Narcotics ” he replied with enthusiastic anticipation . As it would end up , neither of those duties would grace his resume . Instead , he spent his early years overnight on the streets , or on bike patrol around the piers , and through the alleys of the Peninsula .

“ We had altercations all the time , often multiple times in one night ,” Lewis remembered : “ Everything from belligerent drunks to career criminals . We were a very productive group of young officers .”

Although the NBPD still deals with those issues , it is homelessness and citywide burglaries by outside gangs that have required a new focus , Lewis apprised .

Being police chief couldn ’ t have been further from his ultimate professional destination , Lewis said .

“ I loved police work , being on the streets .”

In fact , the majority of his career had embraced night watch and patrol . Promotion had been for others . But one day a promotional process opened up for sergeant , and he decided to give it a shot .

“ After three tries , I made it to the top of the list , and got promoted ,” he said . It was a new beginning for Lewis , who from that point on saw police work from a new perspective , focused on the humbling responsibility of leading officers .

After several years as a Patrol Sergeant , Lewis worked in Professional Standards , at a time when the department suffered some very serious internal personnel issues and internal strife .

“ I had the responsibility of looking into that ,” Lewis said . Working those kinds of investigations involving your fellow officers is as tough as any assignment . Difficult as that is , Lewis observed that “ It ’ s easier to do that kind of work as long as you ’ re fair , objective and you ’ re trying to do the right thing .”

As a lieutenant in charge of Support Services , one quickly learns how the business side of a police department is run . In that position , Lewis oversaw such units as Records , Dispatch , IT , hiring and recruitment , budget , facility management , and others

Another of his roles was Watch Commander , where he ( and his fellow lieutenants ) oversaw field activities , both from their control center desk or behind the wheel of a patrol vehicle .

Desk time followed , as Lewis became Executive Officer in the chief ’ s office . It is there that he became “ a public face ,” in essence becoming a public relations spokesperson for the chief and department as a whole .

“ I learned that media relations is a specialty unto itself . I had to establish relationships with local reporters as well as TV field reporters from all the LA stations , and get used to being

on camera .”

In police work , information management is a balancing act ; you have to answer tough questions in a way that will not compromise ongoing investigations , or endanger the community . The great reward in that responsibility , Lewis said , is when you can announce a fun community event , or that a major crime has been solved or that a lost child has been found .

As Deputy Chief , Lewis oversaw a variety of divisions , such as Traffic and Detectives . In many instances , he stood in for the chief at various governmental gatherings ; at public , charity or corporate events , or at city council meetings .

As Chief , Lewis established the vision of the NBPD .

“ Building on our tradition of excellence , we will work together as a team with those we serve to meet the challenge of tomorrow . We will anticipate the needs of our community and achieve success through leadership , innovation and unparalleled service .”

In his nearly seven years as chief , Lewis noted that “ our industry has seen increased scrutiny by the media , watchdog groups , and the community at large . All of our officers understand that their actions and words are being judged , and that they must exhibit the highest standards . I am proud that our officers exceed these expectations every day .”

Hiring the right people is always a challenge :

“ We have never compromised on our hiring standards . We hire special people , not just those who want to be police officers , but those who want to be Newport Beach officers ,” Lewis shared . “ We want a department that the officers , staff , city leaders and the community can be proud of .”

Admittedly , Lewis said , “ This job is not for everyone . It is truly a noble calling . I ’ ll definitely miss the uniform and the mission . It has been a large part of who I am .”

But he is also a loving husband and father who will enjoy his newfound free time with his family .

“ I ’ m going to be the biggest fan at all of my son ’ s baseball games . I ’ m going to have more time to be the best volunteer in my wife Darcy ’ s kindergarten classroom . I ’ m going to cheer on our daughter , Claire , at all of her events at West Point .”

And in typical Newport Beach fashion ,” I ’ m going to surf a lot more than I do now .”

On December 31 , Deputy Chief Joseph Cartwright will become Acting Chief , described by Lewis as “ an accomplished law enforcement leader in whom I have the highest confidence and respect in his ability to lead during the replacement process .”