After nearly 29 years of dedicated service, Lieutenant Pete Rasic of the El Monte Police Department (EMPD) has retired as of April 16, 2025. He now steps into a new leadership role as Chief of Police for the Sunriver Police Department in Oregon. Rasic began his career in El Monte on July 1, 1996, steadily rising through the ranks and making a lasting impact on the department and the community it serves.

Leadership Rooted in Service and Training

Rasic served in multiple capacities during his EMPD tenure, including patrol officer, canine officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. His time with the department was marked by a deep commitment to professional development and public safety. Notably, Rasic led the department’s Canine Program and oversaw critical functions related to Professional Standards, Emergency Services Coordination, and Policy Development.

He completed advanced law enforcement training through the Los Angeles Police Department’s Leadership Program and the FBI National Academy. These experiences helped shape his approach to leadership and policy, ensuring EMPD operated with integrity, accountability, and effectiveness.

Legacy of Character, Competence, and Credibility

Rasic’s contributions extended beyond administrative leadership. He played an active role in departmental morale and camaraderie, notably serving as Team Captain of the EMPD Baker 2 Vegas Running Team. His emphasis on teamwork and discipline reflected the department’s core values of Character, Competence, and Credibility—principles he consistently modeled throughout his career.

Colleagues describe Rasic as a steady and principled leader, whose influence helped shape the department’s direction during periods of operational change and community growth. His retirement represents a significant moment in EMPD history, underscoring the impact of sustained public service at the local level.

A New Role, A Familiar Mission

While El Monte prepares to say goodbye, the Sunriver community in Oregon welcomes Rasic as its new Chief of Police. His experience and leadership are expected to bring structure, vision, and community engagement to the growing department. For Rasic, the transition is not just a career move, but a continuation of his mission to serve with purpose and integrity.

The El Monte Police Department and the City of El Monte extend their gratitude to Lieutenant Rasic for nearly three decades of service. As he steps into his next chapter, his legacy will remain embedded in the fabric of the department and the community he helped protect.

His departure may signal the end of an era, but it also opens the door to continued excellence—this time, in a new city, under a new title, but guided by the same unwavering principles.