San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong announces planned retirement; commissioners and residents praise her service
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Summary
Chief Heather Fong told the Police Commission she will retire after completing her fifth year as chief; commissioners and dozens of residents applauded her leadership and urged a careful, transparent process to name a successor.
San Francisco Police Chief Heather Fong told the Police Commission on Dec. 29 that she intends to retire after completing her fifth year as chief, and said she remains committed to day-to-day operations during a planned transition. "I'm formally advising you of my intention to retire after the completion of my fifth year as chief of police," she told the commission, and added she would continue to work on violence reduction strategies, budget challenges and departmental reform efforts.
Commissioners thanked Fong for decades of service. Commissioner Onik said the chief had been “a model public servant,” praising her integrity and professionalism, and Commissioner Mazuko called her “one of San Francisco's finest,” noting her long service to the department. President Theresa Sparks said she was saddened by the resignation and praised Fong’s calm leadership through difficult periods.
Public commenters echoed the commission’s gratitude and appealed for continuity. Francisco de Costa and others thanked Fong for engaging with youth and community groups; Ernestine Weiss called Fong "honest, decent, fair," and urged her to take a long-deserved vacation. Peter Chernoff urged consideration of incentives and longer service terms for chiefs, arguing the city needed stable leadership through upcoming social tensions.
While many speakers urged the commission to ensure that a strong successor is chosen, several also emphasized that any new chief must have the resources to do the job. Ernestine Weiss told the commission the next chief needs "a full complement of police" and modern communications systems to be effective.
The meeting closed with commissioners reiterating support for a thorough transition process and the commission’s intent to follow charter procedures in working with the mayor’s office to identify candidates. No formal appointment was made at the meeting; Chief Fong said she will continue in her post while the selection process proceeds.
