Danville Police Chief Shields to Retire; Town Appoints New Chief

November 1, 2024

This announced originally produced and appeared on the Town of Danville.

Chief Allan Shields will retire after nearly 8 years leading Danville Police Department.

DANVILLE, Calif. (November 1, 2024): Danville Police Chief Allan Shields will be leaving his post on December 31 to return to the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff where he will retire.  A 25-year veteran of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff, Chief Shields had previously served as Investigations Supervisor and Administrative Lieutenant with the Danville Police Department, prior to his appointment as Police Chief in August 2017. The Town of Danville contracts with the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff for Police Services, and has selected Sheriff’s Lieutenant Thomas Rossberg to succeed Chief Shields as the Town’s next Police Chief.

During his time serving the Danville community, Chief Shields developed and led outreach efforts to inform and connect with residents, such as the 10-8 in Service weekly live program, Citizen and Youth Police Academies, and Recess with a Cop. During his tenure as Chief, the Town of Danville has repeatedly been named safest city of its size in California, and has implemented many cutting-edge investigation and crime prevention technologies. The Town will honor Chief Shields’ service to the community during the December 17 Town Council meeting.

The new chief will be introduced at the November 6 Town Council meeting. The Town selected Sheriff’s Lieutenant Thomas Rossberg to succeed Chief Shields after a rigorous interview process.  A 20-year veteran of the Contra Costa Office of the Sheriff, Lt. Rossberg is currently assigned as the Assistant Division Commander for the Sheriff’s Emergency Services Division.  Lt. Rossberg’s previous experience includes four years of service as a Patrol Officer, K-9 Officer and Field Training Officer in Danville from 2011 to 2015.  Lt. Rossberg resides in Martinez with his wife and five sons.

The Danville Police Department has 42 employees serving more than 43,000 residents. The department consists of 30 Officers, 12 Civilian Support Personnel, 8 Reserve Officers, and 32 Volunteers. For more information, contact Jenn Starnes, Public Information Officer, at 925-314-3336 or [email protected].