The Armenian National Committee of America -Western Region (ANCA WR) announced today its endorsement of Jim McDonnell for Los Angeles County Sheriff. The announcement came after a thorough interview process, which included discussion on such topic matters as sensitivity training for employees and officers, educational and outreach programs, and the critical role of the Sheriff in building bridges and establishing a collaborative relationship with the Armenian-American community. McDonnell’s grasp of significant Armenian American issues was evident through his sincere devotion to making the Armenian American community an equal community partner of the department.

“The ANCA WR is proud to endorse Chief McDonnell for LA County Sheriff as he has a proven track record founded on sound ethics and a clear understanding of the diverse needs of the Armenian American community,” stated ANCA WR Executive Director, Elen Asatryan. “We call on our community to join us in support of McDonnell and vote for him on November 4th,” added Asatryan.

“The Armenian National Committee of America – Western Region supports our vibrant Armenian community and I am honored to have received their endorsement.  I am thankful for the decades of partnership I have had with the Armenian community and the ANCA-WR, first through the LAPD and now as Chief of Police in Long Beach. I look forward to continuing our positive relationship to improve and protect our communities as your next Sheriff of Los Angeles County,” stated McDonnell.

Jim McDonnell has served as Chief of Police for the city of Long Beach, the second largest city in Los Angeles County, since March, 2010.  He previously served as the second in command in the Los Angeles Police Department. McDonnell began his law enforcement career in 1981 and has served over three decades for the Los Angeles Police Department, having held every rank in the LAPD. As an expert on community policing strategies, Jim McDonnell has employed his experience collaborating with community leaders in the many diverse neighborhoods across Los Angeles County to enhance community relations and promote safe neighborhoods. McDonnell’s community policing plan was the foundation of Chief Bill Bratton’s efforts to refocus and reform the LAPD. He was appointed by Governor Schwarzenegger to serve as a member of the California Commission on Peace Officers’ Standards & Training (POST) and was reappointed to serve a second term by Governor Brown. He is also Chair of the Law Enforcement Advisory Committee for the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). McDonnell works with numerous non-profit organizations that focus on furthering the interests of youth. He was appointed to the U.S. Attorney General’s National Task Force on Children Exposed to Violence and served in two U.S. Department of Justice National Executive Sessions — the National Executive Session on Law Enforcement & Public Health and the National Executive Session on Police Legitimacy and Racial Reconciliation.

The Armenian National Committee of America-Western Region is the largest and most influential Armenian American grassroots advocacy organization in the Western United States. Working in coordination with a network of offices, chapters, and supporters throughout the Western United States and affiliated organizations around the country, the ANCA-WR advances the concerns of the Armenian American community on a broad range of issues.

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