Martinez police Chief Manjit Sappal announced Thursday that he was retiring, ending his role as the city’s lead law enforcement official.
“It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to serve the Martinez community as their Chief of Police,” Sappal said in a statement. “I will always cherish the memories of working with men and women that go above and beyond to keep our community safe. Even in times of adversity, our folks have worked hard to build meaningful relationships with community members and demonstrate an unwavering commitment to public safety every day.”
Sappal’s retirement, effective Thursday, signaled the end of a 26-year-law enforcement career. He started his career with the Pittsburg Police Department and spent 18 years in Richmond, where he rose to captain.
Under Sappal’s leadership, the city of Martinez partnered with Contra Costa County to assess Martinez’s homeless population and develop strategies specific to each person’s individual situation. Sappal assigned officers to work with those members of the community.
The city was the only one in Contra Costa County to take such an approach.
“I have been fortunate enough to work closely with Chief Sappal for the last three years, and it has been inspiring to watch him successfully forge trusted relationships between the department and the Martinez community,” City Manager Eric Figueroa said in a statement. “Chief Sappal’s leadership will be missed, and we will work hard to maintain his standard of excellence and continue his vision and legacy into the next era.”
Officials said they would appoint an interim chief soon, but did not specify a candidate. There was no immediate timetable on hiring a permanent replacement.
Source: www.mercurynews.com