EPD chief announces retirement
Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson plans to retire from the department at the end of November, the city announced Wednesday.
Watson served with the Eureka Police Department since 2005. In 2017, he was appointed chief of police.
“Chief Watson has led the city of Eureka’s police force through several years of important transition and we are thankful for his service,” City Manager Miles Slattery said in a prepared statement. “We will announce details of the recruitment for a new chief in the days ahead and expect that this search will help us bring additional resources and opportunity to the many men and women who tirelessly serve our community as part of the EPD every single day.”
The city lauded Watson’s efforts as a “progressive, innovative, and creative problem-solver.”
“Chief Watson’s integrity, steadfast leadership, and commitment to the safety of our community were notable throughout the many unprecedented crises our community and country have faced during the past two years,” the release stated.
Watson started his career at the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in 1997.
“I’ve had the honor of being a full-time law enforcement officer for over 24 years,” Watson said in a statement. “... It is thus with a feeling of bittersweet peace that I announce my upcoming retirement. While my fire has not diminished, it is time for me to take a restful step back and reflect with pride on a career well spent, even as I look forward with enthusiasm to the next adventure.”
Watson said he wants to spend time with his family, travel and work on his graduate degree.
“I genuinely love this community and could not be prouder of the dedicated men and women of the Eureka Police Department,” Watson said. “It has been an honor to lead and work beside them. Their daily service, sacrifices, resiliency, and accomplishments are inspirational, and they deserve our full support, respect, and appreciation.”
He believes he is leaving the department with “a strong foundation.”