With Eureka Police Department Chief Steve Watson’s final day on the job before retirement scheduled for Tuesday, the City of Eureka announced Monday that an interim chief is expected to be named in the next 30 days. Until that announcement can be made, current EPD captain Brian Stephens will take on chiefly duties.

It’s worth noting that a name for potential interim chief is floating about in the ether. During an appearance on LoCO’s Humboldt Holding Up this past week, Chief Watson mentioned that Todd Jarvis, a retired assistant chief with the San Diego Police Department, is currently going through a background check with the aim of assuming the role. 

Stay tuned and read the City of Eureka’s release below: 

The City of Eureka continues to work towards appointing an Interim Police Chief to serve Eureka as the City recruits for a permanent Chief of Police. Appointment of the Interim Chief is expected within the next 30 days. Effective December 1 st, Captain Brian Stephens will be the acting Police Chief until the Interim appointment is made.

Chief Watson will retire effective Dec. 1

Acting Police Chief Stephens began his service to the City of Eureka in 1999 as an officer and served as a Field Training Officer, Instructor of Defensive Tactics and Chemical Agents. After spending 4 years as a Special Agent with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Stephens returned to EPD and promoted to Sargent. In November of 2014, Acting Chief Stephens was appointed Captain. Chief Stephens holds a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST)Management Certificate and also graduated from the FBI Academy in June of 2018.

Acting Chief Stephens stated “I look forward to this opportunity to maintain the continuity of leadership within the department and will continue placing the members of our department and residents of our City first”.

“Acting Chief Stephens is well respected and a proven leader at the department”, said City Manager Miles Slattery. “I’m grateful that he is willing to serve and lead EPD during this transition.”

PREVIOUSLY: 

• WATSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT: Eureka Police Chief to Leave Position at the End of Next Month
• EPD Texting Investigation is Finalized, Though Not Yet Cleared for Release; Watson’s Retirement ‘Absolutely Not’ Related to Findings, Chief and City Manager Say
• HUMBOLDT HOLDING UP: Retiring Eureka Police Chief Steve Watson on the Challenges and Successes of His Time With EPD