LAW ENFORCEMENT City bids MBPD Chief Abell an emotional farewell
by Mark McDermott Nobody wanted to follow Chief Derrick Abell. This was not about his leadership, of course. Most of the City of Manhattan Beach had followed Abell’s leadership, either during his prolific tenure as police chief, or when he also took the helm of the fire department, or when he filled in as city manager, or as interim human resources director, or at various other points in his three decades wearing MBPD blues. It was instead about one of Abell’s most powerful leadership capabilities — his ability to speak, with grace, warmth, and absolute moral clarity, and move people in a way few leaders are able. And so at last week’s City Council meeting, as city leaders said farewell to Abell at the close of his 34-year career, they made him wait — a bit uncomfortably, bouncing on his heels with the unease of being at the center of attention — as each offered a bouquet of parting words. City Manager Bruce Moe spoke first. “You’ve always led by example,” Moe said. “You lead from your heart. You always put people first, which is important. You’re popular with employees, not just in the police department, but with all departments, and you’re quick to recognize people’s efforts…
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