ANAHEIM : Kennedy to Return as Interim Police Chief

Former Police Chief Jimmie Kennedy will be appointed acting police chief next week, replacing Joseph T. Molloy, who died suddenly last month, City Manager James D. Ruth announced Tuesday.

Kennedy, who was chief from 1983 until his retirement in 1988, will serve until January, when a new chief will be appointed, Ruth said.

“His extensive leadership experience in the profession and existing knowledge of the Anaheim Police Department will provide us with much needed stability and guidance, making him the logical choice to oversee the department during this transition period,” Ruth said.

The appointment will become official next week when approved by the City Council, City Atty. Jack L. White said. Details have yet to be worked out on Kennedy’s contract, including his salary, White said.

Ruth told the council of the selection before its meeting Tuesday, and it gave its tentative approval, Mayor Tom Daly said.

Kennedy, an Anaheim resident who was on the police force for 29 years, is “a quality guy,” Daly said.

“He was popular with the officers and is the perfect individual to run the department until a permanent chief is hired,” Daly said.

Kennedy could not be reached for comment Tuesday.

Capt. Randall Gaston has been running the department since Molloy’s death July 27.

Molloy, a fitness buff who ran marathons and competed in Iron Man competitions, died of a heart attack in his office as he prepared for his customary early morning run. He had succeeded Kennedy as chief.

Since retiring from Anaheim, Kennedy has taught administration of justice courses at Fullerton College and served as the interim police chief of Palos Verdes Estates in 1988 and Claremont in 1989 while those Los Angeles County cities searched for a chief.