MONROVIA, CA — Monrovia Police Chief Heath Harvey will retire Oct. 31 after 29 years of service, and his successor has already been named, the city announced.
City Manager Dylan Feik has named current Police Capt. Sarah Covarrubias as Harvey's successor. Covarrubias will become chief Nov. 1, the city said on Tuesday.
Feik praised Harvey's record of service, including his receipt of the Medal of Valor and commendations for his work in community policing. He credited Harvey with helping strengthen the relationship between the Monrovia Police Department and the community.
Harvey began his law enforcement career as a reserve police officer and eventually rose to lead the department. He holds a master's degree in Emergency Management and Homeland Security from Arizona State University and has completed executive leadership training through the Drucker University Leadership Institute.
"Being part of the Monrovia community has been one of the most meaningful chapters of my life," Harvey said in a statement. "I have had the opportunity to work with some outstanding people, both within the Police Department and across the City, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together. Every day brought new challenges, but also new opportunities to serve, learn and grow. As I retire, I'm grateful for the experiences, the relationships and the trust that have made my time in Monrovia so rewarding."
Covarrubias brings nearly 26 years of experience with the Monrovia Police Department to the position. Her career has included roles as a cadet, dispatcher, officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain.
As chief, Covarrubias will oversee a department with 80 full-time personnel and a $13 million budget serving nearly 38,000 residents, as well as Monrovia's visitors, commuters and business community, the city said.
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