Capitola’s city government said Thursday that Captain Sarah Ryan will be the new Chief of Police.
The people in charge say she will start on November 24, when her predecessor, Chief Andrew Dally, steps down. Chief Dally has worked for Capitola for 29 years.
The City of Capitola said, “Captain Ryan will be the first woman to serve as a Police Chief in Santa Cruz County, making history.” “She is also the highest-ranking female officer in Capitola’s history.”
The City of Capitola says Captain Ryan has been a member of the Capitola Police Department since 2005, which is almost twenty years of service to the community.
They also say that she has had many jobs in the police department, such as patrol officer, recruiter and trainer, sergeant, detective, field training officer, and most recently, Administrative Captain.
Chief of Police Captain Ryan was promoted by Mayor Kristen Brown. “I am confident that under her leadership we will continue to enhance public trust and transparency, ensuring Capitola remains a safe and welcoming place for all,” Mayor Brown said.
Leaders of Santa Cruz County Class 35 graduate Captain Ryan. He has a bachelor’s degree in social work from San Jose State University and a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego.
She was born and raised in Santa Cruz and graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School.
The City of Capitola said that when asked what she wanted from her job as Police Chief, Captain Ryan said, “It is important to build trust because WE are stronger while we are together.”
