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The San Ramon Police Department is set to say goodbye to its chief at the end of this year and usher in new leadership following Denton Carlson’s retirement.
The move, which was announced by the department Tuesday, will mark the end of a 27-year career in law enforcement for Carlson, who was appointed as the department’s head in 2022.
“It has been an immense honor to serve the San Ramon community as Chief of Police,” said Carlson. “Working alongside the remarkable individuals of this community, as well as the dedicated professionals of the San Ramon Police Department and the City of San Ramon, to foster a safe and welcoming environment has been a profoundly rewarding experience.”
Carlson has been with the department since its inception in 2007 after starting his law enforcement career with the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office in 1998. He is the department’s fifth chief, having taken the reins from Craig Stevens, a fellow founding member of the department.
“My priority has always been to cultivate a culture of utmost professionalism and consistent community engagement within our department,” Carlson said. “Knowing this legacy will endure makes the difficult decision to step away much easier.”
During his nearly 20-year tenure with SRPD, Carlson has served in multiple capacities, including overseeing the department’s operations and support bureaus and as director of emergency management. A longtime spokesperson for the department prior to his promotion to chief, he was named as employee of the year by the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce in 2016 for his work in community engagement and public safety communication.
“Chief Carlson’s leadership showcased a commitment to transparency, community trust, and professional excellence which shaped the San Ramon Police Department into a model of modern policing,” City Manager Steven Spedowfski said. “His impact will be felt for years to come.”
Carlson’s successor is set to be selected in the coming months via an internal recruitment process, officials said in Tuesday’s press release. Carlson is set to remain onboard until December to aid with the transition process.
“San Ramon is a safer, more connected community because of Chief Carlson’s leadership,” Mayor Mark Armstrong said. “We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.”
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