Costa Mesa police promotes three to leadership roles in the department

Three Costa Mesa police officers were center stage on Wednesday as the department and community welcomed newly promoted Capt. Bryan Glass, Lt. Joyce LaPointe and Sgt. Dan Miles in a moving and upbeat swearing-in ceremony at the City Council Chambers.

“We have three excellent leaders here with us today, and I am honored to have them here with us,” said Police Chief Rob Sharpnack, who thanked the officers’ families for their support. “This experience galvanizes the team and we stand together to support a common cause. I encourage you all to stay hungry and committed to that cause.”

Glass, a 20-year veteran, splits the captain duties with Capt. Mark Manley. He will be charged with overseeing the Support Services Division, which consists of Investigative Services Bureau, the Special Investigation Unit, Gangs, Crime Scene Investigation, Records and Evidence bureau, Telecommunications, emergency management, jail operations and SWAT.

“I’m very fortunate to be given the opportunity and privilege to serve the department, the city and the community in this new position and over the last 20 years, he said. “I’ve had a blessed career.”

Capt. Glass, who has been acting captain since Chief Sharpnack was promoted, said he is very heartened at the direction the department is going.

“Today reminds me of when I first got hired because of all the new officers coming into the organization,” he said.  We have a steady flow of sworn and professional staff coming into the department brining in new life and energy and opportunity. It’s a good sign for the department.”

Cpt. Glass was born and raised in northern California. He spent five years serving in the U.S. Marine Corp before being hired by Costa Mesa Police Department in October of 1995. He then graduated from the Orange County Sheriff Academy in 1996 and began work as a police officer in March of that year.

As an officer, Cpt. Glass has had the opportunity to work a variety of assignments throughout the department. In November 2005, Cpt. Glass promoted to the rank of sergeant and was assigned to Patrol Services until being selected as the Chief’s Adjutant and Department Press Information Officer. In January 2010, Cpt. Glass promoted to the rank of lieutenant and was assigned as the Field Operations Administration Lieutenant.

Cpt. Glass has a Bachelors of Art in Social Science from Chapman University, a Master of Science in Emergency Services Administration and a Master of Public Administration through California State University Long Beach. He is also a POST Command College graduate of Class #53.

LaPointe, who is the department’s first female lieutenant, worked in patrol, as a field training, bike patrol, traffic and tactical flight officer and as a defensive tactics instructor. In 2006, she earned her private helicopter license.

As a sergeant, she managed patrol teams, the Field Officers Training Program, jail operations, emergency management, and Force Tactics training. She is also is the recipient of the Mothers against Drunk Drivers Century Award and a Life Saving Merit award.  She was born in Mt. View, California and graduated from Southbay Christian High School in 1986. She attended Vanguard University on an athletic scholarship for basketball and softball and she received her Bachelor of Arts degree in kinesiology.

Sgt. Miles has spent almost 17 years as a Costa Mesa police officer. After being hired by the Costa Mesa Police Department, he attended the Goldenwest Police Academy He worked three years in patrol, seven years as a motor officer, and seven years in the Special Investigations Unit. During those assignments, Sgt. Miles worked on the Major Accident Investigation Team, did five tours on the DUI Enforcement team and was a field training officer.

He also spent time as an undercover officer and for two years was assigned to a DEA Task Force, where he handled over $60 million in seized US Currency.

He grew up in Covina, California, where his father, Dave Miles, was a police officer, with the Covina Police Department. Dan graduated from Walnut High School in 1992. He attended both University of Iowa and UC Santa Barbara, the later where he was captain of the swim team until he was injured. He later transferred to Mt. San Antonio College, where he played water polo and obtained an associate’s degree. He has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.