Danville Names New Police Chief

DANVILLE, CA – PHOTOS from left: Lt. Allan Shields; Chief Steve Simpkins.

-----

The Town of Danville today announced that Lt. Allan Shields was appointed to the position of Danville Police Chief, taking over for current Chief Steve Simpkins, who is returning to a new assignment with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office.

Shields will assume the role July 8 and will be formally introduced as chief at the Town Council's July 18 meeting.

Shields served for four years in the U.S. Air Force and joined the Sheriff’s Office in 1999. He was named Administrative Lieutenant for the Danville Police Department in 2013 and resides in Danville with his wife, Christine, and their three children, Aidan, Ethan and Mitchell.

“We’re delighted to have the opportunity to work with Chief Shields in this new capacity," said Town Manager Joe Calabrigo. "He’s thoroughly familiar with our community and our department and brings the perfect combination of experience and leadership to be our next chief.”

Simpkins became Danville’s fifth police chief in 2010 and is a 23-year-veteran of the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office. On his return to the Sheriff’s Office, Simpkins will oversee the Coroner’s Division, the department said.

"It has been an extraordinary time, being your chief. I am very grateful for having had this incredible leadership opportunity," Simpkins said in a message to the town. "I am blessed to have been surrounded by some of the finest, most dedicated police officers and support staff any leader could ask for, an amazing cadre of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talents, and a supportive, warm and welcoming community."

Chief Simpkins will be recognized by the Town Council at its July 5 meeting.

“Chief Simpkins has done an outstanding job of serving Danville and leading our Police Department," Calabrigo said. "He’s passionate about community engagement and working in partnership with our residents and businesses to keep our community safe. Every year, Danville is ranked among the safest communities in California."

Danville did, in fact, score in the Top 15 on the 2017 list of Safest Cities in California.

Chief Simpkins will be recognized by the Town Council at its July 5 meeting.

He drafted the following message to the community:

Good afternoon,

Seven years ago I was returning from hiking Mt Whitney when I got the call that I would be serving the Town of Danville as your new Police Chief. The thrill of climbing Mt. Whitney was quickly replaced with the excitement and anticipation of the awesome responsibility ahead. I was very excited to have the opportunity to come to this community and be a part of your lives.

It has been an extraordinary time, being your Chief. I am very grateful for having had this incredible leadership opportunity. I am blessed to have been surrounded by some of the finest, most dedicated police officers and support staff any leader could ask for, an amazing cadre of volunteers who give tirelessly of their time and talents, and a supportive, warm and welcoming community.

We have achieved much in my time here, and I am very proud of those accomplishments. The strong and positive relationships we have forged in Danville through a sustained and robust community outreach effort, the ongoing reduction in crime, and the technological advancements that have allowed us to be much more effective.

Through it all, we could not have done all that we did without the support and encouragement of our Town Council, Town Manager Joe Calabrigo and the rest of the Town staff. Any success we have achieved is a collaboration, a partnership between government, law enforcement and our residents. It is a strong bond we have, and one that makes the bad guys think twice before they come to Danville!

One of the things I said early in my tenure here was that I wanted to put up a force field around Danville to keep you all safe and to keep crime out. I believe that through all our efforts that force field stands firm and I feel confident that I leave Danville a safe and strong community.

Thank you all for your support, your input and your warmth. I may be leaving, but Danville will always be a part of me.

Steve Simpkins

• ALSO SEE: Cold Case Now Homicide; Uber Driver's Body Found; Rape Mistrial: Danville, East Bay Police Log

--Images via Town of Danville, Danville PD