Glendale has handed the police chief’s badge to one of its own, naming lifelong resident Robert William as its permanent police chief after he had been serving in the interim role since December 2025. A career Glendalian who started as a police cadet, William now takes over a department that city leaders say is focused on modernization and community trust, keeping leadership continuity at the Glendale Police Department after a months-long interim stretch.
The City Council voted unanimously this week to make William the permanent chief, according to Crescenta Valley Weekly. City Manager Roubik Golanian made the formal hiring decision and announced the appointment, underscoring that the pick came from inside a department he has repeatedly described as stable and professional.
From cadet to chief
William joined the Glendale Police Department as a police cadet and was sworn in as an officer in 2003. He brings more than 24 years of service and has been part of the department’s command staff since 2020, according to a press release from the City of Glendale. Over the years, he has served as the chief’s adjutant, public information officer, police captain, and deputy chief before stepping into the interim chief role in December 2025.
City officials praise continuity
“Chief William represents the very best of the Glendale Police Department,” City Manager Roubik Golanian said, while Mayor Ardy Kassakhian added that the appointment “reflects the strength and professionalism of the Glendale Police Department,” in the city’s announcement via the City of Glendale. The decision drew public support in council chambers, with applause from union representatives and residents who turned out for the vote.
What he plans to focus on
Addressing the council, William said he plans to focus on strengthening leadership within the department, investing in employee wellness and professional development, embracing new technologies and enhancing accountability and transparency. He framed those priorities as core pieces of the department’s existing strategic plan. Crescenta Valley Weekly noted that William described the Glendale Police Department as “professional, accountable, innovative and centered around the community.”
Budget backdrop and council action
The appointment comes as the council adopted a $1.29 billion city budget this week, a spending plan that city leaders said is designed to protect core public-safety services even as other programs see trims. Outlook Newspapers first reported on William’s hire and the council meeting that finalized the decision.
What to watch next
Residents will be watching how the department puts its strategic plan into practice under William’s permanent leadership, particularly when it comes to technology upgrades and accountability measures he has championed. City officials say his deep local roots and long tenure in the department put him in a strong position to shepherd those reforms while maintaining public safety.
