After more than three decades of service to the City of Campbell, including seven years as Chief of Police, Chief Gary Berg has announced his retirement.
Chief Berg’s journey with the Campbell Police Department began in 1994 when, at just 16 years old, he joined the department as a Police Explorer. Two years later, he became a Community Services Officer before becoming a sworn Campbell Police Officer in 2000. Over the years, he served in numerous specialized assignments, including SWAT, field training, the Santa Clara County SAFE Task Force, and child abuse and sexual assault investigator.
He was promoted to Agent in 2007 and Sergeant in 2009, taking on leadership roles across Patrol, Investigations, SWAT, and public information. During this time, he also helped establish the department’s early social media presence and new ways to connect directly with the Campbell community. In 2014, Chief Berg was promoted to Captain, eventually overseeing each of the department’s three divisions: Field Services, Special Enforcement, and Support Services. During his time as Captain, he helped launch the department’s drone program in 2016, an early example of his focus on finding innovative ways to enhance public safety and better serve the community.
In December 2019, Chief Berg was appointed by City Manager Brian Loventhal as the ninth Police Chief of the Campbell Police Department. He stepped into the role just months before a global pandemic and a period of unprecedented challenges for law enforcement agencies nationwide. Chief Berg focused on investing in its people, embracing new approaches to public safety, and building upon the community partnerships that have long defined policing in Campbell. During his time as Chief, the department expanded its K9 and drone programs, launched Drone as First Responder, developed the INFORM Real-Time Intelligence Center, and pioneer new technology and tools to better serve officers and the community. His also played a major role in seeing the new Campbell Police Operations Building through years of planning and construction to its grand opening. Together with the strong team around him, these efforts have helped position Campbell as a leader in innovative, community-focused policing.
City Manager Brian Loventhal reflected on Chief Berg’s impact not only on the Police Department, but across the City.
“Gary’s service to Campbell extends beyond his role as Chief of Police. Throughout his career, he has been a committed partner to our community and a trusted leader within the organization. His ability to continually look for ways to better serve Campbell has had a lasting impact on our city and we are grateful for his decades of service and the leadership he has provided.”
Throughout every assignment and every stage of his career, one thing remained constant: his commitment to Campbell and to the people who serve it. Community partnerships have always been deeply rooted in the City of Campbell and Chief Berg led with the belief that public safety is strongest when it is built together.
Mayor Dan Furtado also recognized Chief Berg’s longstanding commitment to the Campbell community.
“I’ve had the unique opportunity to watch Gary progress throughout his career with Campbell. Throughout that time, his commitment to this community has always been evident. I’ve watched him grow as a leader while never losing sight of the relationships and community connections that make Campbell special. On behalf of the City Council and our community, I want to thank Gary for his many years of dedicated service and congratulate him on a well-earned retirement.”
Reflecting on his career in Campbell, Chief Berg shared what the department and community have meant to him.
“Serving the Campbell community has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. I grew up in this department, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who have been part of that journey, both within CPD and throughout our community. What I’m most proud of is where this department stands today. We have an incredible group of people who care deeply about Campbell, about one another, and about providing the best possible service to our community. I know I’m leaving a department that is strong, connected to the community we serve, and well positioned for the years ahead.”
From a 16-year-old Police Explorer to Chief of Police, Chief Berg’s career has come full circle within the community where it began. In the coming weeks, Chief Berg will work closely with the City Manager to help ensure a smooth transition.
Congratulations, Chief Berg, and thank you for 32 years of dedicated service to Campbell.