Rio Vista police chief announces resignation, plans to move to Tennessee
(Still frame via Facebook, Graphic by Solano NewsNet)
The City of Rio Vista has started a search for a new chief of police after its current chief, Jackson Harris, announced his resignation last Friday.
The announcement came two months after Jackson said he and his family would be moving to Tennessee in the near future. It was not clear if Jackson would be leaving for a new role with a police department there or stepping away from law enforcement entirely.
“My time here has been marked with both challenges and triumphs, and I will cherish the many friendships I have made along the way,” Jackson wrote in a letter posted to Facebook. “I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to work with and learn from the city and its citizens.”
Jackson’s resignation was not unexpected: Two months ago, he penned a lengthy note that was posted to social media platforms after learning about rumors that were floating around on the community-oriented website Nextdoor.
“I am currently away on vacation with my family and have not resigned,” Jackson wrote in a statement published on January 12. He promised to return to Rio Vista later in the month “and resume my police chief responsibilities.”
Last week, Jackson said he intends to still be around for at least the next 30 days'“ and will work alongside the city’s new police chief during the transitional period.
The City of Rio Vista dissolved its police department last year after the abrupt departures of three key command staff, including former Police Chief Daniel Dailey and Commander Paul Tassone.
In late 2019, city officials elected to outsource its policing to the Solano County Sheriff’s Office under a temporary contract. Harris, who was a lieutenant with the sheriff’s department at the time, was appointed to the police chief role as a result of the contract. In January 2020, city officials voted to formally dissolve the town’s police department and make its contract with the sheriff’s department permanent.
Harris joined the sheriff’s department in 2006 and worked in various capacities, including as a patrol deputy, court bailiff, member of the county S.W.A.T. team and coroner investigator, before his appointment to the police chief role. In 2012, Jackson was distinguished as the sheriff’s department’s Deputy Sheriff of the Year.
Connect with Solano NewsNet on Twitter and Facebook for breaking news updates.
We’re proud to produce independent news for Solano County. This newsletter is an all-volunteer effort. If you would like to show your appreciation, consider making a donation in any amount or signing up for a paid subscription.