Foster City Names New Police Chief

The city of Foster City announced Tuesday Capt. Matt Martell has been named the new Police Chief of Foster City effective Oct. 10.

Martell, currently in charge of Field Operations with the Foster City Police Department, will replace Police Chief Craig Courtin, who is on Oct. 9.

“I know that Matt will be an outstanding leader for our Police Department, ensuring the continued excellent service provided by the Department to our community,” City Manager Jim Hardy said in a statement.

Martell has 28 years of law enforcement experience, the last 21 years of which have been with the Foster City Police Department.

He began his career with Foster City in 1991 when he was hired as a Police Officer. He was promoted through the ranks until his appointment as Police Captain in 2004.

Martell has a Master’s Degree in Emergency Services Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Organizational Behavior.

Before coming to Foster City, he worked for the Antioch Police Department and he also served as a Military Police Officer in the U.S. Army.

Martell is a Foster City resident who is active in the Rotary Club, currently serving on the Board of the Rotary Club of Foster City. He is active with the American Red Cross Bay Area and earned their Volunteer of the Year award in 2007. He is a past Commodore of the Coyote Point Yacht Club and in his free time he enjoys being on the water.

“Foster City has given so much to me and is such a great place to live, work and play,” Martell said. “I am excited that I will be able to serve the community in a new capacity and to lead our Police Department in a continuing tradition of excellence.”

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