GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – The Gridley Police Department has experienced some changes in the ranks.

Effective April 20th, Gridley’s Lieutenant Rodney Harr has been promoted to Chief of Police.  Chief Harr has dedicated 29 years of service to the Gridley and Biggs communities and is highly respected throughout the area. Retiring Chief Al Byers, who swore in his replacement, said that he was “honored to pass over the reins to him.” Chief Harr’s wife and fellow officer, Becky Harr, proudly pinned his new title on him.

The Gridley Police Department congratulated their new Chief online saying, “All your hard work in the 29 years that you’ve been dedicated to Law Enforcement brings skill and knowledge that are unmatched. You deserve this achievement and we are happy for you!”

With the position of Lieutenant now vacant, retiring Chief Byers next action was to swear in Officer Rueben Quihuiz to the position. Chief Byers said, “Obviously the second hand in command is very important to the chief and for the success of operations, because, obviously, the Chief can’t be there all the time and we need somebody that can fill in for him seamlessly.” Officer Quihuiz came to GPD via Oroville Police Department last year, bringing 15 years of service experience with him. His brother Anthony Quihuiz had the honor of pinning the new title onto the Lieutenant.

After congratulating Chief Harr and Lieutenant Quihuiz on their promotions, City Council thanked retiring Chief Byers for his service. City Administrator Paul Eckert commended Byers with: “On behalf of the city staff and City Hall, I’d like to just reiterate that he’s been an outstanding asset. He served the council very effectively; I think most importantly he served his team members very effectively. He created a strong sense of calm, strong sense of purpose and mission…”

Congratulations all.