Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone announces retirement after leave of absence

PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. (KION-TV) -- Pacific Grove Police Chief Cathy Madalone announced her retirement via Facebook on Friday.

"I have made the bittersweet decision to retire from my position as Police Chief, effective October 12, 2024," she wrote. "This choice comes with a mix of pride and nostalgia."

Chief Madalone had been on "legally protected leave" since April, according to Pacific Grove' Police Department's City Manager Matt Mogensen. Pacific Grove's Police Commander/PIO Brian Anderson is currently the interim police chief until a permanent solution is implemented, confirmed Mogensen.

"We do plan on launching a recruitment in the near future to select the next Pacific Grove Chief of Police," said Mogensen.

"We appreciate Chief Madalone's service and wish her the best in her retirement," added Anderson.

Chief Madalone has served the Pacific Grove community since 2019 after coming from the Bergenfield Police Department, according to the police department.

"While I may be retiring from my official role, I remain committed to supporting our community in any way I can," wrote Chief Madalone in her Facebook retirement announcement.

Originally from the East Coast, Chief Madalone served around 30 years in law enforcement, according to the police department.

"Together, we’ve faced challenges, celebrated victories, and created lasting relationships that will stay with me forever," wrote Chief Madalone.