Michael Blair is Roseville’s next police chief, City Manager Craig Robinson announced today. Blair succeeds Joel Neves, who retired last week after thirty years of service, including the past five years as police chief. Previously a Captain with the Roseville Police, Chief Blair was selected after an extensive, competitive recruiting process, which saw 28 applicants vying for four finalist spots prior to Blair’s selection.
‘I am honored to have been selected,” Chief Blair said. ‘My goal is to carry on the tradition of excellent service that makes Roseville a great place to work and live.”
Blair, 46, grew up in Roseville and has worked for the Roseville Police Department for 21 years. He graduated from Oakmont High School in Roseville, attended Sierra College in Rocklin, and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, Sacramento. He also graduated from the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia.
“Chief Blair has shown innovative leadership and an ability to provide a safe and healthy community for our citizens,” said Craig Robinson, Roseville City Manager. “He has distinguished himself at every level and will continue to do so with the support of our outstanding law enforcement staff.”
Blair began his career by serving as a California State Police officer for three years. He was also a Placer County deputy sheriff for a short time before he was hired by Roseville in 1986. He was promoted to sergeant in 1995, lieutenant in 2001, and captain in 2005. Blair was a member of Roseville’s Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team for 16 years, serving as the team commander for several years. He has managed both the investigations unit and the patrol division.
“I’m very excited for Mike,” said Placer County Sheriff Ed Bonner. ‘He’s going to continue the grand tradition of leadership that your City and your department have long enjoyed. I am very much looking forward to working with him.”
Blair lives in west Roseville with his wife Deneen, and their teenage daughter and son. He coached youth football for the Woodcreek Junior Timberwolves and baseball for Woodcreek Little League for several years, and in his free time is an enthusiastic outdoorsman.
Blair will be Roseville’s fourteenth police chief since the department was formed in 1931. The Roseville Police Department has won state and national recognition for its community policing, traffic enforcement and delinquency prevention programs. In 2000, the department won a prestigious award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police for excellence in community policing.