Author: PIO Margo Rohrbacher
Date: 7/5/11
San Rafael, CA – July 5, 2011. San Rafael City Manager Nancy Mackle announced today that Chief of Police Matthew Odetto has submitted his resignation and intends to retire after a 30 year career in law enforcement. Mackle said that Chief Odetto has served as San Rafael’s top law enforcement officer for four and a half years.
Odetto, 50, is a Marin County native who began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant, working the majority of his career in the Southern Marin Sub-Station. He served as the commander of the Sheriff’s SWAT team and was lead instructor for the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course. In 2000, he was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Tiburon and in December 2006 he was selected to become San Rafael’s fifteenth Chief of Police. Chief Odetto was a staunch advocate of continuing the department’s commitment to community policing and building partnerships with both the public and private sectors. During his tenure, the City has faced severe economic hardships and Chief Odetto was challenged with cutting costs while still providing a high level of service. He actively sought grant funding to fill in the gaps and was even able to provide for the return of the popular Citizen’s Academy program.
Chief Odetto says that retirement is bittersweet, as he looks back on a career he loves while looking forward to a new phase of his life. “During my 30 years in law enforcement I had the opportunity to work in a variety of terrific assignments and with many remarkable people. I had the privilege to serve as a Chief, first in Tiburon and now in San Rafael, and the experience was extraordinary. As I look back on my years in San Rafael, I do so with admiration for my people and the honor of being their chief. We faced many challenges and enjoyed many successes, and I had the privilege of seeing many of them grow both personally and professionally. Now at the close of my career, I can’t help but feel blessed to end this chapter of my life with my San Rafael family.”
City Manager Mackle said that “Chief Odetto is a true professional who always does his best to balance the needs of the police department with the needs of the community, and it has been a pleasure to work with him as part of the City’s senior management team.” Mackle said Chief Odetto is a devoted family man who is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and two teen-aged children.
Mayor Al Boro said, "Chief Odetto has served with dedication, distinction, and an exemplary commitment to the public in his role as Chief of Police. His leadership, dedication to the community and the Department will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in his well deserved retirement."
Mackle said there are no immediate specific plans to replace Chief Odetto. Captain Jeff Franzini, a 32 year veteran of the department, will serve as Interim Chief of Police while she and the City Council decide on the recruitment and hiring process.
Date: 7/5/11
San Rafael Police Chief to Retire
San Rafael, CA – July 5, 2011. San Rafael City Manager Nancy Mackle announced today that Chief of Police Matthew Odetto has submitted his resignation and intends to retire after a 30 year career in law enforcement. Mackle said that Chief Odetto has served as San Rafael’s top law enforcement officer for four and a half years.
Odetto, 50, is a Marin County native who began his law enforcement career in 1981 as a deputy with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant, working the majority of his career in the Southern Marin Sub-Station. He served as the commander of the Sheriff’s SWAT team and was lead instructor for the Emergency Vehicle Operation Course. In 2000, he was appointed Chief of Police for the Town of Tiburon and in December 2006 he was selected to become San Rafael’s fifteenth Chief of Police. Chief Odetto was a staunch advocate of continuing the department’s commitment to community policing and building partnerships with both the public and private sectors. During his tenure, the City has faced severe economic hardships and Chief Odetto was challenged with cutting costs while still providing a high level of service. He actively sought grant funding to fill in the gaps and was even able to provide for the return of the popular Citizen’s Academy program.
Chief Odetto says that retirement is bittersweet, as he looks back on a career he loves while looking forward to a new phase of his life. “During my 30 years in law enforcement I had the opportunity to work in a variety of terrific assignments and with many remarkable people. I had the privilege to serve as a Chief, first in Tiburon and now in San Rafael, and the experience was extraordinary. As I look back on my years in San Rafael, I do so with admiration for my people and the honor of being their chief. We faced many challenges and enjoyed many successes, and I had the privilege of seeing many of them grow both personally and professionally. Now at the close of my career, I can’t help but feel blessed to end this chapter of my life with my San Rafael family.”
City Manager Mackle said that “Chief Odetto is a true professional who always does his best to balance the needs of the police department with the needs of the community, and it has been a pleasure to work with him as part of the City’s senior management team.” Mackle said Chief Odetto is a devoted family man who is looking forward to spending more time with his wife and two teen-aged children.
Mayor Al Boro said, "Chief Odetto has served with dedication, distinction, and an exemplary commitment to the public in his role as Chief of Police. His leadership, dedication to the community and the Department will be sorely missed. I wish him all the best in his well deserved retirement."
Mackle said there are no immediate specific plans to replace Chief Odetto. Captain Jeff Franzini, a 32 year veteran of the department, will serve as Interim Chief of Police while she and the City Council decide on the recruitment and hiring process.
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