San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson Announces Retirement

SAN RAMON, CA — San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson announced that he will retire in December, concluding more than two decades of service to San Ramon. Carlson was appointed chief in July 2022, and has worked in law enforcement in San Ramon since 2002.

"It has been an immense honor to serve the San Ramon community as Chief of Police," Carlson said in a statement. "Working alongside the remarkable individuals of this community, as well as the dedicated professionals of the San Ramon Police Department and the City of San Ramon, to foster a safe and welcoming environment has been a profoundly rewarding experience. My priority has always been to cultivate a culture of utmost professionalism and consistent community engagement within our department. Knowing this legacy will endure makes the difficult decision to step away much easier."

Carlson began his law enforcement career in 1998 as a deputy sheriff for Contra Costa County, according to a city news release. He began working in San Ramon 2002 as a deputy for the Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office. He joined the newly formed San Ramon Police Department in 2007, where he held a number of roles, including patrol officer, detective, tactical team leader, SWAT team commander, and public information officer. He also helped launched the department's Community Resource and Crime Prevention Division, as well as its social media and emergency communications platforms. He also served as the city's director of emergency management from 2015 to 2022.

He was promoted to captain in 2017, and oversaw both the Operations and Support Services Bureaus. His efforts in community engagement and public safety communication earned him recognition as the 2016 Employee of the Year by the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce.

“Chief Carlson’s leadership showcased a commitment to transparency, community trust, and professional excellence which shaped the San Ramon Police Department into a model of modern policing,” City Manager Steven Spedowfski said in a statement. “His impact will be felt for years to come.”

“San Ramon is a safer, more connected community because of Chief Carlson’s leadership,” said San Ramon Mayor Mark Armstrong. “We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.”

The city will begin the selection process for Carlson's successor through internal recruitment, and an appointment is expected n the coming months. Carlson will serve through the end of the year.