‘When They See Robert, They See Themselves’: Glendale’s First Armenian Police Chief Hopes to Inspire Next Generation

INTERVIEW: Moments after making history as Glendale’s first Armenian Chief of Police, Robert William reflected on his journey, the community that shaped him, and his hopes of inspiring the next generation of Armenian Americans to pursue careers in public service.

Speaking to The Armenian Report shortly after his appointment on June 23, William said one of the biggest surprises of his career was the overwhelming support he received from Glendale’s Armenian community.

“When I was growing up in Glendale, I wasn’t sure how the Armenian community was going to accept an Armenian police officer,” William said. “It was actually to my surprise that Armenians are very, very supportive of public safety. They’re very supportive of law and order.”

William said he often felt a special connection when responding to calls involving Armenian residents, many of whom appreciated seeing an Armenian officer in uniform.

He recalled that support becoming especially visible following the civil unrest that swept across the country after the killing of George Floyd in 2020.

“That’s when we saw the Armenian community come out in huge support,” he said with a smile. “It was evidenced by all the baklava and lahmajoun in our lobby. They were all bringing in their way of showing appreciation for what we were doing.”

Asked to describe Glendale’s Armenian community in three words, William answered: “Resilient, prideful, aggressive.”

Home to one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia, Glendale has long been shaped by Armenian American civic engagement, business leadership, and community involvement. William’s appointment is a milestone for a community that has become an integral part of the city’s identity.

For the new chief, however, being the first is only meaningful if it opens doors for others.

“It’s nice to be the first of something, but what would be nicer is to pave the road for me not to be the last,” William said.

He expressed hope that his appointment would inspire both young officers already serving in the department and aspiring police officers throughout the community.

“When they see Robert, they see themselves,” he said.

After more than two decades with the Glendale Police Department, William now leads the city where he grew up — and in doing so, has become a powerful symbol of representation and possibility for many young Armenian Americans who may one day follow in his footsteps.

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