After 40 years in law enforcement, Morgan Hill Police Chief
Jerry Galvin announced Thursday he is taking off his badge Dec. 30.
Galvin has commanded the MHPD since January 2002.
After 40 years in law enforcement, Morgan Hill Police Chief Jerry Galvin announced Thursday he is taking off his badge Dec. 30.
Galvin has commanded the MHPD since January 2002.
His time in Morgan Hill has been spent reorganizing the department to assign leadership to three divisions within the department, planning for a move to a new police department next year and focused on modernizing the department and promoting technical advancement.
“Jerry has made great contributions in the past two years, including strengthening partnerships with the schools and community organizations,” said City Manager Ed Tewes. “His experience and values have helped the police department meet new challenges of budget constraints and changing community expectations.”
Galvin said the end of his 40th year seemed a good time to made the decision to retire. An severe injury to his knee while jogging in July 2002, combined with his and his wife’s wish to be closer to family in New Mexico, helped him to make the decision.
“I think it’s time to retire to Clovis where my wife and I can spend time with our grandkids, our nieces and nephews and our oldest son,” he said Thursday. “The department gave us a chance to come back to California, where we also have family, and I really appreciated that. I have no regrets. I’ve had a great career, and I’ll miss it, but now it’s time to enjoy a little more time with family.”
Another factor in his decision, Galvin said, is the fact that he is leaving the department in good shape.
“In two years, we have accomplished many things,” he said. “We have lined up a new building and it’s going to be a good move for the department. We now have two lieutenants and Patty Yinger, an excellent manager, so we have a real management team, and I’m very pleased about that. I think the department is headed in the right direction.”
Tewes said the city will hire an interim chief for three to six months. He said the interim chief will assist him in the search for a permanent chief.
Galvin replaced retired chief Steve Schwab.
The pay range is currently $107,940 to $134,940.
