Major Angel Cortes is sworn in by Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith as the city’s new top cop. It was standing room only as Cortes took the oath of office. He started with the Lima Police Department in 1991 as a patrol officer and as he saw he could make a difference he worked his way up the ranks which led to this day. He says the bottom line is that we must have a safe community where people feel comfortable coming into, living here, and spending time here.

Many people were also on hand to say goodbye and good luck to retiring Chief Kevin Martin who says it is bittersweet ending his 30 years plus career with the Lima Police Department. He is confident the department will be in good hands as Cortes is an excellent leader and an outstanding police officer.

Major Angel Cortes will be the city's next police chief. Cortes scored highest on the chief's exam and will be sworn in on June 2, 2022, in council chambers. Cortes has been with the department since August of 1991. He was promoted to sergeant in 1997, to lieutenant in 2003, and major in 2012 following competitive civil service examinations.