Police Chief Richard Penn retiring

Pittsburg Chief of Police Richard Penn announced on June 21 that he would be retiring, effective July 10. Penn has been the Chief of Police since 2008, and has been with the department for 20 years.

“This decision was not made lightly and makes me excited and sad at the same time,” said Penn in a video announcing his retirement, “It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Pittsburg. I truly feel that you are served by the finest group of men and women there are, and I’m proud to work side by side with them.”

Pittsburg City Council met on June 25 to discuss who might replace the Chief. During the meeting, the council appointed Assistant Chief Matthew Lamarr as the interim Chief of Police until the council approves a new chief.

City Manager Clint Hardeman will be setting up interviews with Lamarr and other candidates he sees as eligible. Hardeman is hoping to make a presentation to the City Council on July 9 regarding the interviews and background checks he conducts. Pittsburg Mayor David Abernathy said that the City Council is expected to appoint Lamarr as the next Chief of Police.

Mayor Abernathy said that COVID-19 was a good opportunity to give Lamarr more experience, as Chief Penn let Lamarr do much of the day-to-day work involved in the Police Department. “COVID-19 really gave an opportunity for Assistant Chief Lamarr to get more involved and get more experience in making decisions and policies in the department,” Mayor Abernathy said. “It just worked out well for us.”