PLEASANTON — Foster City police Chief Tracy Avelar is leaving the Peninsula to become Pleasanton’s new top cop, officials announced Monday.
Avelar, who joined the Foster City Police Department in 2002, will begin her new job in the Tri-Valley on Dec. 9. She will be the first woman in Pleasanton’s history to serve as a permanent chief.
“Pleasanton holds a special place in my heart, and I am truly honored to step into the role of police chief for the city,” Avelar said in a statement. “I have so much respect for the men and women of this department and look forward to working alongside them to continue building strong community partnerships, ensuring public safety and fostering trust and transparency”.
Pleasanton’s new, first-ever permanent female police chief Tracy Avelar is pictured in this courtesy photo. (Courtesy of City of Pleasanton)
Avelar is the current president of the California Police Chiefs Association, with prior experience on the San Mateo County Police Chiefs and Sheriff Executive Board. She received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice management and a master’s degree in homeland security from the Naval Postgraduate School’s Center for Homeland Defense and Security. She is also an alumna of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute and the LAPD Leadership Academy, the release said.
She replaces former chief David Swing, who after 30 years in law enforcement retired in April to become executive director of the East Bay Regional Communications System Authority. Interim Chief Gina Anderson held the position temporarily after Swing left.
In Foster City, Avelar oversaw the police department’s field training, SWAT and traffic enforcement divisions. She was also in charge of dispatch, records, investigations and budget preparation, the city said.
“Chief Avelar has a proven track record of leadership and innovation in law enforcement, and we are excited to welcome her to Pleasanton,” City Manager Gerry Beaudin said in a statement. “Her dedication to community engagement, public safety and operational excellence will be a great asset to our city.”
Pleasanton is the second Tri-Valley city to hire a new police chief this year. In October, Dublin appointed former Alameda County Sheriff’s Commander Victor Fox, an FBI National Academy alumnus, to take over after former Chief Nate Schmidt retired.