The Claremont Police Department is committed to upholding its mission to safeguard and serve the Claremont community
through timely, proactive, effective, and professional law enforcement services. For the past 30 years, Claremont Police Chief Paul Cooper has devoted himself and his institutional knowledge of the Claremont community to instrumentally improve the police department by exercising the mission aforementioned. He has served eight years as the Claremont Police Chief, establishing a new virtue within the police department—to be a community-oriented and community trusted source for safety. However, everything must come to an end, as Cooper will be stepping down from Police Chief and resigning in the next year.

Even though he has reached his tenure as Police Chief, Cooper is noteworthy for his reestablishment and improvement of the K-9 department in Claremont and for the many organizations designed to connect the Claremont community with the police force. Just this past summer, the Claremont Police Department hosted community BBQs and movie nights to get police officers and community members to enjoy each other’s company.

“The chief has always been a great part of our community. He would always be out at public events making sure everything runs as smoothly as possible,” senior Andrew Delavasto said.

Additionally, Cooper has even strengthened the police department’s partnership with CUSD. With the support of CHS Principal Dr. O’Connor, CUSD Superintendent Dr. Elsasser, the School Board, and the City Council, the Claremont Police Department provides drunk driving education to the 11th and 12th graders at CHS, and it provides bike and pedestrian safety at the elementary school level. Overall, the Claremont Police Department’s partnership with the community has produced impressive results, especially for students.

“Within the community, we are at major events like 4th of July, Village Venture, Spring Egg Hunt, and the Holiday Tree lighting. The connection and partnership with the community is one of the most important constants for me and the department,” Cooper said.

After 30 years of service, Cooper has officially submitted his letter of resignation and will be departing from his position as Police Chief. City Manager Tony Ramos has been left in charge of finding a proper replacement for Cooper. It will not be easy to find a successor for the man that has greatly committed himself to improving Claremont’s public safety. However, Cooper will not be leaving the department just yet, as he has agreed to serve as interim police chief until a replacement can be found.

Many are melancholy about his resignation, and the successor will find it difficult to fill his shoes. Cooper has accomplished plenty for the City of Claremont.

“In the end, you may have accomplished a lot. but it’s the people that are really important,” said Cooper.

Cooper departs from the Claremont Police Department late next year. His inspiring mark on the City of Trees after 30 years of consistent service will be remembered for years to come.