Retiring Pleasanton Police Captain Reflects On 32-Year Career

PLEASANTON, CA — When retiring Pleasanton Police Department Captain Craig Eicher looks back on his 32-year career with the department, he recalls few negative experiences. But there's no shortage of highlights and memories made — so many that he said it will be "hard to let go" after his last day of work Friday.

"Yet, it's time to go," he said. "I'm both feeling excited about my new future, but apprehensive of leaving behind what I've known and the relationships I've built over the last 30 years."

Eicher's got memories in spades, but you might expect as much from a man who started as a reserve police officer with Pleasanton police in 1989 and spent part of the last year of his career serving as the interim chief, taking helm of the department months before a tumultuous time in our nation: the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. He saw his role as keeping operations steady and maintaining a public presence while guiding officers in adapting to the new challenges posed by the pandemic.

"During times of hardship like that ... you need to have your police officers out there," Eicher said. "You need to have a presence ... to help your community get through it."

Eicher, a Pleasanton native, said he had always longed to serve as a police officer in his hometown. The Pleasanton High School graduate initially applied to the California Highway Patrol and Oakland Police Department when he was looking to get his first job in law enforcement, but once he was admitted to the ranks of Pleasanton's department, his mind was made up.

"I landed right where I wanted to be," he said.

Many police officers choose not to live in the city where they work as an extra layer of protection for themselves and their families. But Eicher never felt that he would be a target if he stayed in his hometown. He raised his son, Joe, and daughter, Jillian, here.

"I feel like I've treated people fairly and with dignity and respect," he said.

Eicher was the kind of officer who'd have people thank him and shake his hand as he booked them into jail, he said. He wouldn't give favors to people he'd grown up with, sought to be a calming presence to officers with spiking adrenaline and appreciated that policework gave him the opportunity to touch the lives and hearts of others.

As a detective, he said he worked on an investigation into a local jewelry store robbery that helped another five law enforcement agencies across the west wrap up cases with the same suspects. He helped pave the way for the creation of the city'shomeless outreach team, institution of body-worn cameras and the Joint Police Services building at the Stoneridge Shopping Center. Eicher established the Pleasanton Police Officers Charitable Foundation in 2001 after coordinating the donation of 47 bikes to local kids.

Eicher recalled the time he spoke with a retiring Livermore Police Department lieutenant, who identified himself as a teenager that Eicher once brought on an eventful ride-along. That experience ignited the young man's passion for policing, Eicher said.

"You never know when you make a difference in somebody's life," he said.

To be sure, there have been hard days — often when people get hurt or hurt themselves before police can respond, Eicher said. He feels he wouldn't have made it three decades in policing if it were not for the help of his family and friends.

As Eicher looks ahead, he plans to stay in Pleasanton, remain on the board of Pleasanton Community of Character Collaborative and continue helping his in-laws run the famed Widmer World Christmas lights extravaganza. He and his wife, Kimberly, have dreams of traveling to Italy and beyond.

To his beloved community, Eicher assures the public that the department will be in good hands with his colleagues. The Pleasanton Police Department is a step ahead of many other agencies and "it's been an honor to work for this agency," he said.

After all, there's nothing like the unique character of Pleasanton, with its top-notch schools, safety, cleanliness and warm atmosphere. It's not everywhere that police officers can drive through downtown and see people "waving at them with their entire hand," he said.

"I think that goes to the character of our community," Eicher said.

In a news release from the police department, Chief David Swing said the department and community are better because of Eicher.

"Craig accomplished what every leader strives to do – he left things better than he found them," he said. "I wish him continued health and prosperity in his retirement.”

Eicher plans to hold a retirement gathering at a later unspecified date, perhaps in the summer, when it is safe to do so. The public will be invited.