Albemarle County Police Department got its fifth police chief since the department was formed in 1983 (and second one from Fairfax County) when Ron Lantz was sworn in today at an SRO ceremony that included much of the county brass at the department headquarters .
Lantz has been with Albemarle since 2012, and he succeeds Steve Sellers, also a former Fairfaxian, who attended in civilian attire. Lantz cited Sellers’ mentorship about half a dozen times during the ceremony, and he was moved after his wife of 28 years, Rosanna, pinned Sellers’ badge on him.
“I’m getting emotional,” said Lantz. “I’m trying to think of ice cream”
Lantz also admitted he’s a hugger as he greeted attendees before the ceremony began.
And he’s a guy who says he doesn’t like the spotlight. “I don’t like the notoriety too much,” said Lantz. “I like going to work.”
Lantz was sworn in by Clerk of Court Jon Zug. Also present were supervisors Liz Palmer, Brad Sheffield, Diantha McKeel and Norman Dill, county exec Tom Foley, Commonwealth’s Attorney Robert Tracci and Charlottesville’s new chief Al Thomas.
Correction June 6 of embarrassing misspelling of Steve Sellers’ last name.