Roseville, Calif.- Giving the City of Roseville a lead time of eight months to select his replacement, Roseville Police Chief Michael Blair submitted a letter today to City Manager Ray Kerridge indicating his intent to retire on Friday, April 8, 2011 to coincide with his 50th birthday, making him eligible for retirement, after 24 ½ years of service.
“Having lived in Roseville since 1965, I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to give back to the community that has given me and my family so much over the years,” Blair said in the letter.
“Leadership transitions always take time, and in addition to the many years of dedicated service Chief Blair has given to Roseville, I also appreciate the amount of advance notice Chief Blair has given us,” Kerridge said. “Since Chief Blair will continue to lead the department during the recruitment process, this will eliminate the need to appoint an interim chief.”
The recruitment process for a new chief will begin within a month with the intention of having the position filled by the time Blair retires.
Blair began his law enforcement career in 1983 with the California State Police and also worked for the Placer County Sheriff’s Department before coming home to Roseville in 1986.
Blair has worked “just about every assignment in the department,” he said, including patrol, street crimes action team, investigations and SWAT, where he spent 17 years as a SWAT entry team member, team leader and team commander. He was also involved in the formation of the Roseville Rocklin Regional SWAT Team.
“I have had the privilege of promoting up through the ranks to the position of Police Chief and the honor of working with many dedicated employees throughout the City,” Blair said.