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

The Oakdale City Council on March 17 approved a resolution appointing retired Modesto Police Department captain Jason Grogan as interim police chief for the city, effective March 18, 2025. The vote was unanimous.

City staff said Grogan has 28 years in law enforcement, including two years as captain overseeing operations at the Modesto Police Department. Staff presented an employment agreement that sets interim compensation at $86.13 per hour plus additional incentives tied to certifications (7.5% for a bachelor’s degree and additional percentage if post‑certification is confirmed). The appointment is funded in the general fund.

Staff told the council Grogan is limited to 960 hours per fiscal year in the appointment; that cap means his initial term from March 18 would last into July without exceeding the limit, and the fiscal-year cap would reset on July 1. Staff said the appointment is intended to continue until a permanent chief is approved or until the city manager (who had been serving as acting police chief) returns to the position.

A council member asked whether Grogan would be paid both as police chief and as city manager; staff answered that he would not receive both pay sources. Council members also identified and corrected contract language to ensure the employment agreement would not prevent the prior chief from returning to his role; staff said the contract language would be amended to reflect that contingency.

The council approved the appointment and employment agreement on a 5–0 roll call.