Brian Stephens taking over as EPD Police Chief is no surprise

 

I have predicted and said this more than once on this blog. The City of Eureka just made it official yesterday.

City of Eureka Press Release:

At last night’s Council meeting, City Manager Slattery announced Chief Todd Jarvis retirement from the City of Eureka’s Police Department.  Chief Jarvis will be leaving the department on January 4, 2024, two years after he started his position, originally as Interim Chief, on January 3, 2022. 

Manager Slattery stated, “Chief Jarvis and his wealth of experience saw our City and the Police department through a very tumultuous time in the City’s history.  His forward leaning leadership during the last two years will leave a lasting legacy in Eureka”.  

Manager Slattery also announced that Assistant Chief Brian Stephens will promote to the position of Chief of Police effective with Chief Jarvis’s retirement. Chief Stephens began his career at Eureka Police Department in February of 1999 as an officer.  Prior to beginning his law enforcement career, Chief Stephens served 5 years in the United States Army as a Military Police Officer.  For the past 25 years, Chief Stephens has worked his way through the ranks of Eureka Police Department serving as a Field Training Officer, Instructor of Defensive Tactics and Chemical Agents, and a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics team.  After spending more than 4 years as a Special Agent with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Chief Stephens returned to EPD and promoted to Sergeant.  In November of 2014, he was appointed Captain and in October of 2022 promoted to Assistant Chief. Chief Stephens holds a California Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Management Certificate, graduated from the FBI National Academy in June of 2018 and holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.   City Manager Slattery stated “Chief Brian Stephens commitment and dedication to the community has been unwavering during his career with Eureka.  I look forward to working with him as our new Chief of Police and watching him continue to move Eureka Police Department forward”.  

Mayor Bergel commented “It is with a grateful heart that I to say goodbye to Chief Jarvis. I appreciate Chief Jarvis stepping in during a difficult time for our City. His forward thinking and guidance have moved our department to a new level. It is bittersweet to goodbye; however, I am so happy for our City to welcome Chief Stephens. I have worked with him on many levels and am excited to work with him in his new role as Chief. I know that he will continue to serve our community with respect and empathy as our new Chief of police. Congratulations Chief Stephens!” The Eureka City Council will confirm the City Manager’s appointment of Brian Stephens as Chief of Police at the December 19, 2023 Regular Council meeting.