City of Eureka press release:

Effective July 21, Eureka Police Captain Steve Watson has been appointed as Interim Chief of the department. City Manager Greg Sparks noted that with the departure of Chief Andy Mills it is necessary to appoint an Interim Chief and to initiate a process for an open recruitment of candidates for the position of Chief of Police. He further stated that the city is fortunate to have an outstanding department of uniformed and civilian staff with two effective and experienced police captains in Steve Watson and Brian Stephens. The goal during this interim period will be to continue moving the department forward and provide the critical law enforcement services that our community depends upon.

The city will be contracting with an outside firm to assist in the recruitment and will focus on the desired background and experience, leadership style, skills and abilities that have previously been determined as necessary for the Chief of Police of Eureka. City Manager Greg Sparks stated “the Chief of the Eureka Police Department is one of the most important positions within the city organization. It is vital that we hire the right person to lead the department and to further the strategic objectives of the city to providing high quality, community based policing.”