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There’s a new police chief in town for Danville, with Allan Shields retiring from the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office – but taking a new position with the town at the conclusion of his eight-year tenure as chief – and his successor Thomas Rossberg taking the reins of the Danville Police Department effective Dec. 31.
Shields’ official departure from the position comes nearly two months after an announcement from the town on Nov. 1 that Rossberg had been selected for the role, with both making the rounds to Town Council meetings and community events in order for residents to meet Rossberg and say their farewells to the outgoing chief.
Among the numerous accolades Shields has received since his retirement announcement is the Town Council’s highest honor, the Danville Award, which was announced at the Mayor’s Installation and Community Awards Ceremony on Dec. 4.
“I can’t tell you how much we’re going to miss him, but we’re not going to miss him everyday,” Councilmember Karen Stepper said at the awards ceremony.
“He is still going to be part of Danville, but what we are going to miss is what he has done in his education, his graduation, his serving at the FBI academy, all the things that he brought to the table that have put him on top of all the police chiefs – and we’ve had some really good police chiefs – but everyone out there in the audience, I think when you see him you recognize him,” she continued.
Stepper added that Shields – a Danville resident who first joined the town’s police force 11 years ago – had “immersed himself in the community,” leaving a legacy that includes his work on the town’s new police facility, Danville’s consistent top placement as one of the safest municipalities in the state in various rankings, and his introduction of his weekly podcast, 10-8.
In his 216th and final episode of the podcast during his last day on the job Monday, Shields announced that he was set to continue working the town as transportation manager, and voiced his confidence that DPD would be in good hands under his successor.
“He’s going to do really well because he’s going to look at the town through a little bit of a different lens which will be good, so I know that he will do well, and I look forward to all of the cool things that he’s going to do to continue to make Danville a safe place,” Shields said.
During his introduction to the Town Council at their Nov. 6 meeting, Rossberg said he was enthusiastic and grateful for the new role, as well as returning to Danville, where he has served on various patrol duties during his 20-year tenure with the sheriff’s office.
“Having previously served as a police officer in Danville for nearly four years, I’m excited to return and serve this community again,” Rossberg said. “With my many memories and experiences in Danville, I’m looking forward to creating new ones.”
Those new memories started on Dec. 31, with Rossberg’s first day on the job and Shields’ first day of retirement from the sheriff’s office.
“Each of the prior police chiefs have left a legacy of service to the town, and I’m committed to building upon their prior success,” Rossberg said. “I look forward to partnering with the residents, the local businesses, and the community, to deliver the outstanding police services that they have come to expect. I’m excited, once again, to serve this community, reconnect with old friends, and strengthen and build relationships.”
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