By Stacey Hanks–
Marking a new chapter within the city’s law enforcement ranks, Police Commander Gina Anderson, who’s been with the Citrus Heights Police Department since its inception in 2006, has been promoted to the newly formed position of Assistant Chief of Police. Her promotion became effective on July 8.
“She’s been loyal to this city, she’s very talented and I’m very pleased to make this promotion,” said Police Chief Ron Lawrence, announcing Anderson’s promotion during the last city council meeting. “This allows us to do some unique succession planning and allows us to build for the leadership of the future.”
According to a police department press release issued on Monday, Assistant Chief Anderson graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1992 and later earned her Juris Doctor Degree from McGeorge School of Law in 2004 and is licensed by the California State Bar. Among other achievements and training, she also graduated from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
Beginning her career in law enforcement in 1993 as a police officer with the City of Davis, she was promoted to the rank of Police Sergeant in 2002. During her time with the Davis Police Department, Anderson’s work included serving as detective, hostage negotiations team leader and SWAT team operator.
Hired in 2006 by then-City Manager Chris Boyd, Anderson served as one of the original police lieutenants of the new police department in Citrus Heights. Helping to create the department during its inaugural years, Anderson experienced a variety of duties which included building the Professional Standards Unit and serving in the Special Operations and Patrol services.
With a promotion in 2013 to the rank of Police Commander, Anderson has overseen both the Patrol Services Division and the Investigative Services Division for the past five years, police said in Monday’s news release.
“There’s not a day that has gone by that I’ve regretted that decision to come to Citrus Heights,” said Anderson, following the announcement of her promotion at the council meeting. “This community is just absolutely fantastic, it’s just a dream job opportunity for me to continue my career here in Citrus Heights.”
Mayor Steve Miller, also present at the meeting, said he was “extremely confident and very happy” with the promotion. “I think you’ll do well handling any challenge Chief Lawrence throws your way,” he said.
Related: Citrus Heights Police commander retires; served with dept since day one
As previously reported in The Sentinel’s July 1 news briefs, Lawrence said the decision to create the new executive position of Assistant Police Chief came after Commander Daman Christensen announced his retirement last month, leading to a reconsideration of the department’s organizational structure.
With the retirement and promotion, Lawrence said the department now has two vacant commander positions, for which internal recruitment will be made from among the department’s existing lieutenants by August 19. Lawrence said the department will “remain within my authorized budget” under the new changes, noting that the number of total staff will remain the same and one vacant lieutenant position will be eliminated.
