SWORN OFFICER-From left, volunteer Simi Valley policewomen Melissa Belyeu, Jinny Leedholm and Diane Belyeu chat with new Simi Valley Chief of Police Mike Lewis at his swearing-in ceremony Monday at city hall. Simi Valley's new police chief, Mike Lewis, was officially sworn in earlier this week during a cer- emony at city hall.

The event was attended by fam- ily, friends, fellow officers and a cadre of elected officials and dig- nitaries from Simi Valley and neigh- boring communities.

"This is something that is a great honor to do," said City Manager Mike Sedell.

Lewis said he decided to come out of retirement to fill the posi- tion. He worked with the Ventura County Sheriff's Department for 30 years, serving in command, middle management and upper management positions. He worked as a training officer, a commander of the Sheriff's Air Unit and a SWAT team member.

Prior to his retirement, Lewis served as the chief of police in Moorpark and Camarillo, where he resides. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Cal State Northridge.

According to Lewis, his goals include promoting community po- licing, taking a proactive stance against crime by increasing street and graffiti and establishing strong relationships with the community that help to promote a healthy at- mosphere for businesses and resi- dents in Simi Valley.

He also said he was excited about the chance to work with a bigger force than he's used to.

"I'm really looking forward to the new challenges of working in a much larger, full service facil- ity," Lewis said. "I've never had that responsibility, and it's really nice to be able to work in a large community."

Lewis was selected by a board that included City Council mem- bers, the city manager and police officials from various cities.

"A good decision comes with a lot of input from a lot of people," Sedell said.

Of great importance to the City Council was that Sedell find an in- dividual who would carry on the safe traditions of the city and con- tinue to promote a low crime rate, according to officials.

"We wanted someone that was sensitive to people, proactive against crime and valued our per- sonnel," Sedell said. "Mike was the one who excelled at the at- tributes we were looking for and I couldn't be prouder of the selec- tion we made."

Expect the new chief to spend his first few weeks getting a feel for his new surroundings.

"Right now I'm focusing on looking and listening to see what the needs of the community mem- bers and officers are," he said.

Lewis is also active in a num- ber of community programs, in- cluding Little League baseball, his church and the Camarillo Cham- ber of Commerce.

Lewis' family attended the cer- emony and his badge was pinned by his wife, Fran.

"She's my cheerleader and my biggest supporter," he said.