Eureka Police Chief Todd Jarvis to Retire

Police Chief Todd Jarvis will retire in January from his position as Eureka Police Chief.

The announcement came during Tuesday night’s City Council meeting during the City Manager reports.

Miles Slattery said that Jarvis had only been here two years but will “leave a lasting impression.”

Chief Jarvis came to Eureka in January 2022, first as Interim Police Chief, then named permanent chief nine months later.

His last day on the job will be January 4, 2024.

Eureka Mayor Kim Bergel stated: “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.”

Slattery recommended Assistant Chief Brian Stephens to be the next Chief of Police.

Stephens was promoted to Assistant Chief in October 2022.

Before joining the Eureka Police Department, Stephens served five years in the U.S. Army as a Military Police officer.

Since 1999, Stephens worked his way up through the ranks at EPD from Field Training Officer and a member of the Special Weapons and Tactics team. He spent four years as a Special Agent with the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, before returning to EPD as a Sergeant.

Stephens graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2018, holds a bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, and holds a California Peace Officer Standards and Training Management certificate.

Eureka City Manager Slattery said in a news release, “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.”

The City Council will confirm Stephens as the next Police Chief at the December 19th council meeting.