By admin 
For Lincoln Police Chief Matt Alves, retirement will bring an end to a law enforcement career that has spanned more than three decades, but his connection to Lincoln goes back even further.
Read more 1 dead, 1 critically injured after fiery crash on El Camino Avenue in Arden Arcade
Alves’ family moved to Lincoln in 1981 when he was a child. He attended Glen Edwards Middle School and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1994. It was also in Lincoln that he met his wife, Denise, while the two were in elementary school.
The couple married in 1996, raised six children in the community and are now grandparents.
» Roseville news in your inbox: Get our free Roseville email newsletter here
Alves’ career in public safety began shortly after high school. In 1994, he became a volunteer firefighter with Placer County Fire Department Station 75. He earned his paramedic license in 1998 and joined the Lincoln Police Department as a dispatcher the following year.
In 2001, Alves became a police officer trainee, with the department sponsoring his attendance at the Yuba College basic police academy. He would go on to serve in nearly every capacity within the Lincoln Police Department, steadily moving through the ranks.
In June 2021, Alves was appointed Public Safety Chief, putting him in charge of both the city’s Police and Fire Departments. When Lincoln returned to separate leadership for the two departments in 2023, Alves remained as police chief.
Throughout his career, Alves has been a familiar figure in a department and community he has served for much of his adult life. City officials say he has been recognized for his steady leadership, professionalism and dedication to public service.
City Manager Sean Scully, who has worked closely with Alves for more than four years, said the chief has consistently put the department, its employees and Lincoln residents first.
Read more Placer County looks to 2050 with new general plan for housing, transportation, growth
“His focus has consistently been on what is best for the Police Department, his staff, the city of Lincoln and, most importantly, our residents,” Scully said.
Scully said Alves’ years of service have left a lasting mark on the community.
“Lincoln is undeniably a better place to live because of Chief Alves’ service,” he said.
Alves’ retirement will be effective Sept. 17.
Reflecting on his career and his connection to the community, Alves said serving Lincoln has been one of the greatest honors of his life.
“I’ve watched my hometown grow while working alongside men and women who live by one simple creed: service before self,” he said. “I’m proud of what this department has built, and I leave with a grateful heart, having full confidence in the team that carries it forward.”
While his daily presence at City Hall and the Police Department will be missed, Scully said the city is choosing to look back on Alves’ career with gratitude.
“We will miss his daily presence at the city of Lincoln,” Scully said, “but we choose instead to focus on being grateful for his service and wish him the best retirement has to offer.”
The city of Lincoln is expected to announce plans for the Police Department’s leadership transition at a later date.
Read more 1 dead, 1 critically injured after fiery crash on El Camino Avenue in Arden Arcade