(FOX40.COM) — The Sacramento Police Department announced the retirement of Police Chief Kathy Lester, who has been working in law enforcement for 32 years.
“Serving the Sacramento community has been the honor of my career. This decision comes at the right time for me and my family, and I look forward to the next chapter.” Chief Lester said in a statement Monday. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made over the past several years—reducing violence, strengthening partnerships, and building strategies that are making a difference. We’ve made real progress—we didn’t just hold the line, we turned a corner. The department is in a strong position today, and I wanted to ensure that before making this decision.”
Kathy Lester will head the Sacramento Police Department as its first female police chief, the city announced Friday.
Lester’s final day as chief of police will be May 15, police said. Sacramento City Manager Maraskeshia Smith will appoint Deputy Chief Zachary Bales as interim chief of police to ensure operations continue.
“I am confident in Interim Chief Bales’ ability to lead the department and ensure continuity during this transition,” Smith said in a statement. “He brings experience, leadership and a deep understanding of this organization and community.”
In the announcement, Lester expressed support for Smith and said, “We have worked closely together, and I have full confidence in her leadership and in the direction of the organization moving forward.”
Meanwhile, Smith thanked Lester for her years of service.
“Chief Lester has dedicated more than three decades to public service and has led the Sacramento Police Department with professionalism, integrity, and a strong commitment to community safety,” Smith said. “Under her leadership, the department has made meaningful progress in reducing violence and strengthening partnerships across our city. I appreciate Chief Lester’s leadership and her commitment to ensuring a strong and stable transition for the department.”
Lester was sworn in as Sacramento’s first female police chief on March 17, 2022.
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