NEWMAN — After 26 years with the Newman Police Department — rising from a reserve officer to one of the youngest police chiefs in California — Chief Randy Richardson has retired, closing a career defined by mentorship, community connection and the weight of guiding his department through tragedy.

Richardson, who joined the department as a reserve officer in 1998 and became full‑time in 2000, was promoted to sergeant in 2006 and appointed interim chief in May 2010. By September of that year, at just 34, he was named chief of police.

He leaves behind a department he helped modernize, including the creation of the K‑9 unit, expanded training programs and a wellness initiative that remains in place today. He also served as a Taser instructor, defensive tactics instructor, field training officer, drug recognition expert and Explorer advisor.

But those who worked alongside him say his greatest impact came from his steadiness, honesty and heart.

City Manager Michael Holland, who worked with Richardson for more than 15 years, said the chief became both a trusted adviser and a friend.

“He’s been by my side for 15, 16 years now, and there’s no one else I would have preferred to have,” Holland said. “He tells me what I need to hear, not what I want to hear, and I always appreciated that. Randy, you’re definitely going to be missed.”

Mayor Casey Graham echoed that sentiment, calling Richardson’s long tenure with a single department “almost unheard of” in modern policing.

“You had to deal with things nobody wants to deal with in this profession,” Graham said. “You represented our city with honor — across the nation, actually — and with such integrity and professionalism.”

Richardson’s leadership was tested most profoundly on Dec. 26, 2018, when Newman Police Cpl. Ronil Singh was shot and killed during a traffic stop. Singh, 33, was a husband and father to a 5‑month‑old son. His death triggered a massive manhunt and drew national attention.

Richardson became the face of the department’s grief, appearing before national media while supporting a devastated staff and community.

At his retirement, he spoke emotionally about the people who carried him through that period.

“I have to thank my wife for being by my side through the hardest time I had as a police chief,” he said. “I wouldn’t have made it without you.”

He also thanked his children, his staff and the city’s leadership.

“It’s not like one department runs individually — we run together,” he said. “The staff I worked with, they’re the ones that get me through everything.”

Richardson used his farewell remarks to highlight the work of those around him, including longtime volunteers and administrative staff.

Richardson praised Holland’s leadership as well.

“Michael Holland does everything for this city,” he said. “Everything we have now has gone through him.”

Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse also offered a tribute, recalling moments when Richardson and his officers stepped in without hesitation.

“You’ve been a tremendous partner to us in law enforcement across the county,” Dirkse said. “I remember one specific incident in downtown Modesto — there was a lot of drama — and you and your crew showed up and said, ‘How can we help?’”

Richardson closed his remarks by thanking the community he served his entire career.

“I’d like to thank the city for all their support throughout the years, especially the times we needed it,” he said. “They came out to support us.”

He paused, emotional, before offering one final message:

“With that, I would just like to thank all of you.”

As Newman turns the page, residents and officials say Richardson’s influence — his honesty, his compassion, his steady leadership — will remain woven into the department he helped shape and the community he never left.