CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT CHIEF FOR 18 YEARS

Former Chula Vista police Chief Richard Emerson, a visionary who led the force for 18 years, died peacefully Friday, the Police Department announced this week. He was 70.

Emerson, who was remembered as a role model and mentor who left a mark on the careers of his subordinates, led the Police Department between 1992 and 2009 — a period in which the city and police force saw tremendous growth.

Emerson worked for the Pasadena Police Department for 23 years before he was hired as chief in Chula Vista.

Under his leadership, the Chula Vista Police Department created new units, including a special investigations team; doubled the size of the traffic unit to address community concerns; expanded the school resource officer unit from one officer to 23; created volunteer positions, including senior patrol volunteers; founded the Chula Vista Police Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Police Department; and constructed the police station that houses the department today, officials said.

“These types of developments addressed crime head-on, while professionalizing our agency and building relationships in our community,” Chula Vista police Chief Roxana Kennedy said in a statement. “Many of these programs were nationally recognized and became ‘industry standards’ for other law enforcement agencies.”

She said Emerson prioritized community-oriented policing and advocated for traffic safety. She remembered him as a proud motor officer — who even as chief rode a motorcycle— a fixture at regional motor competitions and an avid runner.

Emerson announced in 2009 that he would retire but planned to stay on the job until a new chief was hired. However, he stepped down abruptly in July of that year because then-City Manager Jim Sandoval said he planned to rescind nine promotions Emerson made, arguing those changes should be left to the new chief. Emerson said he had followed protocol, and the officers deserved the new titles.

In addition to his job as chief, he served as president of the San Diego County Police Chiefs’ and Sheriff ’s Association for 14 years.

He is survived by his wife, Candy, and their sons, Adam and Chris.