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Dublin Police Chief Nathan “Nate” Schmidt is stepping down after a year and a half on the job, according to a press release from the city on Tuesday.
Shari Jackman, Dublin’s public information officer, told the Weekly that Tuesday’s announcement might have seemed abrupt but, in fact, the outgoing police chief had already been in discussions with the city manager about retiring in order to spend more time with his family.
“He’s been thinking about this for a while,” Jackman said.
Schmidt left his post on Tuesday after having been on the job since March 19, 2023.
“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 in Tuesday’s press release. “As I prepare to retire from my role as police chief, I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude to the residents, businesses, and leaders of this wonderful city.”
Schmidt, a commander with the Alameda County Sheriff’s Office, had been in law enforcement for 25 years — 20 of those years were spent working in Dublin under the city’s contract with the county for police services, according to the press release.
Schmidt grew up in Livermore, graduated from Granada High School and got a degree in sociology from the University of California, Davis.
He joined the sheriff’s office in 1999 and has worked as a deputy at the Santa Rita Jail, as a patrol officer in Dublin and later as a detective. He eventually rose through the ranks to lieutenant in 2011 and worked in Oakland for a bit before returning to Dublin as the operations lieutenant and administrative lieutenant, according to the press release.
Then he was promoted to captain in 2016 and worked at the jail for another stint before returning to Dublin where he was later promoted to commander in early 2023.
It was shortly after that last promotion that then-police chief Garrett Holmes announced his retirement in February 2023 after more than five years at the helm of Dublin Police Services and nearly 30 years in law enforcement. Schmidt was named as the next police chief the following month and has been leading the department ever since for the last 18 months.
“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,” Schmidt said. “Whether through our community policing programs, neighborhood events, or just day-to-day interactions, I have always felt proud to serve such a diverse and caring city.”
Schmidt said in the press release that Dublin’s strong connection between the police department and the community is a special thing that will continue to thrive long after he leaves. As of Tuesday evening, the city has not named its new police chief, although Jackman said there is a replacement already ready to step in and that the city would announce who that will be on Wednesday.
“As Chief Schmidt embarks on his well-deserved retirement, we wish him all the best in this next chapter,” new Dublin City Manager Colleen Tribby said in the press release. “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.”
Dublin Mayor Michael McCorriston also expressed his gratitude toward Schmidt in the press release saying that he appreciated the former police chief’s dedication to the city.
“Chief Schmidt has led our police department with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” McCorriston said. “His leadership has been instrumental in maintaining the peace, fostering community relationships, and ensuring that Dublin remains a safe and vibrant place to live, work, and raise a family.”
