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New police chief sworn in
  
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Council members thank Simmons for his service to city
By Cameron Macdonald - Citizen Staff Writer
The Elk Grove Police Department’s new police chief began his job this week. Robert Lehner was officially sworn into his position at the Elk Grove City Council’s Oct. 22 meeting.
“I look forward to working with all of you,” he told the audience.
Lehner arrived from Eugene, Ore. where he was the city’s police chief. The 30-year law enforcement veteran also worked in Tuscan, Ariz.’s police department where he was assistant police chief.
He was hired out of 40 applicants who wanted to replace retiring Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Simmons.
Judge James Henke of the Sacramento Superior Court swore in Lehner who stood besides his family and Elk Grove General Manager Laura Gill who hired Lehner.
“The chief understands the importance of community engagement in assuring a high quality of life for our citizens,” Gill told the audience.
Lehner’s wife, Diane pinned the police chief’s badge on his uniform.
Lehner then spoke to the city council and the audience. He praised the creation of the city’s police department which happened “almost overnight” as he described it.
He also complimented Simmons and his work for the police force.
“It’s going to be tough following your footsteps,” Lehner said. “I’m going to give every bit of energy I’ve got to be able to pull that off.”
The city council recognized Simmons who stood at the side of the room.
“The council is very thankful for the way you served the citizens of Elk Grove,” City Council Member Jim Cooper told Simmons.
He later joked that Simmons deserves retirement since he worked in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department’s bomb squad.
City Council Member Sophia Scherman announced that she wants to place a future meeting agenda item where the city council will consider a proposal to rename the Elk Grove police’s communications center after Simmons.
A reception was held after Lehner’s ceremony.
Lehner told the Citizen that he will spend the next few weeks getting to know as many people as he can.
“(It’s) just to understand what this organization is about and how it’s come to be so successful,” he said about the Elk Grove police.
The Citizen asked Simmons about being a new retiree and he replied that he has worked full time since he was 17, and went through a period where he had two jobs. He is used to working many long hours and days.
“Getting used to not doing that is going to be a transition for me,” Simmons said.
As for the new police chief, Simmons said: “He has a very keen interest in this department. I think that he’s going to be a good fit for the organization.”
“I look forward to working with all of you,” he told the audience.
Lehner arrived from Eugene, Ore. where he was the city’s police chief. The 30-year law enforcement veteran also worked in Tuscan, Ariz.’s police department where he was assistant police chief.
He was hired out of 40 applicants who wanted to replace retiring Elk Grove Police Chief Robert Simmons.
Judge James Henke of the Sacramento Superior Court swore in Lehner who stood besides his family and Elk Grove General Manager Laura Gill who hired Lehner.
“The chief understands the importance of community engagement in assuring a high quality of life for our citizens,” Gill told the audience.
Lehner’s wife, Diane pinned the police chief’s badge on his uniform.
Lehner then spoke to the city council and the audience. He praised the creation of the city’s police department which happened “almost overnight” as he described it.
He also complimented Simmons and his work for the police force.
“It’s going to be tough following your footsteps,” Lehner said. “I’m going to give every bit of energy I’ve got to be able to pull that off.”
The city council recognized Simmons who stood at the side of the room.
“The council is very thankful for the way you served the citizens of Elk Grove,” City Council Member Jim Cooper told Simmons.
He later joked that Simmons deserves retirement since he worked in the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department’s bomb squad.
City Council Member Sophia Scherman announced that she wants to place a future meeting agenda item where the city council will consider a proposal to rename the Elk Grove police’s communications center after Simmons.
A reception was held after Lehner’s ceremony.
Lehner told the Citizen that he will spend the next few weeks getting to know as many people as he can.
“(It’s) just to understand what this organization is about and how it’s come to be so successful,” he said about the Elk Grove police.
The Citizen asked Simmons about being a new retiree and he replied that he has worked full time since he was 17, and went through a period where he had two jobs. He is used to working many long hours and days.
“Getting used to not doing that is going to be a transition for me,” Simmons said.
As for the new police chief, Simmons said: “He has a very keen interest in this department. I think that he’s going to be a good fit for the organization.”
