San Luis Obispo police chief hired as chief of Fairfield Police Department

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. -- San Luis Obispo's police chief will be leaving her position and taking the same position in a different city. San Luis Obispo city made the announcement on Thursday afternoon.

Chief Deanna Cantrell has been named as Fairfield's Chief of Police. Her last day in San Luis Obispo will be September 30.

Cantrell has been Chief of Police at the San Luis Obispo Police Department for five years.

Cantrell came to San Luis Obispo after serving more than 21 years in the City of Mesa, Arizona.

In the announcement of her leaving, City Manager Derek Johnson said kind words about her time as Police Chief in San Luis Obispo.

“Chief Cantrell is an exceptional leader and an expert in policing and community engagement. She has been a valued member of San Luis Obispo City staff and community and we will certainly miss her,” Johnson said. 

Johnson also said Cantrell played a critical role in building "lasting relationships between the community and the police department" during her time as chief.

Cantrell said of her time in San Luis Obispo, “I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to lead the amazing men and women in the SLO PD that serve this complex community every day with respect, partnerships, integrity, and dedication."

San Luis Obispo will begin a national recruitment for a new chief in the coming months, Johnson said, and will seek input from the community on the recruitment and selection process.

WATCH: Extended Interview with City Manager Derek Johnson