Neil Cervenka, MBA
Chief of Police (Retired)
Retired Peace Officer
Member Since: 2016
Original Join Date: 2016
Professional Bio
Neil Cervenka is a retired Chief of Police with more than three decades of service dedicated to public safety, leadership, and community protection. His career spans 32 years in uniform, including 25 years in civilian law enforcement and earlier service as USAF Security Police.
Chief Cervenka spent the first 22 years of his law enforcement career with the Turlock Police Department, rising through the ranks to serve as Acting Captain and Special Operations Division Commander. During his time in Turlock, he served as an FTO, Motorcycle Officer, Training Manager, Internal Affairs Investigations, Gang Investigator, Bicycle Patrol, Peer Support and Honor Guard.
He later served as Chief of Police for the City of Fort Bragg from July 2022 through September 2025, where he led the department with a focus on professionalism, community trust, wellness and preparing his agency to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing. Neil emphasized organizational wellness, championing a department culture change eliminating the stigma of mental health care by implementing several wellness initiatives.
He served as President of the California Peace Officers’ Association from 2024–2025, He is a graduate of POST Command College, Class 69 and POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Class 375. His commitment to justice and community partnership was further recognized with the Liberty Bell Award from the Stanislaus County Bar Association in 2019.
Throughout his career, Chief Cervenka has been a strong advocate for mentorship, training, organizational wellness, and leading by example. He believes the badge represents both authority and responsibility — to protect the community, support fellow officers, and uphold the highest ethical standards, especially in challenging moments.
Chief Cervenka spent the first 22 years of his law enforcement career with the Turlock Police Department, rising through the ranks to serve as Acting Captain and Special Operations Division Commander. During his time in Turlock, he served as an FTO, Motorcycle Officer, Training Manager, Internal Affairs Investigations, Gang Investigator, Bicycle Patrol, Peer Support and Honor Guard.
He later served as Chief of Police for the City of Fort Bragg from July 2022 through September 2025, where he led the department with a focus on professionalism, community trust, wellness and preparing his agency to meet the evolving challenges of modern policing. Neil emphasized organizational wellness, championing a department culture change eliminating the stigma of mental health care by implementing several wellness initiatives.
He served as President of the California Peace Officers’ Association from 2024–2025, He is a graduate of POST Command College, Class 69 and POST Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Class 375. His commitment to justice and community partnership was further recognized with the Liberty Bell Award from the Stanislaus County Bar Association in 2019.
Throughout his career, Chief Cervenka has been a strong advocate for mentorship, training, organizational wellness, and leading by example. He believes the badge represents both authority and responsibility — to protect the community, support fellow officers, and uphold the highest ethical standards, especially in challenging moments.