Pinole Police Commander Matt Avery has been promoted to Acting Police Chief, the city announced this week.
The announcement was made ahead of the official retirement of Police Chief Neil Gang on Sept. 5.
Avery is a longtime Pinole resident who also coaches the local Little League program and boasts 25 years in law enforcement experience in the city, serving in various functions over those years.
For over 20 years, he has participated in the Special Olympics Northern California Law Enforcement Torch Run. He was named the Special Olympics Northern California Law Enforcement Volunteer of the Year in 2022.
“It is an exciting time for Pinole with our new City Manager joining us and eventually a new police chief who can build on the foundation that retiring Police Chief and Interim City Manager Gang has built,” Avery said.
Chief Gang commended Avery’s “experience and passion” for the local community. The chief, who served in the role for the last 10 years, also said he was “blessed and honored” to serve the community.
“Thank you for your friendships, partnerships, and all the collaborative work that has strengthened our community,” he said.
