Alameda police chief taking job in Fairfield
- May 25, 2010
Alameda police Chief Walt Tibbet is stepping down to take over the top slot at the Fairfield Police Department.
Tibbet said he learned from Fairfield officials Monday evening that they were going to formally offer him the job, although some background reviews still must be completed before his hiring becomes official.
"It was a tough decision to leave Alameda," Tibbet said. "But Fairfield approached me. I think they were interested in whether someone with my experience and background could make a difference in their city. I ended up seeing it as an opportunity."
The 59-year-old Tibbet began his law enforcement career with the Alameda police in 1972, when he was still in college.
He joined the San Jose Police Department eight years later, where he worked for 26 years and reached the rank of captain.
Tibbet returned to Alameda when he was hired as chief in May 2006.
"I am sorry to see him go," Mayor Beverly Johnson said. "But I also think this will be a good career move for him, so personally I am happy for him."
Tibbet will be paid about $177,000 annually in his new post. He will begin work July 5.
"We are gratified to find a chief of Walt's caliber, coupled with the positive impacts he has made throughout his career, to join the Fairfield Police Department," Fairfield's City Manager Sean Quinn said in a statement. "Walt brings strong department organizational skills, is personable, and is an adept fiscal manager."
After Tibbet's departure from the Island, Alameda police Capt. Mike Noonan will serve as acting chief while city officials look for a permanent replacement.
"I am very proud of what we have accomplished in Alameda," Tibbet said Tuesday. "With this terrible recession, these have been tough times for anyone who works in government, especially as a leader. But we were able to avoid serious cuts while maintaining quality service."
During his time as chief, the Alameda police lost a lieutenant, two sergeants and four officers due to the city's budget constraints. But the department was able to avoid layoffs by not filling vacancies.
"He was in a tough spot," City Treasurer Kevin Kennedy said. "He needed to act as a go-between for the city manager and the police union. Sometimes he had to come back with news that neither side wanted to hear. But he's a realist and I think that's how he based his decisions."
Johnson said Tibbet needed "to do more with less."
Tibbet said he was proud that School Resource Officers — who cover campuses as part of their beat — and other programs were maintained during his watch.
"This department does such a good job that I think people often take it for granted," Tibbet said. "This is a safe community and people can forget that it requires a lot of hard work and dedicated officers."
Tibbet has a master's degree in counseling psychology from 91短视频 and a bachelor of arts degree in management from Saint Mary's College in Moraga.