Tuesday, March 13, 2012 • Police Chief Jeff Atkinson retires

Publisher’s note: This story originally appeared in the Tuesday, March 13, 2012 edition of the Lassen County Times.

After 20 years of service to the city and the Susanville Police Department, chief Jeff Atkinson is ready for new endeavors.

At the Susanville City Council meeting Wednesday, March 7, Mayor Lino Callegari on behalf of council members presented a plaque and expressed his appreciation to Atkinson for his years of service.

“It’s with great appreciation that we announce the retirement of chief Atkinson, who will be exploring other opportunities upon the wake of his retirement,” Callegari said.

Atkinson has had a distinguished career in Susanville law enforcement that began in 1989 as a deputy sheriff with the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office. He joined the Susanville Police Department in 1992, and in June 1996 he was promoted to sergeant.  In 2003 he was appointed lieutenant in charge of operations. He was promoted to commander in 2005, a position that included both operational and administrative duties.  In Dec. 2005 he graduated from the 223rd session of the FBI Academy in Quantico, Va.

Atkinson assumed the position of interim police chief in 2006. The interim was removed from the title and he became the Susanville police chief where he served with distinction until March 2, 2012.

“We wish civilian Jeff Atkinson and his family the best as he approaches the next exciting chapter of his life,” said Callegari.

In a sincere address to the city council Atkinson said, “I’ve worked for the city for nearly 20 years and I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the opportunity you’ve given me both personally and professionally. You’ve entrusted me with your police department and that’s a big deal. There are a lot of fine people I’ve worked with over the years and I will miss being here. I can’t thank you enough for all you’ve done.”

Atkinson appeared to be approaching retirement with the genuineness and dedication that marked his career in law enforcement and is looking forward to a bright, if less demanding, future.

“I left my house without my cell phone in my pocket for the first time in about 10 years,” he joked at the end of his speech.