Lieutenant Jerry Ramar has been tapped as the Acting Police Chief for the Oakdale Police Department. The announcement was formally made by Oakdale City Manager Bryan Whitemyer on Monday evening, July 12. This appointment serves as the first step in preparing for Chief Scott Heller’s upcoming retirement which was announced on July 2, 2021.

Ramar is a veteran law enforcement executive who brings a wide variety of experience to the Oakdale Police Department. He joined the OPD in March of 2019 as a Police Lieutenant and has been a critical member of the department’s management team. Ramar is also a veteran of the Modesto Police Department where he served in a variety of positions that included Patrol Officer, member of the gang unit, a member of the narcotics unit, Economic Crime Detective, Property Crime Detective and Police Sergeant. Additionally, Ramar served as a Patrol Officer for two years for the San Jose Police Department prior to joining the Modesto Police Department in 2004.

“I am honored to serve in this capacity and I look forward to continuing to work with the fine men and women of the Oakdale Police Department to keep our community safe,” said Ramar.

He will begin his duties as Acting Police Chief on Friday, July 16, 2021.

“The City of Oakdale is fortunate to have such a capable leader as Jerry Ramar within the Oakdale Police Department to help through this transition period,” stated Whitemyer.

The city intends to hold an open recruitment process to fill the Police Chief position on a permanent basis. It is expected that this recruitment process will take three to six months to complete.