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By Andrea Gemmet
Almanac Staff Writer

Atherton police Lt. Mike Guerra has been appointed the town's next police chief. He's set to take over on Nov. 29, the day after Chief Glenn Nielsen retires, said City Manager Jerry Gruber.

News of Chief Nielsen's decision to retire became public late last week. He's served as police chief for a little more than a year, but his history with the department stretches back nearly 35 years.

"I am thankful that we have a highly qualified candidate waiting to assume the position of police chief for the town of Atherton," said Mr. Gruber in a statement. "I want our residents to be assured that the transition will be smooth and the level of police service that they have come to expect will continue at the highest possible level."

Lt. Guerra, a police officer with Atherton since 1985, was promoted to his position last year, replacing then-Lt. Nielsen when he vacated the post to become chief. He spent nearly 12 years as a sergeant, and held a range of positions, including detective sergeant, school resource officer at Menlo-Atherton High School, and patrol watch commander.

"Mike is a well-educated person. I think he'll do a good job," said Mayor Jerry Carlson. " He'll know the town, anyway, and hopefully he'll be able to land on his feet running."

Lt. Guerra earned a doctorate degree in education and leadership in 2001 from the University of San Francisco. He describes himself as a life-long adult learner who went back to school to earn his associate's degree from the College of San Mateo over 10 years while he was working as a police officer. He earned his bachelor's degree in 1992 and his master's degree in human resources and organizational development in 1995.

"When you have an internal candidate with Mike's qualifications, I think it is in the town's best interest to appoint rather than go outside," Mr. Gruber said. "If there was any question regarding Mike's qualifications (then) I would have recommended to the council that we hire a professional recruiting firm to assist with the process."

Lt. Guerra told The Almanac that he plans to continue with the progress made by Chief Nielsen.

"When Glenn came in, he and I worked really well together. His guidance and leadership are sending the department in a new direction -- the activity levels are up, and we're addressing community needs faster than ever before," Lt. Guerra said. "It's a hand-off. We're already marching downfield."

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