Editor note: Prior to Chief Chuck Lovell accepting the position as the chief, Law Enforcement Today had an opportunity to interview him for our series Behind the Uniforms - where he shared stories about good and bad days on the job. You can find that video at the bottom of this article. You can find more exclusive content at www.letunity.com.
PORTLAND, OR - According to a report in the Post Post Millennial, the top cop in Portland is resigning just days after the mayor said he wont seek re-election.
Chief Chuck Lovell, who has been on the job for three years in Portland, announced on Wednesday his intention to step down from his post. Lovell’s tenure was mired by controversy as the city of Portland spiraled into chaos and destruction.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said just last week that he would not seek re-election.
Regarding retirement, Lovell said, "Personally for me, it’s time to transition."
Lovell intends to leave his job on October 11th, four years shy of his mandatory retirement. Lovell served in the United States Air Force and had been a with the Portland police department for 21 years.
Lovell took over the department during the zenith of the 2020 Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots that destroyed parts the city and made Portland a national focal point for discussion on the rioting.
Lovell’s predecessor, Jami Resch, resigned amid the riots after just six months on the job, and Lovell took the job essentially "overnight" on June 11th, 2020.
At the time of his appointment, Lovell was a Lieutenant in the department. Resch explained her choice to appoint Lovell at the time by stating he was excellent at interacting with the community during the 2020 "Summer of love."
Lovell added, "We have started to rebuild and navigate some really tough times and I just want to thank the members of the Portland Police Bureau for the hard work that they do everyday on behalf of our city, and I want to thank the community members that have supported me throughout my career."
Mayor Ted Wheeler offered the following statement on Lovell’s resignation: "Lovell has nothing but my support, my admiration, and my gratitude for his service."
Wheeler has named an interim police chief in former Portland Police Lieutenant Bob Day. Day will serve until another election is held in 2025. Day sai he understands the circumstances facing him, as he said, "I am hopeful for this city; I see the challenges. I am not naïve." Day served with the Portland Police Bureau for 29 years before retiring.
Portland has served has sort of a Antifa hub since the 2020 riots kicked off after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Portland city council members voted to defund the police by more than $15 million under Lovell’s watch.
Lovell was forced to cut staff as homicides hit record-high levels in the city. Businesses continue to shut down their operations in the city and residents have been fleeing since the constant rioting started in 2020.
PORTLAND, OR - According to a report in the Post Post Millennial, the top cop in Portland is resigning just days after the mayor said he wont seek re-election.
Chief Chuck Lovell, who has been on the job for three years in Portland, announced on Wednesday his intention to step down from his post. Lovell’s tenure was mired by controversy as the city of Portland spiraled into chaos and destruction.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said just last week that he would not seek re-election.
Regarding retirement, Lovell said, "Personally for me, it’s time to transition."
Lovell intends to leave his job on October 11th, four years shy of his mandatory retirement. Lovell served in the United States Air Force and had been a with the Portland police department for 21 years.
Lovell took over the department during the zenith of the 2020 Black Lives Matter and Antifa riots that destroyed parts the city and made Portland a national focal point for discussion on the rioting.
Lovell’s predecessor, Jami Resch, resigned amid the riots after just six months on the job, and Lovell took the job essentially "overnight" on June 11th, 2020.
At the time of his appointment, Lovell was a Lieutenant in the department. Resch explained her choice to appoint Lovell at the time by stating he was excellent at interacting with the community during the 2020 "Summer of love."
Lovell added, "We have started to rebuild and navigate some really tough times and I just want to thank the members of the Portland Police Bureau for the hard work that they do everyday on behalf of our city, and I want to thank the community members that have supported me throughout my career."
Mayor Ted Wheeler offered the following statement on Lovell’s resignation: "Lovell has nothing but my support, my admiration, and my gratitude for his service."
Wheeler has named an interim police chief in former Portland Police Lieutenant Bob Day. Day will serve until another election is held in 2025. Day sai he understands the circumstances facing him, as he said, "I am hopeful for this city; I see the challenges. I am not naïve." Day served with the Portland Police Bureau for 29 years before retiring.
Portland has served has sort of a Antifa hub since the 2020 riots kicked off after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. Portland city council members voted to defund the police by more than $15 million under Lovell’s watch.
Lovell was forced to cut staff as homicides hit record-high levels in the city. Businesses continue to shut down their operations in the city and residents have been fleeing since the constant rioting started in 2020.
For corrections or revisions, click here.
The opinions reflected in this article are not necessarily the opinions of LET
Comments