EAST LANSING, Mich. – East Lansing Police Chief Larry Sparkes has announced the promotion of interim Capt. Steve Gonzalez to the position of deputy chief.
Deputy Chief Gonzalez has served with the East Lansing Police Department (ELPD) for almost 20 years. He was sworn-in as an officer in December 1997 and was promoted to sergeant in December 2011 and lieutenant in January 2013. He has been serving as the interim captain of ELPD since June of this year. During his time with ELPD, Deputy Chief Gonzalez has also taken on a number of special assignments, including serving as a detective, a field training officer, a driving instructor, a member of the ELPD Honor Guard and, most recently, as the public information officer for the department.
Deputy Chief Gonzalez has a Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security, a Master of Arts in Emergency and Disaster Management and an Executive Law Enforcement Leadership Certificate – all from the American Military University. He also completed the Michigan State University School of Staff and Command course this year.
“Steve has done an outstanding job throughout his career with ELPD,” said Chief Sparkes. “His professionalism, dedication and strong leadership skills are among the many reasons why he has been promoted to the position of deputy chief.”
Deputy Chief Gonzalez will be officially sworn-in on Friday, Sept. 8 at 3 p.m. in Courtroom 2 of the East Lansing 54B District, 101 Linden St. Members of the community and media are welcome to attend.