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Spiller sworn in as new Pleasanton police chief
'I take my oath very seriously,' new chief tells crowd

by Glenn Wohltmann

An overflow crowd gathered at Pleasanton's City Council chamber Monday to welcome the city's new chief of police, Dave Spiller.

Spiller, accompanied by his wife, daughter, family, friends and a host of police chiefs from around the area, took his oath of office, making him the sixth police chief since Pleasanton became a city.

City Manager Nelson Fialho told the audience of well over 150 people that both the Police Department and the community look to the chief of police for leadership, as a role model and an advocate.

"I believe Chief Spiller has all these qualities and more, and based on the turnout here, I think you do as well," Fialho said.

The city manager also listed Spiller's credentials, noting that Spiller received a bachelor's degree in science at the University of San Francisco, master's degree in arts from Saint Mary's College and is a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard's Kennedy School of Government.

Fialho also pointed toward Spiller's other achievements: his work as a police officer in San Diego, and move to Mountain View, where he served as a sergeant and was tapped as a "rising star," and his rise through the ranks at the Pleasanton Police Department, where he served as lieutenant and captain.

"I take my oath very seriously," Spiller said. "I will serve with honor, respect and compassion."

He added that he was "eager for what's to come," and hopes to be "future focused."

"I thank you for the blessing that you've given me and I thank you for the opportunities you've given me," he said. "I accept my badge as a symbol of my role in the community."

Spiller also credited former chiefs Michael Fraser, Tim Neal and Bill Eastman. Although Neal and Eastman were in attendance at the swearing in, Fraser was attending his daughter's college graduation.

In addition, chiefs from Benicia, Emeryville, Livermore, Mountain View and San Leandro attended the ceremony, along with many members of the Pleasanton Police Department.

Also firefighters were there from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department, including Chief Jim Miguel, whom Spiller described as his "new best friend" in keeping Pleasanton safe.

Spiller also recognized Capt. Eric Finn; he and Spiller were the two top candidates for the chief's slot and ran the department together until the final selection was made.

"You and I have done a lot of good work together," Spiller said. "I look forward to our continued partnership, and I look forward to all you give to the community."

Spiller was met with a standing ovation at the end of the ceremony.