Police Chief Joseph M. Kreins has retired from from the Vallejo Police Department effective Feb. 1 but will continue to lead the department until a replacement is hired, according to an joint announcement by City Manager Daniel E. Keen and Chief Kreins.

Chief Kreins was appointed in July 2012 as interim chief of the Vallejo Police Department in July 2012 after the retirement of Chief Robert Nichelini.

While the plan was to ask Kreins to assist the department until a permanent chief is hired, Keen said, “Within a few months it became obvious that we needed him to stay and help guide the department into the future.”

According to Keen the search for a new chief will begin as soon as practical, and the city is grateful Chief Kreins is willing to continue to fill the position until one is found.

“I have been tremendously proud to serve as the Police Chief in Vallejo. I have the highest respect for every sworn and non-sworn member of the Vallejo Police Department,” said Chief Kreins.

“I have been in this business more than 35 years, and it has truly been a pleasure and a privilege to lead and work with such a dedicated group of law enforcement professionals,” he added.

While Chief Kreins has served as interim chief, the department has made major improvements, including replacing its entire fleet of vehicles, implementing a state-of-the-art Records Management system and a Computer Aided Dispatch system, redesigned and upgraded its 911 Communications Center and has expanded professional training by more than tenfold to enhance officer skills.

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