BREAKING NEWS

Laguna Beach Police Chief Mike Sellers has announced his resignation effective May 8. Sellers, who joined the department in October, 2005, has accepted a new position as Chief of the Fullerton Police Department, a city nearly three times the size of Laguna Beach.

Thirty-year department veteran Paul Workman has been named Interim Police Chief for an indefinite period, according to a press statement today from City Manager Ken Frank. Workman will assume the post on the day Sellers departs.

“The police management structure is being reorganized and the city is just starting to implement that program,” Frank said. “At the same time, the city is confronted with the most severe financial situation in many decades.

“The one person who is best equipped to deal with both the reorganization and the financial constraints is Paul Workman who has been a Captain in the Laguna Beach Police Department since 1995. Paul will be charged with implementing the reorganization, filling the key management positions, and guiding the police department through an austere budget.”

Workman has more than 30 years of experience with the department, starting as a reserve officer in 1975. He has been promoted through the ranks from officer to sergeant, lieutenant and captain. For many years, Workman supervised the field services division and is currently in charge of the support services division.

“Paul’s knowledge of the department and his budgetary expertise will be invaluable,” Frank stated.

Workman lives in Laguna Beach.