Monday, 21 June 2010 06:26

Sutter Creek Chief Takes Same Role in Huron

slide1-sutter_creek_chief_takes_same_role_in_huron.pngAmador County – Sutter Creek Police Chief Rob Duke confirmed Friday that he will be taking the same position for the City of Huron, California, effective July 1. Duke, who has served Sutter Creek in the dual role of police chief and city manager for the last 11 years, said he is “anxious to get back to my policing roots and serve as a police officer in a full-time capacity,” adding, “I’ve never seen myself as anything else.” He said he is prepared for the responsibility of ensuring safety in Huron, a city located in western Fresno County with an official population three times that of Sutter Creek. Huron will present its own unique policing challenges, as the city’s population of 6,000 is known to swell to over 15,000 people due to the influx of migrant workers during harvest season. Duke would replace the former Huron Police Chief Robert Herndon, who stepped down in April. Former Assistant City Manager Sean Rabe was recently approved by the council to take over as Acting City Manager, based on Duke’s recommendation. Duke stepped down from that half of his responsibilities last month as part of a plan to reorganize city finances and personnel. Duke said the council is beginning the selection process to find his replacement as chief, adding that a “succession plan has been in place for several years and will be enacted in the months to come.” He said Sutter Creek Police Sergeant Brian Klier will serve as acting chief. Duke said he will miss Sutter Creek and the warmth of the people there. He said that “despite the current divisiveness with Measure N, I can’t say enough good stuff about the citizens of this town.” Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.