FOR THE COUNCIL MEETING OF NOVEMBER 19, 2024
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
TO: City Council
FROM: Acting City Manager Chuen Wu
SUBJECT: Retirement Resolution – Police Chief Schneider
Description:
The City Council will approve a Resolution honoring and commending Police Chief Marc Schneider for 29 years of service with the Santa Maria Police Department , his contributions to the community, and congratulating him on his upcoming retirement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution honoring and commending Police Chief Marc Schnieder for 29 years of exemplary public service.
BACKGROUND:
Chief Schneider’s law enforcement career began in 1993 with the City of Pismo Beach, and in 1995 was hired by the Santa Maria Po lice Department. He worked as an Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, and in March 2017 was promoted to Division Commander. He became Acting Chief on December 19, 2020, and later was appointed as the City’s 31st Police Chief on January 2, 2021.
A longtime Santa Marian, he has a passion for serving the community and serves on the following non -profit boards: Board of Trustees for Child Abuse Listening Mediation (CALM), Advisory Board for One805, and Department Liaison for the Santa Maria Police Council. He is also a member of the following civic organizations: Breakfast Rotary Club of Santa Maria, and the Santa Maria Elks Lodge #1538.
A pair of uncles and a family friend in law enforcement helped to inspire his choice of career. His brother, Duane, also worked at the department, retiring at the rank of sergeant.
Following his graduation from Righetti High School in 1988, he enrolled in administration of justice classes at Allan Hancock College and transferred to Fresno State, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Crimin ology. He completed Allan Hancock College’s Law Enforcement Academy and landed a job with the Pismo Beach Police Department in 1993. He also earned a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management.
The Police Department has approximately 200 positions. Its Santa Maria Public Safety communications center receives about 100,000 calls for Police and Fire service every year.
2 Part of his legacy is that of creating a strategic plan that encompasses technology, developing new leadership, and tackling mental health issues in the community.
The Police Department now uses more technology than ever, including automated license plate readers and body-worn cameras. Chief Schneider was instrumental in launching an agreement with County behavioral wellness, enabling a clinician to team up with officers and be proactive in mental health-related calls for service. He is proud to have a diverse Police Department with men and women, many of whom have degrees and are bilingual.
Chief Schneider oversaw the launch of new program s including the paid police cadet program, mounted enforcement unit, outreach coordinator, and online crime reporting.
He worked with the Community Services Unit and the Santa Maria-Bonita School District to create the first Mixteco Community Academy.
Chief Schneider will be retiring on November 29th, to pursue new adventures and travel with his wife, Kristy. City staff would like to commend him for his outstanding dedication and commitment to the City of Santa Maria and wish him well in all his future endeavors.