Former Pinole Police Officer Selected as Chief of Pacifica Police Department

After months of searching, city officials in Pacifica have chosen a man with an extensive history in law enforcement to be the city’s police chief. Dan Steidle will serve as Pacifica’s latest chief, following a seven-month stint serving as the city’s interim chief, city officials announced today.

“All of the finalists had the experience and capabilities to be the next police chief, but Dan has something extra -- a true passion for Pacifica that set him apart,” City Manager Lorie Tinfow said in a statement. Steidle first started a career in law enforcement in 1989, serving as a reserve police officer with the Pinole Police Department.

One year later, the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office hired Steidle as a deputy sheriff, city officials said. Steidle began working as a police officer in Pacifica in 1993, where he has since risen through the ranks over the last 22 years. In 1997, he was promoted to the rank of corporal and in 2005 he was promoted to sergeant, according to city officials.

Just two years ago, Steidle was promoted to captain, where he managed both major divisions of the department. In addition to Steidle’s expansive law enforcement history, he also served on the boards of the Pacifica Police Officer’s Association and the Pacifica Police Supervisors Association, city officials said.

Steidle’s appointment will make him the city’s 10th police chief since the department’s inception in 1959, city officials said. Steidle’s official swearing-in ceremony will take place Oct. 12 at 7 p.m., during a City Council meeting being held at 2212 Beach Blvd.

By Bay City News

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