PLACENTIA, Calif. — Martin Pomeroy's plans for 2002 included seeing his youngest son off on a mission, enjoying his four grandchildren, and moving with his wife, Pam, into a newly completed home in Montana. He's done all these things, but also added something unexpected to the mix. After retiring in 2001 as one of the top deputies in the Los Angeles Police Department, he is back in Los Angeles, serving as Interim Police Chief.

AP photo

Martin Pomeroy speaks to members of the press and the Los Angeles community following successful resolution of a kidnapping case. A Church member, Brother Pomeroy was drawn out of retirement in May to serve as the interim police chief of the Los Angeles Police Department.

With a vacancy in the top post, the police commission asked Brother Pomeroy to serve temporarily while a nationwide search for a new chief is conducted. He was sworn into office in May, and expects to serve for about six months.

Brother Pomeroy retired as one of three deputy chiefs in the department, which is one of the largest in the nation. As commanding officer of the headquarters bureau, he oversaw all of the LAPD's centralized uniformed and detective functions, including SWAT, anti-terrorism, juveniles, narcotics and major crimes. Prior to that, he was deputy chief over San Fernando Valley operations, where he commanded police disaster response operations to the 1994 Northridge earthquake, which was centered in the valley.

Assisting with disaster relief following the earthquake provided Brother Pomeroy with some of the most gratifying moments of his career.

"The community came together, which they had not done for many years. To see people helping and serving others, people who had lost something helping people who had lost everything, was a very rewarding experience," he said.

During most of his career, Brother Pomeroy lived in the Placentia California Stake, situated about 40 miles southeast of Los Angeles. Following his retirement, Brother and Sister Pomeroy moved to Montana, where they are now members of the Whitefish Ward. However, they are temporarily living in Placentia again, while Brother Pomeroy completes his current assignment.

As interim chief, Brother Pomeroy heads a department with approximately 9,000 sworn officers, 3,000 civilians, and an annual budget of more than $1 billion. He oversees police operations for a city that extends over more than 450 square miles.

"There's the added responsibility, if you're a member of the Church, to set a good example, to live up to the teachings of the Church, because people are watching you to see if you're a hypocrite, or if you're true to your word."

Brother Pomeroy recalls having a desire to be a police officer from the time he was a young man in Fullerton, Calif. Following a mission to the Eastern States, and marriage to Pam, he joined the LAPD in 1969.

He is particularly proud that one of his sons, Aaron, has decided to pursue the same career, and has been a member of the LAPD for the past three years.

The Pomeroys' other children include Andrew, Michelle and Adam, the latter of whom is serving in the Brazil Belem Mission.

Pam Pomeroy says that while her husband's career has presented some challenges, including his working long hours, and often being called away from home unexpectedly, she has "always been very proud of him for his job, for the integrity and service that he has given. He has always, always felt like he wanted to do all that he could for the department and for the citizens of Los Angeles."

Although Brother Pomeroy's career has by necessity brought him into contact with many challenging situations and with people who have made bad choices, he remains optimistic.

"That's why the Church is so important. That's where faith comes in. It would be difficult to see the evil side of life if you didn't have great faith in the good side of life. I have faith that, ultimately, there is the triumph of good over evil.

"There's so much more good than bad in the world."

He feels his membership in the Church has been an asset to him in his work.

"The same characteristics that are required to be a good member of the Church — faith, honesty and service — are required to be a good police officer. You must be faithful to your oath of office, you must possess great honesty and integrity, and you must be dedicated to serving the public.

"The gospel brings stability to your life and harmony with your family. And if you're to be a good police officer, or if you're to be confident in any walk of life, having the support of your wife and loved ones, and having values that you adhere to is a great help in being successful."

Since his return, Brother Pomeroy has overseen numerous high profile cases, including a July 4 shooting at Los Angeles International Airport, and the kidnapping and successful recovery of a young girl a few weeks later. His workday generally lasts from 12 to 14 hours.

Although his "retirement" thus far hasn't turned out as he expected, Brother Pomeroy has no regrets. "The best part of being back is that I've learned that you're never too old for personal growth. You're never too old to improve your character or acquire more compassion. From each of the experiences I've had, I've gained something that has made me a better person."