Tim Morgan, now a lieutenant with the Palo Alto Police Department, opted for his father's route.

After 23 years of service with the Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Department, Morgan recently accepted a management position in the Palo Alto department, climbing one step higher on the ladder to chiefdom.

While in Los Gatos, Morgan, who has a passion for crime scene and narcotics investigations, worked on such high-profile cases as Jeanine Sanchez Harms and Russell Jordan.

And, like Morgan—who once had "big, long hair" in the 1980s—the police department has changed over the years. For the past three years, Los Gatos-Monte Sereno Police Chief Scott Seaman has tried to improve the department's relationship with the community.

"I want the officers to know every person in the town," Seaman said.

While everyone is still working hard to implement that, Seaman said that Morgan really grasped this concept and initiated steps toward building a stronger relationship with the community.

"Tim found a way to understand and own that vision and help drive it," Seaman said.

One example is when Morgan went to a community meeting at the La Rinconada Golf Course. He was there to answer questions, but instead of just leaving the meeting, he started an email group with them.

"I've been in Los Gatos since 1995, and this was the first time I've ever had contact with the police department. It was the personal contact that told me the police were paying attention, and I had a place to go if I was concerned," said Mary Hughes, who was part of the email group.

From there, he was able warn community members about any crimes and trends in their area, and he listened to their concerns.

"Neighbors were aware and the email group kept it in front of you. We weren't frightful, but instead felt more aware of what was going on," Hughes said.

Plus, he was even invited over for dinner after he was asked by the Hughes' to watch their house while they were in Europe.

Now that Morgan has moved on, however, the neighborhood hasn't quite been the same.

"Since he left the emails have stopped. But I'm sure it will start up again soon," Hughes said.

Morgan attributes his passion for the community, youth and police work to his dad.

"My father was a very strong advocate for youth. The youth of today is the future of tomorrow. If we can get in contact with them we can make great strides," he said.

While Morgan is known throughout the department for his energy, dedication and integrity, he is also known for his catchphrase: "I'm confused."

"It's a disarming way of telling people I don't agree with us going down this path," Morgan said.

Though Seaman enjoyed working with Morgan, he is excited for the dedicated officer.

"Palo Alto is lucky to get him. He's going to bring a very positive, professional attitude to the department," Seaman said.

Palo Alto's police department is twice as big as Los Gatos. Still, Morgan said Palo Alto and Los Gatos are very similar communities.

"The income is close to the same, which means I could never afford a house there," he said.

While he is enthusiastic to be a lieutenant, he will also miss working in Los Gatos.

"I've made great friends there. There's nobody in the town I didn't enjoy working with," he said.

But there is one thing that he doesn't mind leaving.

"I'm sure I won't miss standing on N. Santa Cruz Avenue in the rain doing traffic control," he said.

As Morgan moves on, his position will be filled by Joe Romeo, who was a sergeant in Tuolumne County.

Regardless of the position or location, Morgan's philosophies will stay put.

"Police work is the same everywhere. As a law enforcement officer, the goal is to serve mankind," he said.

Nonetheless, Capt. Alana Forrest doesn't think it will be the same without him.

"It's a huge loss—there's a big void in our department," she said.