South San Francisco, CA January 22, 2015 Re-broadcast from The REPORTER NEWS
As Fairfield Chief of Police Walt Tibbet readies to retire SSF native Joe Allio steps up to his appointment as the new Chief of Police come March 2015
Photo; FPD
Fairfield police chief to retire; replacement named
Fairfield Chief of Police Walt Tibbet has announced that he will retire this spring after almost 43 years in police service. His last day will be March 12, 2015.
Tibbet said in a press release, “Of all the cities I have worked for, my time in Fairfield has been the most meaningful to me both personally and professionally. I have truly enjoyed serving Fairfield and working with the employees of the police department to accomplish great things.”
Captain Joe Allio, a 26-year member of the Fairfield Police Department, has been named Fairfield’s next chief of Police upon Chief Tibbet’s retirement.
Upon becoming Chief of Police in July 2010, Tibbet had his work cut out for him. In the midst of staffing shortages due to the Great Recession and the state’s release of more than 30,000 felons, Tibbet oversaw the department’s response to a series of high profile violent incidents. “I’m very proud of the men and women of our department in their initiative, dedication, and professionalism in response to such a challenging time,” he said. The department remained extremely high functioning, leading the county in arrests, even though other cities had higher crime rates.
City officials praised Tibbet as a consummate advocate for the community, saying he fostered partnerships to expand the department’s outreach with neighborhoods, businesses, schools, and churches.
His work with the Fairfield-Suisun School District to establish the Public Safety Academy and Sullivan Interagency Youth Services Center stand out in addition to his commitment to growing the P.A.L. program. Also, as a member of the California Police Chief’s Association Board of Directors and as chair of the Solano County Law Enforcement Administrators Association, he helped to obtain funding from the State to staff a full time officer to work with a Solano County Task Force, and additional funding to be used by other agencies within the county.
Tibbet was also a strong supporter for improving efficiencies through the use of new and enhanced technologies. Under his leadership, the department secured numerous grants to maintain services during difficult financial times and deployed innovative technologies to protect the city.
“Chief Tibbet has had a tremendous impact on Fairfield,” said City Manager David White, in the press release. “He was a visionary who connected with all segments of the community.”
Allio said he is excited and honored to be selected to replace Tibbet.
“I have devoted my career to the city of Fairfield and there is no other department that I would want to lead,” he said.
Tibbet approved of the selection.
“Joe Allio, first and foremost, is a man of high integrity and character. He is an experienced leader who knows police work,” he said. “He has worked all aspects of the job from the patrol level to working with the community. He has earned the respect of the men and women of the department and the community. I can’t think of anyone better suited for the job.”
Allio joined the city in 1987, after serving four years in South San Francisco. During his tenure with the police department, Allio has worked in virtually every assignment including patrol, Investigations, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Community Services. Allio was a founding member of the Peer Support Team, participated in the development of “active shooter” response training, and developed and implemented the Police Probation Team. He has earned two Exceptional Performance citations and completed the prestigious Police Executive Research Forum’s Senior Management Law Enforcement Institute hosted by Boston University. He has a bachelor’s degree from Union Institute. Allio is also a community leader. He currently serves as the president of the Leaven, a Fairfield-based provider of after-school mentoring and tutoring programs.
“Chief Tibbet has had a lasting impact on Fairfield,” said Mayor Price. In responding to Allio’s appointment, the Mayor further remarked, “I am looking forward to working with Joe. He genuinely cares about the community. I know our police department, residents, and business community are in good hands. ”
Allio’s first day will be March 13, 2015.
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Joe Allio is a South City native and is the son of former SSFFD Captain Jim Allio