Napa Appoints Interim Police Chief

NAPA, CA — The city of Napa has selected Sylvia Moir to serve as interim chief of police.

Napa City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to appoint Moir as interim chief starting Monday while the city works to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Chief Robert Plummer.

"I am humbled and grateful to serve the City of Napa Police Department and the community while they search for a permanent chief to fill the role," Moir said. "I am equally confident that my enthusiasm and experience in municipal policing will support and advance the service that the men and women of the Napa Police Department provide as they safeguard the community."

Moir is expected to serve as interim chief for up to 6-7 months as the city conducts a formal recruitment process for its next permanent chief of police.

"Throughout the assessment process, Sylvia Moir demonstrated that she is a knowledgeable, passionate and dynamic public servant that is ready to assist our community," Napa City Manager Steve Potter said.

Plummer's retirement was announced Jan. 1.

"This year, in particular, has thrown unique challenges our way," Potter said. "I am immensely grateful for Chief Plummer's leadership during this summer's protests and civil unrest and for keeping our residents safe."

Plummer served as chief since 2018. He is credited with advancing the Napa Police Department's use of technology, including expediting the deployment of body-worn cameras and reviving the NAPACAMS program to increase cameras in the downtown corridor. During his tenure, he also increased diversity within the department and transparency with the community.

In a statement announcing his retirement, Plummer said his time with the Napa Police Department was exceptional and a highlight of his 30-year law enforcement career.

"It has been a pleasure to serve the Napa community while working with some of law enforcement's finest," Plummer said. "Upon my departure, I will be leaving the City of Napa in good hands with the men and women of the Napa Police Department, both civilian and sworn. They are all dedicated professionals and take immense PRIDE in providing the highest level of service to their community.

"I also want to thank the local community for welcoming my wife and I and making us feel at home," Plummer said. We will reflect on our many fond memories in Napa, but it is time for us to return to our roots in Las Vegas and be in our children and grandchildren's lives."

As for Moir, she is a California native with a decade of experience as police chief between two organizations: the El Cerrito Police Department from 2010 until 2016 and the Tempe (Arizona) Police Department from 2016 until her retirement in 2020.

Moir spent the majority of her career with the Sacramento Police Department, where she served in every division of the department and acted as a member of the Sacramento Police Honor Guard. Additionally, she worked as the incident commander for hundreds of planned and spontaneous events and as a trainer in several policing subjects.

Notably, Moir completed rigorous training with the U.S. Army Old Guard at Fort Myer, Virginia and Arlington National Cemetery.

Since her retirement in October, Moir has served as the principal of the Macrae Group, specializing in public safety, tactics, and education; as the chair of the Community Policing Committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; as an advisor for WRAP Technologies; as a member of the Law Enforcement Immigration Task Force; and as an executive fellow for the Police Foundation.

She was appointed by Gov. Jerry Brown to serve on the California Peace Officers Standards and Training Commission for two terms; was on the Executive Board of the Arizona and California Associations of Chiefs of Police, and is a past president of the Police Executive Research Forum.

Moir earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Sacramento, a master's degree in organizational management, and a master's degree from the Naval Postgraduate School-Center for Homeland Defense and Security.

"We are confident that Moir will help push forward Napa Police Department’s commitment to integrity and professionalism as well as provide stable leadership while we work through this transitional period," Potter said.