Hayward police chief announces retirement
HAYWARD, Calif. (KTVU) - Hayward police chief Diane Stuart announced she is retiring.
She was previously placed on paid administrative leave in August over a confidential personnel issue, according to a statement from Sgt. Ryan Cantrell. Additional details on the personnel issue were never released.
The following letter was sent out Wednesday:
“To the Men and Women of the Hayward Police Department:
Two of the toughest times in our careers are when we first join a team and when we have to say goodbye. I have made the very difficult decision to leave the City of Hayward and the Department at this time; and to pursue the next adventure in life. It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since I became the Chief of Police.
It has been an honor and a privilege to lead and to get to know the men and women of the Hayward Police Department. HPD’s Sworn, Professional Staff, Reserves, and Volunteers are the finest in the policing industry Thank you for teaching and inspiring me every day, I can only hope that I have been able to do the same for you.
Martin Luther King Jr. once said “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Today’s policing has unprecedented scrutiny and expectation of transparency. There has never been a time when law enforcement personnel have needed such breadth and depth of knowledge, skills, and abilities to meet the demands of our profession.
Our job is harder than it has ever been and significantly more dangerous. Our Department enjoys uncommon support from our community as a direct result of your service: your commitment to solving problems, your dedication to serving and protecting the community, and most of all, your constant desire to excel and willingness to be accountable for your actions. The community gets the police services they deserve. Our community deserves the best and they get it from the men and women of the Hayward Police Department.
Never stop striving for excellence, as we can always be better at what we do. Always step up and be accountable to and honest with your community. Be a life-long learner. And most of all, take care of yourselves and each other. It has been my honor and pleasure to lead and to serve with you. It is with great pride and sadness that I leave you and move on to the next chapter in my life.
Be safe and Godspeed.
Chief Diane E. Stuart
Hayward Police Department”
Additional details on Stuart’s decision to retire have not been released.