SR - RES-10925 - COMMENDATION FORTY ONE YEARSRESOLUTION NO. 10925
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF ORANGE EXPRESSING APPRECIATION TO
ROBERT GUSTAFSON, POLICE CHIEF, AND
COMMENDING HIM FOR OVER 41 YEARS OF LOYAL
AND DEDICATED POLICE SERVICE.
WHEREAS, Robert Gustafson began his law enforcement career with the Glendale Police
Department in 1975 after graduating from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. While employed
with Glendale, he worked a variety of assignments, including the Hillside Strangler Task Force. In 1979,
Officer Gustafson joined the Orange Police Department and began his rise through the ranks; and
WHEREAS, Robert possesses a Bachelor of Arts (magna cum laude) in Behavioral Science from
Cal Poly Pomona, and a Master of Arts (with honors) in Public Administration from Cal State Northridge.
He has also served as an adjunct faculty member at Golden West College and Chapman University; and
WHEREAS, Robert distinguished himself in all areas and demonstrated the ability to handle
complex problems, he was promoted to Sergeant in 1987; and was promoted to Captain in 1998 and
Captain Gustafson oversaw the implementation of the Youth Services Bureau and SHIELD program,
providing one -stop resource referrals to children and families in need of further social assistance. This
innovative approach to juvenile issues earned the Department the prestigious "Community Oriented
Policing Award" from the Orange County Human Relations Commission in 2001; and
WHEREAS, in 2004, Captain Gustafson was appointed the City of Orange's 33` Chief of Police.
During his tenure as Chief of Police of the Orange Police Department, he implemented and developed the
Department's CompStat model, transforming the manner in which the agency delivers police services and
reduces crime. He also set as a standard the Department's Five Pillars for Success; and
WHEREAS, Chief Gustafson's leadership, and development of key partnership with the Orange
County District Attorney's Office, Orange County Probation and Community Service Programs helped to
establish Orange's Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (G.R.I.P.). In 2010, the California
Association of Counties awarded the Orange G.R.I.P. the "Challenge Merit Award;" and
WHEREAS, Chief Gustafson's advocacy for those suffering from mental illness earned the Orange
Police Department the prestigious John Q. Wilson Award for Community Policing. The Orange Police
Department was selected from agencies throughout the State; and
WHEREAS, Chief Gustafson has dedicated his career to the betterment of the City Police
Department, and to endless numbers of officers by placing the needs of others and the organization above
his own. He has truly been an inspirational and influential leader in the department and as part of the City's
executive management team.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Theresa "Tita" Smith, Mayor of the City of Orange, on behalf of the
entire Orange City Council, hereby extend sincere gratitude to Chief Gustafson for over 41 years in law
enforcement and proudly serving the Orange community for 37 years. Best wishes for a happy and
fulfilling retirement, Chief. Thank you for your contribution to the Orange Police Department, working to
foster a high level of teamwork across departments.
ADOPTED this 8t day of March, 2016.
ITEM � � DATE OF MEETING. - -