After 31 years of service, which includes five years in the United States Marine Corps and a distinguished 26-year career with Costa Mesa, Chief of Police Bryan Glass announced on Wednesday, April 7, that he will retire from his position in September 2021.
Chief Glass, who is highly respected by his peers and the Costa Mesa community, climbed the department’s ranks, rising from officer to Chief of Police in October 2019, when he was appointed by City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison.
“I have had a blessed career with Costa Mesa that has been highlighted by the opportunity to lead the organization through 2020, which was a year like no other,” said Chief Glass. “I’m grateful for the support I have received from the community, City Council, City Manager, City staff and my family. Time and again, I have been honored and humbled by the support I have received and continue to receive from the members of the Costa Mesa Police Department. I am proud to serve with the members of the Costa Mesa Police Department and the department’s success is a result of their professionalism, resilience, hard work, and dedication.”
When Chief Glass assumed his role as leader of the organization in October 2019, his goal was to ensure stability and continuity within the Costa Mesa Police Department and continue the legacy of community policing.
“I’m so proud of the work Chief Glass has done during one of the most challenging times in history,” City Manager Lori Ann Farrell Harrison said. “When I appointed him to the role of Police Chief, we needed his steady leadership, extensive knowledge and expertise. Chief Glass has been a guiding light for us during some dark and uncertain times this past year as we faced multiple challenges including a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic and civil unrest. I am honored to work with him, and while I will miss his friendship considerably, I am happy he will be able to retire and spend time with his beautiful family.”
In addition to the pandemic and unprecedented civil unrest, Chief Glass also dealt with the fiscal challenges posed by the pandemic.
“I respect and admire Chief Glass,” Mayor John Stephens said. “He’s been an exemplary Chief during a very challenging time in Costa Mesa. I wish Chief Glass the best in his retirement. He has served our community well over his distinguished career.”
Chief Glass placed an emphasis on recruitment and hiring efforts to fill department vacancies and elevated staffing to levels not seen since 2012. He has been an advocate for professional development and succession planning through various promotions and assignment transfers throughout the organization and was instrumental in lobbying for two more police officer positions that were added to the budget this year.
During his tenure, Chief Glass strengthened and maintained the department’s overall collaborations and relationships with an emphasis on community engagement, interaction, and partnerships. He ensured the replacement of several critical infrastructure systems, including a new in-car video and body-worn camera system and the department’s current new mobile data computers project.
Chief Glass was originally hired by the Costa Mesa Police Department in October 1995 and attended the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy. Chief Glass graduated from the academy in March 1996 and promptly began his career as a Costa Mesa Police Officer.
In September 2015, Chief Glass was promoted to the rank of captain. He was assigned as the Support Services Division Captain, overseeing the Investigative Services, Records & Evidence, and Telecommunications Bureaus. In December 2018, he became the Field Operations Division Captain, where he oversaw the Patrol Services, Field Operations Administration, Traffic Safety Bureaus and the department’s elite SWAT Team.
Prior to his role as captain, Chief Glass was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in January 2010 and was assigned as the Field Operations Administration Lieutenant. This was followed by assignments overseeing the Telecommunications Bureau, Patrol Services – Area 2 Command, and Professional Standards Bureau. He also served as the SWAT Commander for a time.
His prior roles were as a sergeant assigned to Patrol Services until being selected as the Chief’s Adjutant and department Press Information Officer. As an officer, Chief Glass had the opportunity to work a variety of assignments throughout the department. Those assignments included Patrol Services, Gang Unit, SWAT, Master Police Officer & Field Training Officer, Area 2 Problem Oriented Policing Officer, Narcotics & Vice Detective, and Property Crimes Detective.
Chief Glass is a veteran who served five years in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station in Tustin. During his enlistment, he was deployed twice to Okinawa, Japan and once to Somalia, Africa for Operation Restore Hope. In September 1995, Chief Glass was honorably discharged at the rank of sergeant.
Chief Glass has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Social Science from Chapman University, a Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration and a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University Long Beach. He is also a POST Command College graduate.
City Manager Farrell Harrison will be hiring an executive search firm to conduct a national recruitment to replace Chief Glass in September. Chief Glass will work closely with the City Manager to ensure a seamless and successful transition.
Chief Glass’ last day with the City is anticipated to be Sept. 2, 2021.