Recently-retired Arroyo Grande police chief dies

ARROYO GRANDE, Calif. - The City of Arroyo Grande is mourning the death of its former chief of police.

Beau Pryor died Wednesday morning, according to a news release from the city. He was 50 years old.

Pryor served as chief of the Arroyo Grande Police Department from 2017 until his retirement in mid-2020.

Pryor had been a member of the Arroyo Grande Police Department since 1994, holding various positions and roles throughout his tenure. He retired in July 2020 and said he was looking forward to spending more quality time with family and close friends.

Mayor Caren Ray Russom said Pryor left "an indelible mark on the City of Arroyo Grande" and praised his professionalism and leadership.

"He took the AGPD to the next level, and retired having set us up with policies and personnel that will carry us forward for years to come," Russom said. "There are just not enough words of praise to capture his legacy. The city mourns alongside the Pryor family during this devastating time."

The department's current acting chief, Michael Martinez, worked closely with Pryor for several years and called him a "great friend."

“Chief Pryor was more than an outstanding leader,” Martinez said. “We are fortunate to follow in his footsteps as he created a level of professionalism in our organization that will carry on forever.”

Pryor's cause of death was not announced.

Flowers or cards can be sent to the Arroyo Grande Police Department at 200 N. Halcyon. Friends of Pryor say any those condolences will be forwarded to his family.