Claremont Police Chief Aaron Fate will retire effective April 1, the City of Claremont announced Thursday.

There was no reason given for Fate’s departure. The 26-year CPD veteran was named chief in 2021, replacing Shelly Vander Veen. The Courier was unable to confirm Fate’s age by press time, but he is a 1993 graduate of Glendora High School. Claremont public safety employees are eligible for retirement at age 50.

Claremont City Manager Adam Pirrie wrote in a news release that the city and police department’s management team will be implementing a “new leadership plan for the Department” over the next few months.

“The greatest part about being the Police Chief has been watching the development and accomplishments of the members of the Department,” Fate wrote in a news release. “I am inspired by the men and women of the Claremont Police Department, who exemplify the very best in law enforcement. It has been a privilege to lead them for the past three and a half years.”

Fate worked a variety of assignments at CPD, including explorer post advisor, field training officer, motor officer, a drug abuse resistance education officer, and detective. As a sergeant, he was the support services division manager and oversaw the records, communications, and jail bureaus. As lieutenant, he served as a watch commander. He reached captain in 2016, where he oversaw the operations division, including its budget, program, and policy management. He spoke to the business community on crime prevention, led trainings for the citizen’s academy, and managed community crime prevention programs.

His peers voted Fate as the police officer of the year in 2006 and supervisor of the year in 2013, 2014, and 2016. Other accolades over the years include the Claremont Police Commission Distinguished Service Medal, the police excellence medal, and the lifesaving medal. In 2006, he was given the city manager’s award of excellence, and in 2016, he was awarded the city’s management employee of the year.

“I would like to congratulate Aaron on a well-deserved retirement and express my sincere thanks to him for his years of leadership and friendship,” Pirrie wrote in the news release. “Aaron is going to be missed not only by the Police Department but by the entire Claremont community. Aaron has been an exemplary public servant and his thoughtful, compassionate approach to community-oriented policing has greatly benefited our community.”