Oakdale names its new police chief. He has spent most of his career with Modesto PD
Acting Chief Jerry Ramar has been named to the permanent post at the Oakdale Police Department.
He will succeed the recently retired Scott Heller if the City Council approves his contract Nov. 1.
Ramar started his nearly 20-year career with the San Jose Police Department. He then held several positions with the Modesto department, including patrol officer, investigator and sergeant. He joined the Oakdale force as a lieutenant in 2019.
The city manager’s office conducted a search after Heller announced his retirement in July after five years in the job.
“We are very fortunate to have someone of his caliber fill this critical position,” City Manager Bryan Whitemyer said in a news release. “Jerry Ramar is extremely prepared to serve in this role as he has worked diligently to earn the trust of his department and community.”
The city staff is still finalizing the contract, which will have an annual salary of $137,628 to $167,292. The department has 53 employees, including sworn officers and other jobs.
Ramar has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and police supervision from the Union Institute & University, an online school based in Cincinnati.
A badge-pinning ceremony is planned after the council vote. It will meet at 7 p.m. Nov. 1 at 277 N. Second Ave.
This story was originally published October 20, 2021 at 12:09 PM.
