Police Chief to Retire

A Press Release from the City of Fremont:

Police Chief Craig Steckler, a 45-year veteran of law enforcement as well as Fremont’s police chief for the past 20 years, is retiring. His last day is Dec. 30.

Chief Steckler has held various positions in law enforcement for more than four decades. He joined the Fremont Police Department as Deputy Chief in 1986, and was appointed Police Chief in 1992. Prior to that, he served as Chief of Police in the City of Piedmont, and in various capacities with the San Clemente Police Department from 1968 to 1980.

The City of Fremont Police Department has had many accomplishments under Chief Steckler’s leadership. Noteworthy ones include cultivating a strong volunteer program with more than 200 volunteers, ranging in age from youth to retired citizens, who work in virtually every division and unit of the police department. The Department has also revamped its communications efforts to provide a strong technology platform for sharing information with the public through the launch of NIXLE (an electronic notification service for law enforcement and government agencies), social networking sites, smartphone apps, and a new police website. In addition, the Community Policing model in place today has enabled police officers to become problem solvers and not just responders. Chief Steckler has always valued innovation and placed a high priority on employee involvement and development. His administration has been guided by the overarching objective of always acting in the best interest of the community.

“To say that Craig is among one of the nation’s leading authorities on law enforcement is an understatement,” said City Manager Fred Diaz. “Craig’s professional acumen is one of legend in our community and at the state and national level as well.” Diaz added, “He has accomplished so much in his career and epitomizes the ideal of public service. His entire life has been devoted to making communities safe and serving others. It has been an honor to work with him these past eight years and I will miss him.”

“The Fremont Police Department is an excellent police organization,” said Police Chief Craig Steckler. “This is not due to any one person’s efforts, but rather a great team—past and present. Everyone is committed to working together to provide the best public safety services possible to the Fremont community.”

Chief Steckler, who has lived in Fremont since 1986, will remain active in the Fremont community upon retirement. He will also continue his role as the newly appointed president of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

Fremont Police Captain Richard Lucero has been appointed Interim Police Chief. His first day as Fremont’s Interim Police Chief is Dec. 31.

The City will rehire Chief Steckler as a special assistant during a 4-month transitional period. In this temporary position he will earn $30 per hour, will work up to 15 hours per week, and will report to the Interim Police Chief.

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