Former Police Chief Rodney Harr, left, assists Brett Farr, in the center, in pinning Chief Todd Farr’s badge and stars. Photo by Seti Long

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - Gridley recently saw a change in command at the Gridley Police Department.

City Council members at their Aug. 5 meeting voted to install Gridley Police Department’s Lt. Todd Farr as police chief after former Chief Rodney Harr announced his intention to retire.

Council members Catalina Sanchez’s, Angel Calderon’s and Jim Roberts’ three “yes” votes confirmed Chief Todd Farr’s appointment. Father and Mayor Mike Farr recused himself from the vote and Vice-Mayor Bruce Johnson was absent from the meeting. Mayor Farr also recused himself through the hiring process, according to the meeting’s agenda, to prevent any conflict of interest.

 Gridley Mayor Mike Farr stands proudly next to his son, the newly sworn-in Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr. Photo by Seti Long

Chief Farr was sworn in by City Attorney Tony Galyean before taking to the podium for a few words.

Chief Farr thanked those who had supported him and “made this possible,” speaking to co-workers, city officials and his family in attendance.

Farr hails from Gridley, with the Farr family having strong roots within the community. Many who work alongside him grew up with him and the same can be said for those who reside in the city. Farr has served in many Gridley Police Department positions, is a member of Gridley VFW Post 5731 and has served on the Gridley City Council.

Farr’s son, Brett, joined his father in a poignant moment, the young man given the opportunity to pin the chief’s new badge to his chest. Harr assisted Brett Farr as he awarded his father and new Gridley police chief his new stars and honors. Farr’s other son was absent as he is currently serving in the military.

 Gridley City Council members support their choice in their new police chief, taking a moment after installing Chief Farr to congratulate him and speak with his family before continuing on to agenda items at Monday’s City Council Meeting. Pictured from left are Councilmembers Catalina Sanchez, Chief Todd Farr, Councilmember Jim Roberts, Councilmember Angel Calderon and Mayor Mike Farr. Photo by Seti Long

Harr took a moment to congratulate his successor, saying that Todd Farr’s long service, experience with the community and time as acting interim-chief made him the best choice for the position.

Harr presented Chief Farr with a keepsake to mark his legacy as chief – a beautiful flag to be handed down to future Gridley police chiefs. 

It was a proud moment for Chief Farr and his family, including his father, Mayor Farr, who congratulated his son with a few meaningful words and thanked Harr for his dedicated service to the community of Gridley throughout his long law-enforcement career.

The council then took a break from the meeting, allowing the community and Farr family to congratulate the new chief.

 New Gridley Police Chief Todd Farr, center back, was surrounded by his family as they celebrated him being sworn in as police chief at the last Gridley City Council meeting. Photo by Seti Long