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San Ramon honors retiring Police Chief Denton Carlson; chief asks to hand reins to Captain Becky Chestnut
Summary
The San Ramon City Council recognized Police Chief Denton Carlson for 27 years in law enforcement and his service to San Ramon. Carlson praised his staff, signaled confidence in incoming Captain Becky Chestnut and, with the city manager's permission, began personal leave and requested Chestnut serve as acting chief.
San Ramon City Council on Monday formally recognized Police Chief Denton Carlson upon his retirement, highlighting his 27-year career and leadership in local emergency management.
The council read a proclamation recounting Carlson—s law enforcement service, which began as a Contra Costa County deputy sheriff in 1998 and continued in San Ramon after the city formed its own police department in 2007. The proclamation cited Carlson—s roles in patrol, investigations, training, multi-agency SWAT, the department—s Community Resource and Crime Prevention Division, and his service as director of emergency management from 2015 to 2022.
"I have the best job in the world," Carlson said in brief remarks, praising the department—s staff and the culture of professionalism they built. He told council and attendees he is confident in the department—s future under Captain Becky Chestnut, calling her "phenomenal" and saying the agency is "in unbelievable hands." The council and visiting officials presented Carlson with proclamations and a special legacy award from the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce.
Later in the meeting Carlson asked the city manager for permission to start personal leave and "hand the reins over to Becky, in an acting chief role." The city manager granted permission.
Councilmembers, community leaders and representatives from state offices took turns thanking Carlson for his service and noting programs he helped develop, including the Family Justice Center and community outreach initiatives. The council—s recognition concluded with applause and a photo opportunity.
The proclamation and Carlson—s remarks closed with well-wishes for his retirement and expressions of confidence in the department—s leadership transition. No formal policy or staffing change was voted on at the meeting beyond the manager—s permission for Carlson—s leave and the interim arrangement discussed on the record.
