Modesto Selects Long Beach Commander As New Police Chief
MODESTO (CBS13) - A veteran police officer from the city of Long Beach has been selected the new chief in Modesto.
City Manager Greg Nyhoff announced the hiring of Galen Carroll on Friday. Carroll has more than 18 years of experience with the Long Beach Police Department. He started there as officer, was promoted to sergeant, then lieutenant and is currently a commander.
Carroll was selected after a competitive process with internal and external candidates who were interviewed by three panels made up of community members, law enforcement and city officials, Nyhoff said. A background check on Carroll including checking 27 references.
"Galen stood out above the rest during the selection process," Nyoff said. "I also believe his vision and leadership style will be a great fit for not only the Modesto Police Department, but the Modesto community as a whole."
Carroll has a master's degree in organizational leadership and bachelor's degree in business management. He also graduated from the FBI's national academy in Quantico, Va.
Carroll and his wife, Carlene, look forward to moving to the area to be closer to their family, Nyhoff said.
Carroll will be formally introduced to the Modesto City Council at its Dec. 11 meeting and will assume office Jan. 8 with an annual salary of $175,000.
Capt. Gene Balentine has been acting as interim chief since Mike Harden's retirement in August.
