Chief Jerry Price, Orange Police Chief Tom Kisela, Newport Beach Police Chief Jon Lewis and Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas, give Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas a standing ovation after Ornelas was sworn in as the WPD’s new chief of police March 29.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The swearing-in and oath was administered by Judge Lori Ann Fournier.
“Ralph is a wonderful husband, a wonderful father, he’s an amazing friend,” said Fournier, who has known Ornelas for a number of years. “He’s going to be a tremendous asset.”
Following the swearing-in, Ornelas addressed the audience.
“I’d like to thank the explorers tonight for all the work they did,” he said. “I’d also like to thank the Honor Guard.”
He also thanked the audience, including his family, for being there. He also thanked those who are no longer with us, including his parents and uncle.
Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Captains Matthew Burson, left, and Myron Johnson greet their friend, Westminster’s new Police Chief Ralph Ornelas, before the start of Ornelas’ swearing-in ceremony. Before becoming WPD chief, Ornelas served with the LASD.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
“I’ve been truly blessed to have great parents … Josephine and Rafael,” Ornelas said, choking back tears.
He spoke of his uncle, Gabriel, who worked for the LAPD and retired as a captain.
“I have followed his guidance,” Ornelas said. “I thank you Uncle Gabe and I love you.”
Ornelas thanked his wife, Susan, “without whose support I never would be here.”
The Westminster Police Honor Guard posts the colors at the start of WPD Chief Ornelas’ swearing-in ceremony. Westminster Mayor Tri Ta is behind them to the right.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
He spoke of the importance of strength, ethics, honor and courage in the work they do in law enforcement, and of his goal of growing community policing efforts at WPD.
“Thank you for your warm welcome and I look forward to serving you every day,” Ornelas said.
Westminster’s new police chief, Ralph Ornelas, with his wife, Susan, during his swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas gives his first public address after being sworn in as the city’s new chief of police.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The La Quinta High School Orchestra plays for guests arriving at the swearing-in ceremony of Chief Ornelas.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The chair next to Westminster Police Chief Ralph Ornelas and his wife, Susan, was reserved for Ornelas’ uncle, Gabriel Ornelas of the LAPD. The chair held Gabriel Ornelas’ photo and police hat.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
The La Quinta High School Orchestra plays for guests arriving at the swearing-in ceremony.
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
