Michael Lorenz, a 22-year veteran of the Ontario Police Department who moved up the ranks from patrol officer to deputy chief, has been unanimously confirmed as the City’s new police chief, effective immediately.
Chief Lorenz, who joined the department in 1998 after graduating from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department academy, has worked a variety of assignments during his tenure, including narcotics, gang violence suppression, field training and SWAT.
His promotion was ratified Tuesday night by the City Council.
“With his experience, leadership skills and knowledge of our community, Mike Lorenz is an ideal choice to lead our Police Department into the future. We are fortunate, once again, to be able to promote from within our organization and maintain the consistency that has made OPD a model for local law enforcement,” said Mayor Paul Leon.
Lorenz replaces Derek Williams, who had previously announced his retirement as police chief after 29 years with the department. Like Lorenz, Williams had served as deputy chief before his appointment to the position of Chief in 2018.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Ontario family—we truly achieved excellence through teamwork. I have no doubt that Chief Lorenz will carry on, and even improve, the high standards of service at the Ontario Police Department,” said retiring Chief Derek Williams.
“I appreciate Chief Williams’ years of service to our city and look forward to working with Chief Lorenz in continuing OPD’s long legacy of exceptional policing and service to the community,” said Ontario City Manager Scott Ochoa.
Lorenz earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from California Coast University. Prior to attending the police academy, he served four years in the United States Air Force.
At OPD, he has held leadership positions in patrol operations, East Area command, SWAT/crisis negotiations, COPS/MET, and the gang suppression and K9 units. He also served as captain in the field operations unit.
“Throughout my career, I’ve benefitted from the extraordinary examples set by my predecessors, and it’s an honor to be able to build on the great work they’ve done on behalf of the City, our residents and businesses,” Lorenz said.