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Merced police chief set to retire at the end of the year, city officials say

Merced Sun-Star - 8/6/2022

Aug. 5--Local

Merced police chief set to retire at the end of the year, city officials say

By Abbie Lauten-Scrivner

Updated August 05, 202210:34 AM

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ORDER REPRINT

Merced Chief of Police Tom Cavallero, speaks to participants and fellow Merced County law enforcement officers prior to the start of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics Northern California at Bob Hart Square in Merced, Calif., on Wednesday, June 22, 2022. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Law Enforcement Torch Run for the Special Olympics Northern California.

Andrew Kuhn

akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

Merced Police Chief Thomas Cavallero's tenure as the city's top cop is expected to come to a close at the end of the year.

The law enforcement veteran is planning a December retirement, according to Merced officials. His exit will mark the end of a 37-year law enforcement career.

"There never seems to be the right time to announce a retirement when you've committed your career to serve a community you believe in," stated Cavallero in a statement released by the city Thursday night.

"Joining the City of Merced as chief of police for this chapter of my career has been rewarding," he went on to say. "With the work we've accomplished toward creating effective, service-oriented community policing programs, it is the right time for a new leader. I look forward to watching the department continue to advance its culture of professionalism and community connection."

The chief is expected to aid in the transition of leadership as a new leader takes the police department's helm, Merced officials say.

Cavallero will stay on with the police department through December and work with the Merced city manager and City Council to continue Merced's public safety priorities while officials search for a successor. It is unclear at this time who is slated to lead in Cavallero's absence.

Cavallero's service with the City of Merced began in February 2020, when he took on the interim police chief role. He later became the city's permanent chief in November that same year.

"Chief has dedicated his career to serving the residents of our community and supporting a staff of sworn and non-sworn personnel," stated Merced Mayor Matthew Serratto in the release. "His support for programs that have connected law enforcement and our community has enhanced relationships with our residents."

Under the chief's leadership, the Merced Police Department enhanced public safety by reestablishing a district officer position downtown, as well as meeting regularly with residents, community service and faith-based organizations to collaboratively identify and solve local challenges, the release said.

During Cavallero's time as chief, the police department also improved its relationship with residents by establishing a community liaison and a re-imagined community academy to provide greater awareness of law enforcement's role in Merced through education and engagement.

The Merced Police Department also expanded its use of technologies like body-worn and vehicle cameras to improve officer safety and transparency. Plus, the department reopened the South Merced substation and developed a downtown substation to house investigations, gang violence suppression, code enforcement and the Disruptive Area Response Team (DART).

Prior to his time with the Merced Police Department, Cavallero had a 35-year career with the Merced County Sheriff's Office. Cavallero began with the department as a deputy and eventually ascended to Merced County Sheriff in 2013.

"It has been an honor working alongside Chief Cavallero," Merced City Manager Stephanie Dietz said in the release.

"He has introduced innovative solutions to address our community's most demanding public safety challenges. In addition, the chief's efforts to build trust and accountability along with community partnerships that enhance our outreach services will leave a lasting legacy."

This story was originally published August 4, 20221:53 PM.

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