Ceres Police Department Captain Patrick Crane called an end to his days in law enforcement with the closing of 2022, retiring after nearly 24 years with the agency.

Crane was hired as an officer in March 1999 and promoted as sergeant in 2009. His leadership skills earned him a promotion to lieutenant in 2016. At the time he was in charge of the Detectives Bureau, Records Division, dispatch and evidence handling and policy manual as well as the explorer and volunteer programs.

As captain he oversaw the city’s Code Enforcement Unit and special programs, such as the crackdown operation for illegal Fourth of July fireworks. 

Crane grew up with a father who was once a Palm Springs Police officer before moving to Ceres when he was 5. Pat attended Ceres High School at the same time as then Chief Brent Smith. Pat attended the Police Academy in Modesto and then earned a bachelor’s degree in Police Management from Union Institute & University. Crane joined Ceres Police in March, 1999 and was promoted to Patrol Sergeant in February, 2009. During his 17 years with the Department, he has been a Field Training Officer and an SDEA Detective.

Crane is being replaced by Lt. Chris Perry effective Jan. 8.

“Pat was an excellent Captain for our police department,” said Police Chief Rick Collins. “He always had the pulse of the organization on his fingertips.  He worked well with other departments because he stayed updated on issues that were critical. His approachable demeanor was appreciated by all.  He was someone who I trusted to oversee the day-to-day operations of the department.  He will leave a void but Lt. Perry is very capable of filling the role to ensure we still have consistent leadership at the management level.” 

Pat and wife Susan have one daughter, Kylie.