How to earn $144,000 a year with a GED
Looks like education isn’t all the Montebello City Council is looking for in a police chief. Despite some debate over Dan Weast’s education level — he has a GED — the City Council affirmed the 24-year-veteran of the force as police chief Wednesday.
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MONTEBELLO - A lieutenant with ties to the police officer's union was promoted to chief of police in a 4-1 vote of the City Council on Wednesday.
Dan Weast, a 24-year veteran of the Police Department, will receive an annual salary of $144,996.
"It has been a very smooth transition," Weast said. "I have had the opportunity to meet with all of my staff."
Weast began his new position on March 3. On top of his salary, Weast also will be provided with benefits, a retirement program and a city vehicle.
City Administrator Richard Torres said Weast's contract did not have to be approved for him to begin work as chief. Weast has already appointed two officers to higher ranks and brought another aboard. He plans to put a heavy emphasis on the city's graffiti problem.
Weast said he has a GED and his experience includes more than 2,400 hours of law enforcement training. He has spent the last 11 years as a supervisor. He has also worked patrol, on an anti- gang unit, homicides, robbery, narcotics and other assignments, he said.
Mayor Bill Molinari cast the lone vote of dissention.
Questions arose around the appointment of Weast late last month when Molinari said he had "serious concerns" regarding his qualifications.
"We need the best candidate that there is and therefore I cannot support the contract," said Molinari at the council meeting.
The rest of the council appeared pleased with the appointment.