Cypress City Manager Peter Grant recently announced the appointment of the new Chief of Police Rod Cox, a 24½ year veteran of the Cypress Police Department. The community is invited to a badge pinning ceremony on Aug. 18 at 5 p.m. at the Cypress Community Center.
“Rod’s experience and commitment will serve Cypress well,” said Grant.“Rod is a problem solver and a good communicator. He is widely involved and respected in the community and a valued member of the Cypress team.”
Cox started his career as a Cypress Police Officer in 1990 and worked his way up through the ranks. Under Cox’s leadership, the Police Department recently completed its first Strategic Plan. The Plan includes goals and strategies developed in concert with employees – a reflection of Cox’s commitment to improving communication with the department and community.
Raised in Buena Park and a graduate of Savanna High School, Chief Cox enlisted in the United States Army and served honorably in the Military Police Corps. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Long Beach, and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership from Brandman University. He is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute.
“I am truly humbled by this honor to serve our great city, its valued community members, and our Police Department as Chief of Police,” Chief Cox said. “I will work hard to strengthen community relationships, to keep people safe, and continue to build upon the quality public safety services that reduce crime and improve the quality of life for the Cypress community.”
“It’s great to see one of our Police Officers come up through the ranks and become Chief,” said Mayor Rob Johnson. “I have great confidence in his leadership and look forward to his contributions as Chief.”
Cox is also very involved in the Cypress community, serving as a Board Member of the Cypress Police Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club of Cypress, and through his support of Special Olympics Southern California. He is actively engaged in professional associations, including the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the California Police Chiefs Association, California Police Officers Association, and the Orange County Chiefs of Police and Sheriffs Association.
Since 2004, Chief Cox has served as an Executive Training Officer and Adjunct Instructor at the Golden West College Criminal Justice Training Center, where he teaches the next generation of law enforcement. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family and friends, riding his mountain bike, traveling, and cooking.