Rio Dell Appoints Jeff Conner as Interim Chief of Police

In 2022, Jeff Conner (left) received a special proclamation alongside Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer (right) from Mayor Debra Garnes (Center) for their work resolving the homicide case of Johnny Renfro. [Photo from the City of Rio Dell]

On Tuesday, May 21, 2024 the Rio Dell City Council confirmed the appointment of Jeff Conner as the Interim Chief of Police. Former Chief of Police Greg Allen has taken the position of Associate Vice President for Safety & Community Wellbeing (Chief of Police) for the Cal Poly Humboldt Police Department. The City wishes him well in his new role.

Conner has a long association with the Rio Dell Police Department going back many years, including serving as Chief of Police from December 2017 to July of 2022. During that time Conner implemented several reforms and improvements to modernize the Department. Since his tenure as Chief he has remained part-time with the department as a Sergeant, mostly handling investigations. Conner will step down from the Interim role before the close of August this year and anticipates retiring from law enforcement altogether by the end of 2024.

The City of Rio Dell is currently recruiting for a new Chief of Police. Applications are currently open.

Photo caption: 2022. Jeff Conner (left) receives a special proclamation alongside Deputy District Attorney Carolyn Schaffer (right) from Mayor Debra Garnes (Center) for their work resolving the homicide case of Johnny Renfro.