City names first chief since 2009
“I love it. I have the support of the council and the city manager (Rom Medina) and all the city staff.”
Anthony Mara, Calipatria Police chief
CALIPATRIA — A firm vote of confidence to approve Anthony Mara as police chief should come as no surprise since he has served as interim chief since April 2009.
The city council, in a unanimous 5-0 vote Tuesday, retained Mara as chief, in conformance to administrative hiring procedures. The term of the contract is open ended and he serves in an at-will capacity. When questioned about the council’s vote of confidence Mara was upbeat.
“I love it,” he said. “I have the support of the council and the city manager (Rom Medina) and all the city staff.”
Before his interim appointment as chief, Mara was a sergeant and prior to that a patrol officer who started with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office as a reserve deputy more than 20 years ago.
The reason a vote on a permanent police chief was postponed over the years was because of the fiscal challenges the city had faced. The city has consistently shrunk the deficit in recent years, Medina noted.
The city currently has three full-time police officers, two part-time officers and several reserve officers. As the city transitions to a full-permanent police chief, that should allow the chance to hire another full-time officer.
“I’m sure that will be one of his priorities along with graffiti abatement and traffic law compliance as he resumes his duties,” said Medina.
Although many of the tagged buildings are in secluded parts of town, Mara acknowledged it is still an eyesore and residents have complained of graffiti in recent months. He pointed out police are also working with the schools to discourage teen vandalism and truancy.
Another ongoing issue is property owners who use lots for storage or even trash disposal. But the police and fire departments have been monitoring the situation.
“Chief Chris Hall is very good at keeping tabs on that, along with the city manager and city council provides him with a lot of support,” said Mara.
What made Mara so well qualified was his familiarity with residents and city staff operations, remarked Medina.
“I look forward to chief Mara in the permanent role,” he said.
“He has many qualities to fulfill the position and to be successful throughout his future tenure.”
The police department has a history of fiscal restraint and always worked within their means, noted Mara.
“Our units are not the newest equipment but are well-kept and very serviceable,” Mara said. “I just love to continue to serve the city and working with the community. I thank our city council and staff for continued support.”