Petaluma Police Chief Announces Retirement

PETALUMA, CA – Petaluma Police Chief Pat Williams is retiring Oct. 8, he announced Monday in a memo to city staff.

"With thirty-two years of service to my chosen profession I have decided it is time to go forward to the next phase of my life," Williams said.

Williams became Petaluma's Chief of Police in August 2012. He had been working as Police Chief of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department near Palm Springs.

Williams said he leaves the Petaluma Police Department in good hands.

"Our policing fundamentals are strong, our service model in Petaluma policing is well established and our foundation rests solidly on our Performance Principles," Williams said in the memo.

The chief said he and his family will remain in Petaluma. Williams said he wants to continue teaching a leadership course to law enforcement officers part-time and pursue a career in corporate security in the private sector.

Williams said City Manager John Brown will outline a plan to select his successor and ensure a smooth leadership transition.

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--Bay City News/Photo via City of Petaluma