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Abbie Granger, 209-946-0246

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2001

The Port of Stockton Hires New Port Police Chief, George Lerner

 Stockton, CA, October 29, 2003 – The Port of Stockton’s Board of Port Commissioners  welcomed 30-year Stockton Police Department veteran George Lerner as the Port’s new Police Chief at Monday’s Board meeting.  “Chief Lerner comes to the Port of Stockton with a long and distinguished career at the Stockton Police Department and will be a valuable asset to the Port’s security,” said Chairman Steve Herum of the Stockton Port District Board of Commissioners.

 Chief Lerner started with the Stockton Police Department in 1973 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant.  His experienced varied from supervisory and to management roles, including positions in internal affairs, press relations, personnel and training, as well as, Patrol Sergeant and SWAT team leader.  “Chief Lerner’s role with the Stockton Police Department will certainly help the Port of Stockton, particularly in its efforts to keep in step with new U.S. Coast Guard regulations for port security,” said Richard Aschieris, Port Director for the Port of Stockton. 

 Chief Lerner is replacing long-time Port Police Chief Robert Wingo who has retired with more than 40 years of combined service to the Port’s Police Department and the City of Stockton’s Police Department.

 The Port of Stockton is California’s Heartland Port operating over of 2000 acres of land for a multitude of uses.  Since September 11, 2001 the Port has regularly been recognized by the Coast Guard and other law enforcement agencies as being ahead of other maritime ports in its efforts at Port Security.  This distinction can be credited to the Port’s full-time, academy-trained Police Force.  The Port operates with revenues from maritime and real estate operations.  The Port creates a business environment that supports more than 4,000 family-wage jobs in the greater Stockton area. 

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