Pittsburg has officially handed the badge to one of its own. On Friday, Police Captain Phil Galer was formally sworn in as the city’s 11th chief of police, with family, friends, city staff and community members looking on. The ceremony capped a weeks-long leadership transition that began when Chief Steve Albanese announced his retirement earlier this year. Galer is a 25-year veteran of the Pittsburg Police Department, a graduate of the California POST Command College, and holds a bachelor’s degree in occupational studies along with a master’s in criminal justice.
City Stays In-House To Lead Police Department
City Manager Darin Gale said the choice of Galer came after an internal recruitment process and a department-wide survey, and that Galer rose to the top for his experience and alignment with departmental values, according to the City of Pittsburg press release. The release describes Galer as widely respected for his professionalism and integrity, noting that he has worked in nearly every division of the department over his 25-year tenure. The city also invited residents to join in congratulating him as the final details of the transition are worked out.
The appointment was first announced on May 7, and regional outlets including Bay City News and SFGATE reported on the decision to elevate an internal candidate to keep leadership continuity following Albanese’s retirement. Coverage highlighted the department’s stated focus on maintaining trust and transparency while the top job changes hands. The city said Galer would take on responsibilities as chief in the coming weeks as the transition continues.
Galer’s Record And Next Steps
Galer told city leaders he was “honored” to step into the role and committed to building on the foundation left by his predecessor, according to the City of Pittsburg press release. The release notes that Galer will assume the chief’s duties while the department finishes transition planning and community outreach. City officials pointed to his deep local knowledge and long service as central reasons for promoting from within.
The Pittsburg Police Department shared images and a brief write-up of the ceremony in a Facebook post, saying Galer was sworn in “surrounded by family, friends, city staff, and the community.” The social media update served as the department’s first public confirmation that Galer had taken the oath and gave residents a glimpse of the leadership handoff. Community members and partners have been encouraged to send their congratulations through city channels.
Chief Steve Albanese announced his retirement in January after nearly 30 years in law enforcement, and city leaders, along with regional reporting, framed the choice of an internal successor as a way to preserve continuity within the department, as noted by SFGATE. For photos and the city’s official statement, see the department’s social post and the city press release linked above.
