2 SLO County police chiefs announce their retirements
Police chiefs in Atascadero and Arroyo Grande on Friday announced plans to retire — one will leave his department this summer and one in the fall.
Atascadero Police Chief Jerel Haley will retire on Oct. 16 after nearly a decade leading his department. Arroyo Grande Police Chief Beau Pryor will retire on July 9 after serving in his position for about three years.
Haley — who previously served as a Santa Maria police lieutenant — was appointed Atascadero’s police chief in 2011 after a national recruitment effort, according to a Tribune story and a city news release.
“Chief Haley has been a fantastic chief of police and has been a critical member of our executive management team,” City Manager Rachelle Rickard said in a statement. “His legacy will always be his impeccable reputation, exemplary leadership and open, caring style that has fostered a culture of compassionate professionalism here at the city. He has been an ethical leader and expects a lot of himself and the members of the Atascadero Police Department, ensuring that high standards of conduct have continuously been and will remain a high priority.”
Haley made the decision to retire about eight months ago and plans to move to Maui, Hawaii, with his wife to start a new career, the release says.
“I am excited about what possibilities the future holds for my family and me,” Haley said in a statement. “Oh, and I can’t wait to spend a little more time with my grandchildren!”
No information was immediately available regarding the city’s search for a new police chief.
Pryor was hired to lead the Arroyo Grande Police Department in 2017 after working his way up through the agency over the course of 23 years, according to a previous Tribune story. He had achieved the rank of commander when he was appointed chief.
Pryor plans to spend more time with his family and friends during his retirement, he said in a statement.
“I have committed the last four years (to) mentoring two police commanders for this moment,” Pryor said. “They are actively engaged in a competitive process, and one of them will be chosen to lead this organization into the future. “Lastly, this succession plan will create promotional opportunities throughout every rank within the department, which is exciting for the membership, and it brings new leadership throughout the ranks.”
