Barstow has named a longtime department veteran and lifelong local resident as the city’s top law enforcement officer.
Christopher Kirby was been appointed Barstow Chief of Police, city officials announced Wednesday.
He takes the helm of the agency from Interim Chief of Police Daniel Arthur, who was been serving in the role since the retirement of former police chief Andrew Espinoza Jr. earlier this year.
Kirby has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, officials said.
“Throughout his distinguished career with the Barstow Police Department, Kirby has held a range of leadership roles, including Captain, Lieutenant, and SWAT Commander, where he played a key role in shaping public safety operations,” the city said in a written statement. “Most recently, he served as a Special Agent for BNSF Railway, where he was responsible for crime prevention, safety enforcement, and emergency response across complex transportation networks.”
Kirby grew up in Barstow and graduated Central High School. He has numerous advances law enforcement certifications covering topics including police supervision, crisis intervention and tactical operations.
“He is recognized for his steady leadership style, strong communication skills, and longstanding connection to the community he now leads,” according to the statement.
City Manager Rochelle Clayton said Kirby has ” dedicated his life to protecting and serving the Barstow community.”
“His deep-rooted understanding of our city’s unique public safety needs, along with his unwavering commitment to transparency and professionalism, makes him the ideal leader to guide the police department into the future,” she said.
The Barstow Police Department provides police services to the 41 square miles that make up the city of just under 25,000 residents
The agency staffs 40 sworn officers.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Barstow names Christopher Kirby as new police chief
Reporting by Brian Day, Victorville Daily Press / Victorville Daily Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
