DUBLIN — Dublin police Chief Nate Schmidt is retiring this week after 25 years in law enforcement.
“It has been an honor to serve the city of Dublin for nearly 20 years, and the last eighteen months as the Chief of Police,” Schmidt said in a press release on Tuesday. “I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the residents, businesses and leaders of this wonderful city. Serving the Dublin community has been a tremendous honor, and I am incredibly thankful for the support, trust, and partnership you have shown me and the entire police department throughout my tenure.”
Portrait of Dublin Police Chief Nate Schmidt, who retired on Tues., Oct. 15, 2024. He spent 25 years in law enforcement, including 18 years in Dublin. (Courtesy City of Dublin)
Schmidt, who grew up in Livermore and graduated from Granada High School, started his law enforcement career in 1999, working as a deputy at Santa Rita Jail for the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office. He would eventually move to Dublin, which receives its police services from the sheriff’s office. At Police Services, he first served as a patrol officer and later a detective.
He rose through the ranks and was promoted to sergeant in 2006, became a lieutenant overseeing the now-closed Glenn Dyer Jail in Oakland in 2001 and went to the Eden Township Station briefly before going back to Dublin. He became the city’s chief in 2023, after being promoted commander.
“On behalf of the City of Dublin and our entire community, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and deep appreciation to Police Chief Schmidt for his 25 years of dedicated service to our city,” Dublin Mayor Michael McCorriston said in the press release. “Chief Schmidt has led our police department with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.”
City Manager Colleen Tribby said Schmidt will be “greatly missed.”
“As Chief Schmidt embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we wish him all the best in this next chapter,” Tribby wrote. “His contributions to Dublin will always be remembered, and he leaves behind a legacy of service that will inspire future generations of law enforcement officers. Thank you, Chief Schmidt, for your exemplary service and dedication to our city.”
According to Transparent California, an online database which tracks government worker pay, Schmidt was paid $309,462 in total compensation in 2023. His salary was $254,694, according to the site.
The Dublin City Council was scheduled to honor his service at Tuesday evening’s council meeting. City officials said an announcement of who will replace Schmidt “will be forthcoming.”
