WALNUT CREEK — A longtime member of the Walnut Creek police force has been selected to be the new leader of the department, officials said.
Capt. Ryan Hibbs, a 23-year police veteran who has been in Walnut Creek for 16 years, will take over as the department’s new police chief on Dec. 31. He will replace outgoing police Chief Jamie Knox, who will retire on Dec. 30 after 4½ years as the city’s chief.
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“I’m always happy when we can promote from within,” City Manager Dan Buckshi said in a statement. “Ryan has served (Walnut Creek) well for 16 years and will be a strong leader as we go forward following Chief Knox’s retirement at the end of the year. I am thankful to Chief Knox for his many contributions and leadership, and I look forward to working with Capt. Hibbs in his new role.”
Hibbs in the same statement said his selection as the city’s next chief left him “honored and humbled.”
“I am committed to upholding our department’s tradition of integrity and community partnership, strengthening trust with the residents, and supporting the women and men who keep Walnut Creek a safe, welcoming and vibrant place for everyone,” Hibbs said.
Knox’s retirement ends a career that has spanned more than 30 years. The city hired him to replace police Chief Thomas Chaplin in 2021.
“I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together,” Knox said when he announced his retirement, adding that he was “grateful for the dedication of the men and women of this department and the support of our community.”
