Wednesday, August 13, 2025
WCPD Chief Cortina & CPD Chief Walczak Continue at “Chiefs” Ric Walczak
This week we welcomed back West Covina PD Chief Cortina and are happy to have Covina PD Chief Walczak here to share their plans for their cities.
Cortina has 28 years of law enforcement experience and a distinguished record of leadership, service, and community engagement. Chief Cortina is a seasoned law enforcement professional who has served in several leadership positions in the West Covina Police Department starting as an officer in patrol, to training officer, detecting and moving through the ranks of detective, sergeant, lieutenant, and captain. His areas of oversight include the detective bureau, SWAT, major narcotics, canine unit, jail operations, and the patrol division. His dedication to building trust with the community, addressing public safety concerns, and enhancing departmental operations aligns with the West Covina Police Department's mission. "I am honored to serve as the Police Chief for the City of West Covina and I am committed to working closely with our community, elected officials, and all members of the department to enhance public safety and trust," said Chief Antonio “Tony” Cortina. "I believe in an approach to policing that values collaboration, accountability, and respect for every individual."
Ric Walczak was appointed as the Chief of Police for the Covina Police Department in January 2025, where he now leads the men and women of the Department in service to the community. Born and raised in Covina, Chief Walczak has deep roots in the city, having attended Ben Lomond Elementary, Las Palmas Junior High, and Northview High School. His passion for law enforcement began early, joining the Covina Police Explorer Post, where he rose to the position of Explorer Captain. Chief Walczakʼs career in policing began as a police cadet with the Glendora Police Department, but he returned to his hometown of Covina in 1996 when he was hired as a police officer. He completed his training at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy, Class 292, before being assigned to the Patrol Division. There, he served as a training officer, participated in the Area D Mutual Aid Platoon, and later became a narcotics and gang detective. A founding member of the Special Response Team, Chief Walczak served as the team’s Scout leading tactical missions for the Department. Chief Walczak continued to demonstrate his commitment to public safety as a Crimes Against Persons detective, investigating the most serious crimes in the city. Chief Walczak was promoted through the ranks, earning the positions of Sergeant in 2007 and Lieutenant in 2012, where he led Patrol, Internal Affairs, Investigations, and Administration. In 2019, he was promoted to Captain and has overseen both the Support Services and Operations Divisions. Throughout his career, Chief Walczak has demonstrated leadership, a commitment to professional development, and a passion for serving the Covina community. Chief Walczak holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of La Verne and a Master’s Degree from the University of San Diego. He is a graduate of the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigations, the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (Class 298), and the Department of Justice Valor program. Ensuring that the Covina Police Department continues to provide premier policing services while maintaining a small hometown feel are important goals for Chief Walczak. He is extraordinarily proud of the work accomplished by the dedicated men and women of the Department and hopes to share that success and deepen the already strong connection with the community. Outside of his professional life, Chief Walczak enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, boating, and hiking.
