On His First Day, Glendale’s First Armenian Police Chief Says Messages of Support Are Pouring In From Armenians Worldwide

On his first day as Glendale police chief, Robert William spoke in Armenian with The Armenian Report about the outpouring of support he received from Armenians in Glendale, across the United States and in Armenia.

William, who officially began his tenure this week as the 21st chief of the Glendale Police Department, described the milestone as both inspiring and demanding.

“I feel very motivated,” William told The Armenian Report’s Anna Kachikyan. “Of course, it’s my first day, so I’m happy, but it’s also a busy day because I’ve received so many messages — through letters and Instagram — from members of the Armenian community, friends, relatives and people from Armenia. I’m trying to respond to everyone while continuing my work, supporting our officers and helping keep our city safe.”

William is the first police chief of Armenian heritage in Glendale’s history, a milestone for a city with one of the largest Armenian-American communities in the United States.

A longtime Glendale resident, William spent decades rising through the ranks of the department. He now leads one of the largest law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles County. The Glendale Police Department employs more than 500 personnel, including about 270 sworn officers, and operates with an annual budget exceeding $150 million.

As police chief, William has said public safety and strong partnerships with Glendale’s diverse communities will be central priorities for his administration.

Although William does not carry an Armenian surname, he has maintained strong ties to his Armenian roots. Born to a father of Assyrian and Armenian heritage and an Armenian mother, he was raised in a household where Armenian was the primary language spoken.

His appointment is expected to serve as an inspiration for young people considering careers in public service, showing the opportunities available through dedication, community involvement and service.

Following a first day filled with congratulations from across the Armenian diaspora and beyond, William now assumes responsibility for guiding one of Southern California’s most prominent police departments while working to strengthen public trust and community engagement.

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