Oakdale council appoints retired Modesto captain Jason Grogan as interim police chief

The Oakdale City Council approved a resolution on March 17 appointing retired Modesto Police Department captain Jason Grogan as interim police chief, effective March 18, 2025, and approved an employment agreement outlining compensation and duties.

Staff described Grogan as having 28 years of law-enforcement experience, including two years as captain overseeing operations for the Modesto Police Department. The council packet indicated the interim chief’s compensation would be $86.13 per hour plus applicable incentives; staff explained incentives of 7.5% may apply for a bachelor’s degree and additional percentages depending on POST certificates. Staff said the position is fully funded through the general fund and that the appointment term would continue until a permanent chief is appointed or the prior chief returns to duty.

Council members asked whether Grogan would receive both city-manager pay and police-chief pay; staff confirmed he would not. Staff also noted a limit on hours for retired officers working for the city — 960 hours per fiscal year — and explained that the chosen start date would allow Grogan to serve up to late July before reaching that cap; the fiscal-year hours cap resets July 1.

A last-minute contract language issue was raised by council and staff concerning whether the contract would preclude the former chief from returning to the role; staff agreed to revise the contract language to allow a prior chief to return as appropriate.

The motion to approve the interim appointment and the employment agreement passed on roll call 5–0.

Less-critical details: Grogan was not in attendance at the meeting due to a preplanned vacation; staff indicated his detailed resume is extensive and on file with city staff.