May 4, 2012 — The Susanville City Council, at its May 2 meeting, appointed Captain Tom Downing to the position of police chief for the city of Susanville.

According to a May 3 press release from the Susanville Police Department, Downing said, “Last night the City Council selected me as their next chief of police. I am overwhelmed and humbled by the trust the City Council has placed in me as evidenced by their decision to appoint me the next chief of police. I am honored to lead the great people of the Susanville Police Department and serve the citizens of our fine community. I am looking forward to serving as your chief of police.”

Downing's career in law enforcement began in 1987 at the age of 17 when he served as an explorer scout for the city of Susanville.

He worked as a correctional officer with the Lassen County Sheriff's Office for four and a half years while serving as a reserve police officer for the city of Susanville.

In May 1994, he was appointed as a full time police officer and was promoted to sergeant in March 2001.

In 2007, he was promoted to the position of captain where he served under Police Chief Jeff Atkinson.

Downing's hard work and leadership abilities have been evident throughout his career.

He has held positions as traffic officer, investigator, and he served on the Lassen County Narcotics Task Force and the SWAT team.

He earned the honor of Police Officer of the Year in 1994 and 1996. He served six years in the California Army National Guard.

“Rising to the position of chief of police has been my aspiration since the age of 17,” Downing said. I am truly thankful to all of those who have supported me over the years. Without the assistance of others, I would not have achieved such a lofty goal.”

A graduate of Lassen High School, Chief Downing earned an associate of art degree through Lassen Community College and a bachelor's degree in criminal justice management through Union Institute and Sacramento State University.

Downing and his wife have four children and are active members of our community.

Downing's leadership, professionalism and dedication to the community have been evident throughout his career.

The city council looks forward to honoring his appointment at a public ceremony when he will be officially sworn in.

The date and time will be announced at a later date.

Comments 

 

+7#1Uncle June Bug2012-05-04 19:49

What a wonderful local success story, an example for us all.
Down the road, I hope we can afford to pay him what he deserves, we do not want to lose such a competent and dedicated public servant.

Quote

 

 

+5#2DAVID PARKS2012-05-05 13:09

Chief Downing is an insperation to any Home Grown Youth who grow,s up in this Great little Town Susanville. At 17 he begain a life long journey to be a public servent to his community.Congradulation,s Chief Downing. Your hard work has proved to be a great reward for all of us

Quote

 

 

+3#3M.A.Matthews2012-05-07 15:07

Good Luck and God Bless, Chief Downing!

Quote

 

 

+2#4Mike D2012-05-07 20:33

Congratulations Tom, you've worked hard for this buddy!

Quote

 

Refresh comments list

Add comment

The Lassen County Times encourages civil discussion on news stories that are important to our community. We do ask that commenters follow certain rules of conduct. Keep your comments on the topic at hand. Threats, insults, lies, and inappropriate language are prohibited. Just as with our letters to the editor we want you to be accountable for your comments so we ask that you use your full real name. Anonymous comments are not allowed.
The Lassen County Times reserves the right to delete any comments that do not comply with these rules of conduct. Commenters who repeatedly do not comply will be prohibited from posting further comments.
Comments are limited to 300 characters. If you would like to post a longer message, please submit a letter to the editor.

Name (required)

E-mail (required, but will not display)

Notify me of follow-up comments

Send

Cancel

JComments