Fairfield Police Chief Retiring; Successor Named

Fairfield police Chief Walt Tibbet is retiring in March, city officials said. Capt. Joe Allio, a 26-year member of the Fairfield police force, will take over as chief on March 13, City Manager David White announced Wednesday.

Tibbet, who has nearly 43 years of police service, became chief in 2010 after previously serving as Alameda’s police chief starting in 2006 and working for more than two decades in San Jose, where he rose to the rank of captain.

He oversaw the Fairfield Police Department’s response to a series of high-profile violent incidents.

“Of all the cities I’ve 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 employees of the Police Department to accomplish great things,” Tibbet said in a statement.

“Chief Tibbet has had a tremendous impact on Fairfield. He was a visionary who connected with all segments of the community,” White said in a statement.

Mayor Harry Price said Tibbet had a lasting impact on Fairfield and he is looking forward to working with Allio. “I know our Police Department, residents and business community are in good hands,” Price said.

Allio said in a statement that he is honored and excited about his new job.

“I have devoted my career to the city of Fairfield and there is no other department that I would rather lead,” Allio said.

Allio joined the Fairfield Police Department in 1987 after serving four years in South San Francisco.

He helped develop “active shooter” response training and the Police Probation Team. “Joe is an exceptional leader. His many years of police experience and deep community ties make him an outstanding choice to be the city’s next chief of police,” White said.

--Bay City News

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