RAFU WIRE SERVICE AND STAFF REPORTS
Brandon Karmann, a 24-year law enforcement veteran who first served on the Arcadia Police Department in 2002, took over Oct. 19 for outgoing Chief Roy Nakamura.
Karmann, the department’s 31st chief, returns to Arcadia, a San Gabriel Valley city of about 57,000 people, after serving most recently as a captain with the West Covina Police Department, where he worked for more than 20 years.
“Returning to Arcadia as chief of police is deeply meaningful to me. This is where my law enforcement career began, and I’m honored to return and serve the department, the city, and the community,’’ he said in a news release.
Karmann was appointed following a nationwide search.
After 34 years of service to the Arcadia Police Department, Nakamura announced his retirement earlier this year. His final day with the department was July 31.
Nakamura had served as police chief since 2021, marking a unique place in Arcadia’s history as the first Asian American to lead the department.
“I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had during my career in law enforcement, and I thank my family and friends who have supported me throughout this journey. It has been an honor and privilege to lead the men and women of the Arcadia Police Department,” he said.
During his tenure, Nakamura prioritized community safety, reducing crime, modernizing the department’s technologies, and strengthening recruitment and training of officers to best serve all Arcadians.
Nakamura began his career with the department in 1992 as a police officer. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to sergeant in 2002, lieutenant in 2009, and captain in 2019.
City Manager Dominic Lazzaretto expressed his appreciation for Nakamura’s leadership, service, and long commitment to the community: “Under Chief Nakamura’s leadership, the Police Department expanded its use of technology to enhance crime-solving efforts, strengthened community ties through a robust Neighborhood Watch program, and successfully recruited and retained a highly talented workforce.
“Chief Nakamura has led the Arcadia Police Department with integrity, professionalism, and a strong commitment to continuous improvement. I am grateful he chose Arcadia more than three decades ago and thank him for his many contributions to our community.”