Richard Mendez sworn in as Chief of Police

Richard Mendez was sworn in as Lancaster City’s next police chief at Lancaster City Council Tuesday night. Chief Mendez, who is Lancaster’s first Hispanic police chief, is a lifelong resident of Lancaster city, a JP McCaskey graduate and a 22-year veteran of the Lancaster City Bureau of Police.  

Chief Mendez has served as a patrol officer, a member of the K-9 unit, an officer assigned to the Selective Enforcement Unit, a member of the Lancaster County Special Emergency Response Team, a platoon leader and most recently captain of patrol, the largest division of the Bureau. 

“As a lifelong Lancaster City resident, I am overwhelmed with gratitude after receiving an abundance of encouragement from the community, especially meaningful to me is the support of the Hispanic community and neighbors I’ve known my whole life. It is a privilege and an honor to be appointed as the first Hispanic chief of police in Lancaster city. As your new chief, I promise to continue building trust in the community through accountability, transparency, and open communication,” said Chief Mendez.  

City Council approved Mayor Danene Sorace’s appointment of Mendez on July 12. Chief Mendez had been serving as Interim Police Chief since May.