Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement congratulating Barney Melekian after he was appointed director of the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) by U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder:

“With years of experience, Barney Melekian possesses the essential knowledge needed to serve in this new role as director of COPS. As chief of the Pasadena Police Department, Barney has worked day and night to protect his community and I am confident that he will continue to do the same on the national level. On behalf of all Californians, Maria and I congratulate Barney on this tremendous accomplishment.”