Byers Takes a Second Shot at Retirement
May 08, 2020 12:00AM ● By By Seti Long
Retiring Police Chief Byers. Photo by Seti Long
GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley Police Department’s past Chief, Allen Byers, has handed over the reins of the department in order to slip into a well-deserved retirement.
Byers had only gotten 5 months into his first shot at retirement when he came to serve as Gridley Police Department’s interim Chief of Police in October of 2018. It was not the first time Byers had worked with the Gridley PD.
Raised in Biggs, Byers spent his early years in medical manufacturing. When he was 36 years old, he decided to make a career change and join the academy. He began his Law Enforcement career at Gridley Police Department in 1997, leaving as a Sergeant in 2010 for a position in Oroville as Lieutenant. Later he was promoted to Assistant Chief of the Oroville Police Department, the position he retired from.
Byers shares that it was absolutely a dream to serve his community as Chief of Police. “That was probably the primary reason for coming out of retirement,” he says. But he is ready to go back and is excited to do some traveling and spend time with family. “I’m looking forward to it… Again,” he says.
In all seriousness he continues, “When I first came back I told them it was only going to be temporary. My point of coming back was to make a good transition for them (Gridley) to move into the future,” after Chief Price resigned. Right now, he is mentoring newly appointed Chief Rodney Harr learn the ins and outs of the position. “Chief is different than being a police officer. So, he’s (Harr) been getting used to that transition for over a year now as lieutenant. He understands the management and leadership of the Chief position. He knows the community, he’s dedicated to his profession, and he’s very highly skilled, so he’ll do a heck of a job.”
Former Chief Byers’ last day with the department is May 15th and although he hopes to slip away quietly, he wanted to thank the City Council and the community for allowing him to serve them as Chief. “I Love this community, and I think it is very important that it’s got people involved that live in the community and are a part of it.” He says.
Thank you for your service Chief Byers.
