Police Chief Ward Reflects on 29 Years of Service to Colton by Breeanna Jent - City News Group, Inc.
View Upcoming Events View Your Local Sales

Community Calendar

JULY
S M T W T F S
28 29 30 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
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: 91

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

Photo Courtesy of: City News group AI generated Image ChatGPT

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 146

A California Highway Patrol officer monitors traffic as drivers travel along a busy Inland Empire freeway.

Photo Courtesy of: https://www.instagram.com/reel

By Stella Pierce, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 281

A member of the Jessie Combs Foundation team performs maintenance under the hood of a vintage Chevrolet Blazer during the 2026 Hemmings Great Race, showcasing the mechanical skill and teamwork required to keep historic vehicles running throughout the cross-country rally.

Photo Courtesy of: LoopNet

By Brooke Emerson, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 174

Local businesses, shopping centers, and community networking events reflect the continued role of small business in supporting Grand Terrace's economy and quality of life.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group AI Generated Image

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 183

rash and recycling bins line a residential street in Grand Terrace as residents prepare for new trash and sewer rates beginning July 1.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Nolan Hayes, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 169

Young children participate in a hands-on learning activity inside a bright preschool classroom designed to encourage creativity and early childhood development.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Nathan Brooks, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 157

A veterinarian implants a microchip in a family dog during a free community pet identification clinic while the owners look on.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Sadie Collins, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 212

Fireworks illuminate the night sky above a community celebration as families gather to celebrate Independence Day in Moreno Valley.

Photo Courtesy of: City News Group

By Claire Waters, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 199

Firefighters and air resources battle a fast-moving brush fire near State Route 60 as smoke rises over nearby hillsides.

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Ethan Carter, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 165

A police officer conducts a traffic enforcement stop as part of increased summer safety patrols designed to reduce collisions and encourage safe driving habits.

Photo Courtesy of: Fire.Ca

By Alaric Boone, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 202

Redlands Fire Officials Urge Residents to Prepare Now as Summer Heat Raises Wildfire Risk

Photo Courtesy of: AI-generated by ChatGPT

By Kelsey Monroe, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 195

Construction activity at the former Redlands Mall site marks a significant milestone in the long-anticipated transformation of downtown Redlands.

Photo Courtesy of: Redlands Bowl

By Caleb Foster, Community Writer

July 1, 2026 at 01:33pm. Views: 179

Musicians perform on the Redlands Bowl stage before a large audience during one of Southern California's longest-running free music festivals.

--> -->