Pittsburg has appointed a longtime veteran officer as the next top cop of the city’s Police Department following the retirement announcement of Chief Steve Albanese, city officials said Thursday.
Police Capt. Phil Galer, a 25-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, was selected after a months-long process that included meetings with community members, a department-wide survey and interviews with law enforcement executives and city leadership, city officials said in a statement.
City officials said Galer has worked across nearly every division of municipal policing, and he holds degrees in occupational studies and criminal justice. He graduated from the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Command College.
“I am confident that Captain Galer is the right person to lead the city of Pittsburg’s Police Department into the future,” City Manager Darin Gale said. “His 25 years of dedicated service, deep understanding of this community, and strong alignment with the department’s values make him an exceptional leader.”
Albanese is retiring after nearly 30 years of service to the Pittsburg community and Police Department.
“It is an honor of a lifetime to lead the men and women of the Pittsburg Police Department and continue to be a part of this community,” Galer said. “I am committed to building upon the strong foundation laid by Chief Albanese and ensuring we remain responsive to the needs of our residents and businesses.”
Galer is expected to assume the role in the coming weeks, city officials said.