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Pleasanton Police Department Celebrates Three Promotions

Pleasanton, CA--- Police Chief Dave Spiller would like to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Jeffrey Bretzing to the rank of Police Captain, and Officers Steve Ayers and Chris Niederhaus to the rank of Police Sergeant in a badge pinning and oath of office ceremony that took place this morning in the City Council Chambers at 200 Old Bernal Avenue.
Captain Jeff Bretzing launched his law enforcement career as a Community Service Officer with the Pleasanton Police Department in 1987. He attended the Santa Rosa Police Academy and subsequently worked as a Patrol Officer with the Hayward Police Department for three years before returning to Pleasanton Police Department in 1992. As an officer, Jeff served as a Field Training Officer, Motorcycle Riding Instructor, Crisis Negotiator and Detective. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2002 and served as patrol supervisor, and Code Enforcement Officer for four years. In 2008, Jeff was promoted to Lieutenant. Jeff earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management and a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Leadership, both from Saint Mary’s College. He is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisor Leadership Institute and the Leadership Pleasanton program. Most recently, Jeff graduated from the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia. Captain Bretzing fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Captain Eric Finn in October, 2016
Sergeant Steve Ayers was hired by the Pleasanton Police Department in 2007. He is a member of the East County Tactical Team, Volunteer Program Advisor, Force Options Instructor, Field Training Officer and Peer Support Team member. Steve joined the Traffic Unit and has served as a Motorcycle Officer since 2013. Steve is also one of the founding members of the Pleasanton-Livermore Major Accident Investigation Team, or MAIT team. Steve possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from UC Berkeley.
Sergeant Chris Niederhaus has been with the department since 2005. He has served in a variety of assignments including as a Motor Officer, Field Training Officer and Detective. Chris is also a board member for the Pleasanton Police Officers Association. Chris attended Diablo Valley College and the Union Institute and University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Administration.