| 'Superman' of cops at helm as Pleasanton chief | |
| By
Ken McNeill Staff Writer |
|
Pleasanton - At his swearing-in ceremony on Monday, the city's new police chief, Tim Neal, lamented that he hadn't been issued a gun yet.
However, he had been given a single bullet by City Manager Deborah Acosta, which he promptly pulled from his front breast pocket.
"Deborah said if I ever need another to just ask," Neal said.
It was a gesture hinting at his past thoughts that Pleasanton was akin to the old television town of "Mayberry," he explained.
Neal's first day on the job was awash in visits from top cops from neighboring cities, Pleasanton officials and department heads and state and federal representatives.
In the 46 years before Neal was hired, there have only been two police chiefs in Pleasanton. Neal will be the third.
Acosta said that when the search for a new chief began, it seemed that only Superman could have met all the character requirements of the city's ideal candidate. Then they found Tim Neal, she said.
"He possessed every one," she quipped. "And he lived in Pleasanton."
He replaces outgoing Chief Bill Eastman, who retired this year after 18 years on the job. Since Eastman took the job in 1981, the department's size has doubled to 80 officers and 40 other support personnel.
"Bill is leaving an incredible legacy." Acosta said.
Neal, 45, stepped into the job surrounded by his wife, Robin, his son, Scott, 15, and daughter, Katie, 11, his parent and other family members, including many of his new "police family."
He raised his right hand and took the oath, promising to defend and protect the residents of Pleasanton.
Following that his father, William Neal, pinned the shiny gold chief's badge on his son's chest. The chief's son handed him his wallet badge and his daughter a polo shirt bearing the Pleasanton Police Department logo. His wife gave him a kiss.
Neal has lived in Pleasanton for nearly 20 years.
"I knew right away, this is where we really wanted to raise our family." he told the crowd of about 100 people gathered inside the Pleasanton Library which sits adjacent to the police department.
He says that although he has lived here so long, as police chief he will have to get a new perspective of the community.
"Obviously, for the first three to six months I'll have to do an awful lot of listening," said Neal, who formerly was Tracy's police chief.
Tri-Valley Herald - Tuesday, August 31, 1999