A retired Police Captain from the Modesto Police Department is taking the helm – on an interim basis – at the Oakdale Police Department.

Jason Grogan has been selected for the post, handpicked for the assignment by Oakdale Police Chief Jerry Ramar.

Ramar has stepped in to serve as interim City Manager for Oakdale with former Manager Bryan Whitemyer moving on to the City of Folsom, and was glad to have Grogan join the Oakdale team.

“I’ve known Jason since I got to Modesto (Police Department) in 2004,” Ramar said. “I know his work ethic, his experience.”

Ramar said he is confident with Grogan coming in to lead the OPD, even on a short-term basis.

“I knew what he would bring to Oakdale,” Ramar continued. “A level of professionalism, and he will interact well with the community.”

Grogan has 28 years of law enforcement experience and will bring that wealth of knowledge to Oakdale, said Ramar.

Prior to his retirement from MPD, he had most recently spent time as the Operations Division Commander. In that capacity, he oversaw multiple aspects of the department, ranging from patrol operations to SWAT, the traffic division to the MPD Crisis Response Unit.

He oversaw both police officers and civilian employes at the Modesto Police Department.

For his part, Ramar said he will also be readily available to Grogan, as he is staying with the city serving as interim City Manager and will actively pursue the post on a permanent basis.

Grogan is retired but can serve a certain number of hours in the interim position.

“We’re in good hands with him,” Ramar said. “It’s a good fit.”