After just a few months of searching, Capitola has a new police chief.
City Manager Jamie Goldstein said that after a nationwide search Andrew (Andy) Dally will be named as the new chief. The announcement came during the Capitola City Council’s Tuesday meeting.
Dally has been with the Capitola Police Department since 1999. Many city council members congratulated him with a sense of familiarity and fondness. Councilmember Jacques Bertrand recounted that upon seeing Dally and congratulating him, they shared a ‘bear hug.’
“I can’t imagine a better replacement,” said Councilmember Kristen Petersen. “You’ve done so much over the years for our city, to now continue in leading this department is so exciting.”
Throughout his 22-year career with Capitola, Dally has served in a variety of roles, including detective, sergeant and, most recently, police captain. According to Goldstein, Dally was recommended by multiple hiring panelists.
In the past year, Santa Cruz County has seen three police chiefs leave their departments. Capitola Chief Terry McManus and Watsonville Chief David Honda announced their retirements earlier this year, and most recently Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills resigned in order to take the same position with the Palm Springs Police Department.
Chief Dally will be assuming his position after a year of increased scrutiny for law enforcement agencies throughout the country. But Capitola Mayor Yvette Brooks is optimistic about the role Chief Dally will play in helping to restore the community, after more than a year of the pandemic.
“We’re so proud of you, and you have built yourself a legacy here in the city of Capitola,” said Brooks. “As we rebuild a resilient community I’m just happy that it’ll be you leading the way and supporting all of us.”
