Piedmont City Council has taken significant steps to enhance public safety leadership and improve police officer compensation during its meeting on July 7, 2025. The council approved the appointment of Frederick W. Shavies II as the new Chief of Police, effective July 22, 2025, following a thorough recruitment process. This decision comes after the retirement announcement of the previous police chief, Jeremy Powers, earlier this year.

City Administrator highlighted the extensive recruitment efforts led by Terry Black and Company, which included multiple panels of interviews to ensure the selection of the most qualified candidate. Shavies' appointment is seen as a pivotal move for the city's law enforcement, with the council expressing excitement about his upcoming contributions to the community.

In the interim, Police Captain Chris Monahan will serve as the Interim Chief from July 18 to July 21, 2025, receiving a temporary pay increase during this period. The council's unanimous vote reflects a strong commitment to maintaining leadership continuity in the police department.

Additionally, the council discussed a new four-year memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Piedmont Police Officers Association, which aims to address recruitment and retention challenges within the department. The MOU includes salary increases aligned with a recent wage and compensation study, with a total projected increase of approximately 13% over the next few years. Notably, the agreement introduces a new recruitment and retention incentive structure, recognizing years of service with salary increases at key milestones.

The council's actions underscore a proactive approach to enhancing public safety and supporting the police force, ensuring that Piedmont remains a safe and well-managed community. As the city prepares for these changes, residents can expect a strengthened police department dedicated to serving their needs effectively.