EMERYVILLE, Calif. — Ken James, Emeryville police chief since July 1998, has been honored with the California Police Chiefs Association most prestigious award.
James, 60, a 37-year veteran of the department, was presented the Joe Malloy award Wednesday at the association's 35th annual training symposium installation banquet in Sacramento.
A statement released by the CPCA said James was honored for his "dedication and service to law enforcement" and the association.
The award, named in honor of deceased Anaheim police chief Joe Malloy embodies the characteristics he represented, including "professionalism, leadership, energy, and commitment to the mission of the association," said CPCA president, Irvine Police Chief Dave Maggard in the statement.
He said James has chaired the associations Firearms Committee and last year successfully fought to have legislation known as the "Open Carry" bill passed, which prohibits people from carrying unloaded firearms in public.
James, "is highly respected in the law enforcement community" and "has steadfastly stood for what is best for the safety of our communities," Maggard said in the release.
James, who commands 38 officers and 17 civilian employees and is the second longest tenured chief in the East Bay, said Thursday the award "was totally unexpected. I was shocked but I am deeply honored." He said the award usually goes to chiefs of larger departments. "I was not expecting it in any way, shape or form."
He said receiving the award shows that the work done by smaller police departments can be recognized in a positive way.
"I believe it does," he said. "It really shows that even though we are not a big city, we're still dedicated to our profession and are willing to work as hard as anyone."
The CPCA has 230 active chiefs as members whose agencies protect more than 78 percent of California citizens.