San Ramon Police Chief Denton Carlson has announced his retirement, concluding a distinguished career in law enforcement that spans more than 27 years, including more than two decades of service dedicated to the San Ramon community. Chief Carlson will retire in December 2025, having served as the City’s fifth Chief of Police since his appointment in July 2022.
"It has been an immense honor to serve the San Ramon community as Chief of Police," said Chief Carlson. "Working alongside the remarkable individuals of this community, as well as the dedicated professionals of the San Ramon Police Department and the City of San Ramon, to foster a safe and welcoming environment has been a profoundly rewarding experience. My priority has always been to cultivate a culture of utmost professionalism and consistent community engagement within our department. Knowing this legacy will endure makes the difficult decision to step away much easier."
Chief Carlson began his law enforcement career in 1998 as a Deputy Sheriff and started serving San Ramon in 2002 through the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. He joined the newly formed San Ramon Police Department in 2007 and rose through the ranks, holding a wide range of roles including Patrol Officer, Detective, Tactical Team Leader, SWAT Team Commander, and Public Information Officer. His leadership and innovation were instrumental in launching the department’s Community Resource and Crime Prevention Division, as well as its social media and emergency communications platforms.
Promoted to Captain in 2017, Denton Carlson oversaw both the Operations and Support Services Bureaus, and served as the City’s Director of Emergency Management from 2015 to 2022. His efforts in community engagement and public safety communication earned him recognition as the 2016 Employee of the Year by the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce. Throughout his career, Chief Carlson was most proud of the relationships built and the work done toward the common goal of a safe and secure environment for every member of the San Ramon Community.
“Chief Carlson’s leadership showcased a commitment to transparency, community trust, and professional excellence which shaped the San Ramon Police Department into a model of modern policing,” said City Manager Steven Spedowfski. “His impact will be felt for years to come.”
“San Ramon is a safer, more connected community because of Chief Carlson’s leadership,” said Mayor Mark Armstrong. “We thank him for his service and wish him the very best in retirement.”
The City will begin the selection process for Chief Carlson’s successor through an internal recruitment, with an appointment expected in the coming months. Chief Carlson will continue to serve through the end of the year to support the leadership transition.