Santa Cruz County welcomes first-ever female Chief of Police; City of Capitola

CAPITOLA, Calif. (KION-TV) -- The City of Capitola announced Thursday that they've chosen Captain Sarah Ryan as the city's new Chief of Police.

They say that she'll take office on November 24 after her predecessor Chief Andrew Dally retires. Chief Dally has served a 29-year career with Capitola.

"Captain Ryan will make history as the first woman to serve as a Police Chief in Santa Cruz County," announced the City of Capitola. "She is also the highest-ranking female officer in Capitola's history."

Captain Ryan joined the Capitola Police Department back in 2005 with nearly two decades of service to the community, according to the City of Capitola. They also say that she has held a number of roles throughout the department, including patrol operations, recruitment and training, sergeant, detective, field training officer, and most recently, Administrative Captain.

"I am confident that under her leadership we will continue to enhance public trust and transparency, ensuring Capitola remains a safe and welcoming place for all," said Mayor Kristen Brown about Captain Ryan's promotion to Chief of Police.

Captain Ryan graduated Leadership Santa Cruz County (Class 35), holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from San Jose State University with a master’s degree in law enforcement and public safety leadership from the University of San Diego.

She's a Santa Cruz native, having graduated from San Lorenzo Valley High School.

The City of Capitola said that when asked about what her vision is for the role of Police Chief, Captain Ryan said: "It is essential to create conditions of trust because WE are always our strongest together.”