The Susanville City Council voted unanimously Wednesday night to appoint Captain Tom Downing as the city’s interim Chief of Police effective immediately.
Downing is assuming the duties of retiring Chief Jeff Atkinson, who wrapped up 20 years of service to the City Police Department on March 2nd.
In a short, heartfelt speech Chief Atkinson told the members of the City Council, “I can’t tell you enough how appreciative I am for all of the opportunities that have been given to me by this city.”
“There are a lot of fine people I have worked with over the years and I will miss being here.”
Commenting on the appointment of Downing to the leadership position Atkinson said, “I think the interim Chief will do a fantastic job because he is a good man.”
Tom Downing has been a resident of Susanville since 1986, graduating from Lassen High School. Downing holds an Associate’s degree from Lassen Community College in Administration of Justice and a Bachelor’s degree from Union Institute and University in Criminal Justice Management.
Downing became a Police Explorer with the Susanville Police Department in 1987 and in 1989 he was hired by the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office as a Correctional Officer. He was hired by the Susanville Police Department in 1994 as a Police Officer.
He was promoted to Sergeant in 2001, and to his current rank of Police Captain in 2007.
During his tenure with the Susanville Police Department, Captain Downing has worked in patrol, the traffic unit and the narcotics task force. Captain Downing commands the administrative and operations divisions within the department.
