After a months-long search, San Gabriel officials announced that Eugene Harris, a 24-year law enforcement veteran, will be the city’s next Chief of Police.

Harris, 50, is a Southern California native and former United States Marine. Harris began his career with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and joined the Monterey Park Police Department in 1993, where he served as captain for seven years.

Harris is a published author and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management. He is currently working on his second Master’s Degree in law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego. Harris is also a graduate of the POST Master Instructor Development Program, the West Point Leadership Program, POST Command College and the FBI National Academy.

City Manager Steve Preston said Harris’ talent and experience helped him rise to the top of a group of strong candidates that applied for the position.

“We had an incredibly strong pool of talent to choose from,” Preston said, “but Gene Harris stood above the pack, and we are proud that he will bring his talents to San Gabriel.”

During his career, Harris has had extensive experience in operational, administrative and management matters. He said he is excited and ready to lead the San Gabriel department.

“As Chief of Police, I plan to maintain an enthusiastic, professional environment within the San Gabriel Police Department so that we can continue to provide exceptional police service to residents, businesses and the San Gabriel community at large,” Harris said.

Harris succeeds outgoing Chief David A. Lawton, who retired earlier this year after 26 years as the chief of police. Harris will take the position in the second week of October. Among his first tasks will be to oversee construction of a new, $26.5 million police facility that city officials have been planning for more than a decade.