Police Chief Ward Reflects on 29 Years of Service to Colton

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.