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Atherton police Chief Glenn Nielsen will be retiring on Nov. 28. While his tenure as chief was relatively short, his history with the department stretches back nearly 35 years.

Chief Nielsen was hired from within to lead the police department in August 2008, following the retirement of Chief Bob Brennan. He first joined the department as an Explorer cadet in 1975.

He became an officer in 1980 and rose through the ranks, holding numerous positions, including field training officer, school resource officer, sergeant and lieutenant.

"He's done a good job. We're going to miss him," said Atherton Mayor Jerry Carlson. "He's been a long time on the town's police force."

Chief Nielsen could not immediately be reached for comment on Friday.

City Manager Jerry Gruber said he was notified of Chief Nielsen's plans to retire last week, but waited to announce the decision until Chief Nielsen could first inform his staff. On Monday, Mr. Gruber said he will announce his plan for finding a successor to Chief Nielsen.