Klein expected to do well as Newport Chief

BALBOA PENINSULA — On Monday new Police Chief John Klein took command of the Newport Beach Police Department just days after his officers shot and killed a suspect and right before the always-busy Fourth of July.

But city officials aren’t too worried.

“If I had to choose one word to describe John Klein it would be ‘solid,’ ” City Manager Homer Bludau said Monday during a ceremony welcoming Klein to his new job. “If I had to choose two words … they would be ‘rock solid.’ ”

The transition from former Chief Bob McDonell to Klein was like the smooth passing of the baton during a relay race, Bludau said. That’s despite Friday’s fatal shooting of Jason Richard Bissonnette, 38, of Huntington Beach after police said he tried to run them down with his car.

Klein has taken “the badge and [will] perform the duty flawlessly,” Bludau added.

“He’s a good man and a good police officer,” said UC Irvine Police Chief Paul Henisey who has known the new chief since his first days with the department. “I think he’s a very capable, dependable, loyal individual who looks out for everyone that works for him.”

After taking the oath of office, Klein thanked the men and women in his command.

“A leader is only as good as the people willing to follow them,” he said. “I’ve got some big shoes to fill.”

Klein made sure to thank those who made the promotion possible, including his family. His father, siblings, wife and children were in attendance.

“Today he reaches the pinnacle of his career,” Bludau said. “We know John is going to do very well ... because of the reputation he’s built up over the last 27 years.”