NORWALK — The City of Norwalk has announced former Los Angeles Police Department sergeant Osbaldo “Ozzie” Ramos as its new permanent director of public safety.

Ramos took over from Interim Director Dennis Kato - who had been in the position since May 13, 2021 – on Nov. 7.

Ramos spent 28 years with the LAPD.

“Ozzie’s unique experiences will further expand the effectiveness of our city’s Public Safety Department,” said Mayor Rick Ramirez. “We first met as public safety officers for the City of Norwalk and during his tenure with the department, Ozzie helped organize a city-led effort to reduce graffiti and juvenile delinquency, which are quality of life issues that continue to be a work in progress.”

Ramos grew up in the South Los Angeles region of LA County and served as the Community Liaison Officer with the City of Paramount’s Department of Public Safety before joining LAPD.

As the new Director of Public Safety, Ramos will oversee the department’s staff of over 50 employees and manage the day-to-day operations of the department.

“I’m grateful and excited for this opportunity to come back to the city that helped start my career in law enforcement. I am humbled to follow in the footsteps of the Department’s founder and my mentor, Kevin Gano, as well as all my previous predecessors who each had a part in shaping the city’s Public Safety Department,” said Ramos.