Police Chief Ward Reflects on 29 Years of Service to Colton by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.

Community Calendar

◄ MARCH ►
S M T W T F S
01 02 03 04 05 06 07
08 09 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31 01 02 03 04
View Events
Submit Events
directory

Police Chief Ward Reflects on 29 Years of Service to Colton

By Breeanna Jent, Staff Writer
March 4, 2015 at 08:49am. Views: 59

After nearly 30 years with the Colton Police Department - his entire law enforcement career - Colton Police Chief Steve Ward announced his plans to retire. With plans to step down as police chief on March 8, Ward reflected upon his law enforcement career and his service to the city of Colton. "Colton is a special place to work, and I'm very proud to have hired and worked with the absolute best," Ward said. "I will miss the city employees, residents, businesses, the Colton school district, and most of all, the proud members of the Colton Police Department." Ward spent 29 years with the city's police department, after first being hired in August 1986 as a patrol officer. He worked his way up the ranks, holding the position of detective, corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain before being tapped as police chief in April 2011. Through his nearly three decades of service, Ward has worked with traffic detail, the Multiple Enforcement Team, as a narcotics officer, a S.M.A.S.H. officer and the Neighborhood Enrichment Team. Ward was also a member of the department's Special Weapons and Tactics Team. Ward's recommendation to replace him in the police chief role is Lt. Joe Gutierrez. Staff reports indicate that the Colton City Council was expected to discuss the appointment of a new police chief during closed session at the March 3 regular meeting. Ward said his intention upon retirement was to spend time with his family, "since they have sacrificed so much for the Colton Police Department throughout all of his years of service," a release from the police department states.

Related Articles

Casting Director, Shani Hamilton Thillet, Books Talent for Dameron Communications  
Photo Courtesy of: Shani Hamilton Thillet

By Greg Zerovnik, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 370

“I am excited to leverage my extensive network of Inland Empire actors, dancers, and models to bring exceptional talent to advertising projects at Dameron Communications,” said Shani Hamilton Thillet

Moreno Valley Unified School District wins multiple communications awards, receiving special recognition for its Dual Language I
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 464

Left to Right: The Moreno Valley Unified School District team earned 3 CalSPRA Awards of Excellence and a President's Award. School Board Vice President Sammie Luna, Digital Media Specialist Isaiah Garcia, Director of Communications and Community Engagement Anahi Velasco, Digital Video Specialist Naival Cartagena, and School Board Member Justin Jackson.

Valley View High School honored as California Distinguished School
Photo Courtesy of: Moreno Valley Unified School District

By Anahi Velasco, Contributing Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 494

Valley View High School earns California Distinguished School Award

Upmost Barbershop Celebrates Grand Opening with Community Turnout
Photo Courtesy of: City of Loma Linda - Government

By Eric Montgomery , Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 554

We’re excited to welcome the newest member of the Loma Linda Chamber of Commerce — Upmost Barber Shop!

Step Into the Old West: Why Travelers Are Falling for Pioneertown
Photo Courtesy of: Thomas Jackson of Redlands, CA.

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 643

Pioneertown, established in 1946, is known as a prime filming location and tourist destination, offering an 1880s-themed experience with its Old West style buildings.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to Redlands Trails
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 837

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Seasonal Cleanup Events Return to Moreno Valley This Spring
Photo Courtesy of: City of Moreno Valley

By Ruby Stephenson, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 515

A person wearing yellow cleaning gloves wipes a glass window with a cloth, removing soap and water during routine household cleaning.
Mayor Ulises Cabrera is encouraging residents to embrace the season as an opportunity for a fresh start while taking advantage of City resources designed to make spring cleaning easier, safer, and more convenient.

Rattlesnake Season Returns to San Bernardino County Trails as Spring Warms the Region
Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Conservancy

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 583

As spring warms the hills and trails around Redlands, another familiar sign of the season is making its return: rattlesnakes.

Annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt
Photo Courtesy of: The City of Moreno Valley Government

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 546

Get ready to hop to MoVal’s annual Springtastic Festival and Egg Hunt!

Annual Blue Mountain Festival
Photo Courtesy of: City of Grand Terrace

By Judith J. Garcia, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 558

The City of Grand Terrace is hosting their Annual Blue Mountain Festival event on Saturday, May 16, 2026.

Children Suffering from Brain Injury Find Pathways to Recovery at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital
Photo Courtesy of: Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital

By Ross Goldberg, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 472

Children suffering from brain injury find pathways to recovery thanks to the highly-trained professional team providing care at Totally Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’ s acute and subacute rehabilitation units.

No School, No Boredom: Teens Invited to Hang Out at Teen Hub This Spring Break
Photo Courtesy of: City of Colton Community Services Department

By Eric Montgomery, Community Writer

March 24, 2026 at 05:57pm. Views: 434

No school? No problem! Skip the boredom and pull up to the Teen Hub. We’ve got you covered all break long.

--> -->