22 Dec San Pablo City Council, Congressman Honor Retiring Police Chief

San Pablo City Council on Monday issued a proclamation honoring Police Chief Ron Raman, bottom right. Raman, who was the first Fijian police chief in the U.S., is retiring. (Screenshot captured by Mitzi Pérez-Caro / The CC Pulse)

By Mitzi Pérez-Caro

The San Pablo City Council commemorated the retirement of Police Chief Ron Raman at its Dec. 18 meeting. Raman served as the chief for six years and had a career of nearly 30 years.

Raman was recognized by the council in a proclamation recognizing his leadership and dedication to the city of San Pablo.

“You shared with me when I first met you about a coin. Every coin has two sides to it, and that’s life. You were on the good side, and you’ll always be on the good side,” said Vice Mayor Arturo Cruz. “I prayed that God would have guardian angels here today, and they are all lined up behind you. You’re the archangel that led them through the past six years. I appreciate that so much. God bless you.”

The city of San Pablo swore in Raman as its ninth chief of police on Aug. 30, 2017. He previously served as a captain for Pittsburg Police, where he worked for 21 years. His career started in 1996.

Raman is living the legacy of his grandfather before him. Raman’s grandfather was commissioner of police in the Fiji Islands. Raman was the first Fijian chief of police in the United States.

Rep. John Garamendi wrote a letter in which his spokesperson Harpeet Sandhu read during public comment. Below is an excerpt from the letter:

It is with great pleasure that I recognize Chief Raman upon his retirement following 30 years of outstanding meritorious service of law enforcement…

Chief Raman began his law enforcement career with the Concord Police Department as a community service officer. … He has implemented the best recruitment strategy [in San Pablo], resulting in being fully staffed for his 92-member department.

Chief Raman has impacted many lives throughout his work in the department, and his ability to foster relationships with the community has made a lasting difference in the city of San Pablo. On behalf of the people of California 8th Congressional District, please accept my sincere gratitude for many years of service and my best wishes in your well-earned retirement.

“You have demonstrated tremendous leadership over these last couple of years. When you look at our data, where we started, where we’re at, we’ve made significant progress,” said council member Abel Pineda. “We’ve had some challenges, but you stayed committed with us. We journeyed this path together. All of us, not just here on council but city executive leadership, city staff, and our community as a whole.”

Part of Raman’s successes in San Pablo, according to the city’s proclamation and Garamendi’s letter, is that he, with the help of his team, was able to reduce violent crime by 29% and Part I crime by 23%. Part I crimes include homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny theft, grand theft auto and arson.

“Being a police chief for the last six years has really been the highlight of my career. Being in law enforcement is a calling for me. It’s embedded in my blood,” said Raman. “My grandfather was a commissioner of police in the Fiji Islands; he was the first Indian-born commissioner of police in the Fiji Islands. Unfortunately, he passed away right before I became the chief of police here, so he never got to see that happen, so I’m sure he knows about it now.”

In public comment, five speakers echoed appreciation for Raman’s service and support.

Capt. Brian Bubar will serve as the interim chief of police following Raman.

San Pablo City Council meets every first and third Monday of each month.