By Linda Taaffe

Keeping crime out of Los Altos has been more than just a job requirement for Bob Lacey. Los Altos is the place where he grew up, attended local schools and forged his career in law enforcement.

On Monday morning, the longtime Los Altos policeman was put in charge of overseeing the community’s safety. City Manager Phil Rose appointed Lacey police chief. His duties began immediately, Rose said.

“He just did really well from start to finish,” said Rose when asked why Lacey beat out 19 other applicants. City staff, co-workers, everyone seemed impressed by Lacey, Rose added.

Lacey had been serving as interim police chief since January when Don Johnson left Los Altos to fill a position in Sunnyvale.

“On behalf of the Peace Officers Association, we wish him every success in future endeavors,” said police officer John Hughmanick.

Lacey joined the Los Altos Police Department in 1980 after working as a deputy in patrol for the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department. He was promoted to sergeant in 1988 and to captain in 2002.

Being proactive and paying attention to the details are key to keeping a community safe, Lacey says.

Lacey helped organize Code Red, a safety preparedness program for teachers following the Columbine school shootings in Colorado.

Lacey attended St. Francis High School and San Jose State University. He graduated with a degree in criminal justice.

became acting chief in January when former chief Don Johnson left to head the Sunnyvale public safety department.