By a 5-0 vote of the Escalon City Council, there is a new Police Chief coming to town.

The city has hired Mike Borges – who retired in March after 34 years with the Ceres Police Department – as its new chief.

“He wasn’t in the mix initially,” Mayor Ed Alves said of the first pool of candidates that was considered for the job.

The city’s choice at that time backed out, forcing the council to reassess its position. Former Modesto Police Chief Mike Harden, who had been on the interview panel for the potential candidates, came in as the interim chief while the search continued.

“He became more available to us,” Alves explained of Borges, after he retired from his post as deputy chief in Ceres. “We took a look at him, his credentials were impressive and because of his reputation, his professionalism, and his civic mindedness, we think he’ll fit very well in Escalon.”

Borges has 34 years of law enforcement experience, starting with Ceres in April of 1980 as a police officer. He held several different positions within the department, including detective, field training officer, and as a watch commander. He made sergeant in 1988, was appointed as the Police Division Commander for Ceres in 2005 and received the title of Deputy Chief in 2007.

He has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from California State University, Stanislaus. He is married, and he and his wife Susan have three adult children and six grandchildren.

“I’m thrilled we got someone of his quality,” Alves added.

The fact that Borges already lives in and is familiar with the Central Valley, Alves said, is a bonus.

“I think it’ll be a good fit for us,” agreed councilman Danny Fox, a retired police officer.

Borges is scheduled to take over the job on Monday, July 14. He will join the city just after the annual Park Fete celebration (July 11 and 12) and will oversee the department of a half dozen officers, a sergeant and the police services manager, as well as the animal control department.

“He’s used to the Valley, he doesn’t have to relocate,” Alves added.

Harden will remain in the interim role to facilitate with the transition to the new chief, the first permanent chief for the city in more than two years.