Clearlake Police chief administers oath to promoted captain, new community service officer
- Elizabeth Larson
- Posted On
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake City Council on Thursday hosted the swearing-in of a veteran member of the police department to the captain’s job and a new community service officer.
Chief Andrew White administered the oath to Capt. Tim Celli and Community Service OfficerDaniel Constancio.
Celli, who has been with the police department for more than 20 years, previously served as its interim chief before White’s hiring.
White said Celli – who has worked his way up through the ranks over the years – is an example of someone who has dedicated his life to an agency.
“Capt. Celli is an officer that has given so much to the Clearlake Department and is someone that truly bleeds Clearlake blue,” Chief White said following the ceremony.
Celli also has been helpful to White in the department’s transition to leadership and implementing needed changes, White said.
The Clearlake City Council recently reinstated the captain’s position based on a reorganization plan from Chief White.
Celli started out in the Clearlake Police Department as an explorer at age 14. After graduating from Lower Lake High School he served in the United States Army National Guard as a military
policemen.
He came home to Clearlake in 1995 and was hired as a community service officer. After being sworn in as a full-time police officer in 1999, Celli has held many different assignments since, including field training officer, detective, narcotics agent, crime suppression unit, patrol sergeant, administrative sergeant, lieutenant and interim police chief.
Over the years, Celli has faced the dangers common to police. He was shot at by a home invasion robbery suspect in 2013, with that suspect later convicted of assault with a deadly weapon on Celli.
When he appeared for his swearing-in, Celli had a bump on his head from a foot pursuit earlier in the day that had resulted in another officer being injured, hospitalized and later released, according to White.
Celli’s wife of 21 years, Amanda, took part in the swearing-in ceremony, coming forward to pin his badge on him. She kissed the badge before placing it on his uniform and then gave him a hug.
White then administered the oath to Celli. City Manager Alan Flora then came up to shake Celli’s hand.
Also on Thursday, Daniel Constancio was sworn in as the department’s new community service officer, a position that often is an entry point for future police officers, as it was for Celli.
Constancio was born and raised in Sacramento and graduated from Roseville High School. While prior to his swearing in, he had served in the city’s Public Works Department, with his long-term goal to be a police officer.
The city reported that Constancio comes from a family of first responders and is looking forward to beginning his training as a community service officer.
“The city has been fortunate to have so many dedicated employees that have a passion for our community,” said Flora. “We love seeing our officers and staff step up to new challenges and I am proud of how many employees have followed their dreams by moving up within the Clearlake organization. Congratulations to both Capt. Celli and CSO Constancio in their new role.”
Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.