KING CITY — Acting Capt. Rory Lakind and Officer Daisy Gurley were introduced to the community as new law enforcement personnel serving King City Police Department during a Peace Officer Oath on March 29.
The live-streamed event was a way to introduce the two to the public while observing social distancing guidelines.
“This allows officers and their families to savor that moment of that initial swearing in,” said Interim Chief of Police Keith Boyd about the ceremony and having it streamed. “Historically, when we have that swearing in service, we can have a lot of family and friends there and they can celebrate, but with the pandemic, we’re very limited on the amount of people we can allow for in-person.”
Boyd said the department has begun to use such streaming services and is considering regular use for public messaging and community bulletins.
“It’s a way for us to get more access to the community and give them pride in their own police department,” he said.
Gurley was sworn in during the March 29 ceremony, while Lakind’s part was a formal introduction after he began service with the department on March 22. Lakind’s role is to assist Boyd with leadership while the city seeks a permanent police chief.
“Acting Capt. Lakind brings a wealth of law enforcement experience from multiple law enforcement agencies,” Boyd said of his new second in command. “With Covid, we were able to bring him in in a short-term arrangement. He’ll be with us for about four months to keep that forward motion going.”
Lakind called himself the conduit between the officers, sergeants and chief. His career began in Houston, Texas, and he retired as a lieutenant after more than 21 years of service. He later accepted a captain job with Pacific Grove Police Department, serving there as an operational commander for more than six years and retiring in December 2020.
“It’s special when the city manager and chief of police give you this opportunity to use your skills and to be part of a law enforcement team,” Lakind said.
Boyd noted the importance of maintaining leadership to continue momentum in the department after the departure of prior Chief of Police Robert Masterson in January.
“The main goal is to keep the department going in a positive direction,” Lakind said. “Chief Boyd is doing an outstanding job of working hard with each officer.”
Gurley was raised in King City and has many ties to the community, in addition to being bilingual. Boyd said she is someone who can make a “resounding commitment to make the community better.”
Gurley attended police academy in Monterey and graduated in February.
Lakind explained his duties include mentoring officers and providing direction in cases. He said Gurley’s field training began April 12 after she worked through learning policies, procedures and ordinances.
According to Boyd, King City Police will continue to let the community know about their activities and, in time, plans to make the community a part of their events as pandemic guidelines open up. He added that one officer position is still open at the department.
