The San Ramon City Council issued a proclamation honoring Police Chief Denton Carlson on his retirement and recognized his 27-year law enforcement career, which began in 1998 with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Department and continued through promotions in San Ramon that culminated in his selection as the city’s fifth police chief in 2022.

Carlson thanked the council, staff and residents for their support and praised the department’s professionalism and culture. “I have the best job in the world,” he said, adding he leaves confident in the department’s leadership and its future.

County Supervisor Candace Anderson and Donna Brown, representing Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan and Senator Tim Grayson, joined council members and local business leaders in presenting tributes. Danielle Cook, president and CEO of the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce, announced a Chamber-created “legacy of service” award for Carlson.

During remarks, Carlson asked permission to take personal leave and to have Captain Becky Chestnut serve in an acting chief role; the city manager granted the request. The council and community expressed appreciation for Carlson’s leadership on initiatives including community resource programs, the Family Justice Center and regional emergency coordination.

No formal policy or budget action was taken as part of the proclamation. The council scheduled the operating transition and said they will continue to work with department leadership during the personnel change.