New police chief for Riverbank

Riverbank's police department has a new chief. Last week the City Council appointed Bill Pooley of the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department to serve as chief for Riverbank's police services.

The sheriff's department provides Riverbank's law enforcement services at its North Area Command Station on Third and Topeka streets. Pooley was lieutenant of the North Area command. Pooley replaces Tim Beck, who was appointed Riverbank's chief in March 2007.

A panel of council members, city staff and Oakdale Police Chief Marty West helped choose the new chief. City Manager Rich Holmer said the panel chose Pooley in part because he once served as interim chief in Hughson.

Pooley also is familiar with Riverbank because of his experience with the North Area command, Holmer said.