Foster City Police Chief to Retire in October

The city of Foster City has announced Police Chief Craig Courtin will retire from his post in October.

Courtin, who joined the Foster City Police Department in 1984, worked his way through the ranks from a recruit police officer all the way up to chief -- though he says his days as a detective sergeant were “the most fun.”

“I have always enjoyed the mentoring aspects of whatever supervisory position I’ve held,” Courtin said in a statement released by the city.

“I am very proud to have been able to use this approach to help lead the department to a place where I can comfortably step aside, knowing that there are individuals at all levels within the organization that are ready to take more advanced leadership roles,” he said.

Courtin will officially retire on Oct. 9.

City Manager Jim Hardy said Courtin has had a positive effect on Foster City.

“Craig has been an inspired leader within the Police Department and is leaving the department well prepared to successfully move into the future,” Hardy said.

“I applaud not only his professional accomplishments, but also his many contributions as a volunteer in the community. We will miss him, but wish him the best in retirement,” he said.

Courtin did not set out to be a police officer. He was working as a licensed landscape contractor but was ready for a change when he saw an advertisement in a newspaper for police officer positions in Foster City, and decided to apply.

At 34 years old, he was nearly the oldest in his recruit academy class. He passed the academy and never looked back.

Courtin and his family have lived in Foster City for the past 16 years, during which time he has been active in the public schools his children attended as well as other community organizations.

He has been an active member of the Rotary Club of Foster City since 1999, where he sits on the Board and will serve as President-Elect in the coming year.

Upon retirement, in addition to pursuing his personal interests in physical training, gardening, hiking and traveling, Courtin plans to continue volunteering his time in support of causes and organizations that serve the community in meaningful ways.

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