Edgewater Chief of Police Eric Sonstegard to Depart for New Role in California

Edgewater Police Chief Eric S. Sonstegard

From the City of Edgewater:

Edgewater Chief of Police Eric Sonstegard has accepted a position as an Assistant City Manager for the city of Oxnard, California. Chief Sonstegard, who previously served 26 years with the Oxnard Police Department and retired as Assistant Police Chief in 2022, will officially depart Edgewater on December 6, 2024.

Appointed as Chief of Police on May 22, 2022, Sonstegard has led the Edgewater Police Department through several significant challenges, including a grand jury investigation, an Attorney General’s Office inquiry, and a federal lawsuit. Under his leadership, the Department made strides in professionalizing its operations. His accomplishments included the successful implementation of body-worn cameras, new software for Professional Standards, Community Engagement, and Field Training, and a comprehensive audit of the Property & Evidence Unit. He also spearheaded a department rebranding initiative that introduced new patches, revitalized social media efforts, created a Purpose Statement and Core Values, and managed a police station remodel to create more equitable workspaces for staff.

“On behalf of the City and the community, we want to express how grateful we are for Chief Sonstegard’s leadership during some extremely challenging times. Chief Sonstegard has made a tremendous impact on the department and the city,” said Dan Maples, Edgewater City Manager. “His efforts have resulted in a renewed commitment to neighborhood engagement and a focus on process improvement throughout the organization. We wish him all the best in his next chapter.”

Reflecting on his time in Edgewater, Sonstegard expressed his gratitude: “I have loved serving the members of the Edgewater community. They embraced me with open arms as soon as I got here and I couldn’t have asked for more from a community. Edgewater still has that small-town atmosphere despite its proximity to the big city. I’m most proud of the employee wellness program we implemented here to better take care of our men and women in uniform that take care of us. I’m especially going to miss all the amazing people that work for EPD and the City as well as the community events I had the privilege of being a part of including coffee with the community on Friday mornings, our festivals, and concerts in the park.”

The City of Edgewater will launch a nationwide search for its next Police Chief beginning in early October.

For additional information, please contact City Manager Dan Maples at DMaples@EdgewaterCO.com or 720-763-3012.

Joel Newton

Joel has been a resident of Edgewater, Colorado with his family since 2012. He is the Executive Director of local education nonprofit Edgewater Collective and Editor of the Edgewater Echo.