Retiring Police Chief Perez Honored with Emotional Sendoff

Former Pasadena Police Chief John Perez was honored for his nearly 40 years of service in Pasadena on Wednesday, as he left the Pasadena Police Department headquarters for the last time before retiring.

The surprise farewell event saw rows of officers, detectives, civilian personnel and members of City leadership, including recently retired City Manager Steve Mermell, applaud the chief as he entered the building’s loading dock for his last ride out.

Pasadena Fire trucks were also parked outside the headquarters as Fire Chief Chad Augustin and a number of firefighters were on hand to offer their thanks and congratulations.

Dressed casually in a baseball cap, sweat jacket and grey slacks, and accompanied by his happily tearful wife, Norma, and their two sons, Perez was clearly touched by the show of support from the nearly 100 or so supporters gathered, as he posed for photos with his family.

“Thank you,” he said to the officers. “You all take care of each other. I’ll see you around town.”

Perez also received his final radio call from his wife, a former Pasadena Police dispatcher. 

After identifying herself as “Dispatch 1,” she said, “Chief John Perez, thank you for your 36½ years of dedication and service to the citizens of Pasadena, and the Pasadena Police Department. We wish you a happy, healthy and fulfilling retirement. You will be missed.”

“Thank you so much,” he responded, emotionally, “Everybody take care.”

Perez was born in Los Angeles and joined the Pasadena Police Department in 1985. He began as a Police Cadet and worked various assignments throughout the organization, including Patrol, Community Relations, Internal Affairs, Special Enforcement Section, and S.W.A.T., before becoming chief in 2018.

Following the sendoff, Chief Perez, with his wife at the wheel, circled City Hall, accompanied by a quartet of Pasadena motorcycle officers with flashing lights, before heading off into his retirement.

Interim Chief Cheryl Moody will lead the department until May and will then pass the baton to Cmdr. Jason Clawson who will serve as interim chief until a new and permanent Police Chief is selected and hired.