Longtime San Diego police officer Paul Connelly has been named the new Coronado police chief, filling a post that was vacated when Chuck Kaye retired in January.
Connelly will be sworn in on Dec. 9.
Since Kaye’s retirement, and until Connelly takes his new position, Rick Martinez has been acting chief on an interim basis. Andrea McCullough, the city spokeswoman, said Martinez did not apply for the position.
Connelly is a 27-year veteran of the San Diego Police Department where he managed a wide-range of assignments with increasing rank, from patrol officer to deputy chief of the force of more than 1,700 sworn officers. He will oversee a department of 70 employees and 30 volunteers in Coronado.
Connelly attended Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, according to a release from the city. He became an officer in the U.S. Marine Corps after college and achieved the rank of captain. In 2019, Connelly graduated from the FBI National Academy, class #275.
“Chief Connelly is an outstanding law enforcement professional with exemplary credentials and expertise,” said City Manager Tina Friend. “The chief has demonstrated his commitment to public service over his military and police careers and brings an exceptional breadth of experience to Coronado.”
Connelly will have a salary range of $212,685 to $252,966, according to the job posting listed by Ralph Anderson & Associates – the executive search firm hired by the city to find a new chief.
McCullough said the recruiter met with key community members and organizations during the recruitment process and then Friend made the appointment.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to be appointed,” said Connelly in a city news release. “I want this city to know I am committed to working collaboratively with our officers, community members and city leaders to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Together, we will uphold the safety and quality of life our residents cherish while continuing to foster positive connections with all who visit and serve in Coronado.”
