Ex-Modesto police chief Harden hired by Hughson

Retired Modesto Police Chief Mike Harden has been appointed by the Hughson City Council as interim city manager, to start March 4. He will fill the vacancy that will be left when City Manager Bryan Whitemyer becomes Oakdale's city manager Feb. 4.

Over the past couple of months, Harden has served as interim director of Modesto Centre Plaza. Modesto is paying Harden $50 an hour, and he is working 15 to 20 hours a week. His job with Centre Plaza was scheduled to end this month or in early February.

Harden was with the Modesto Police Department for more than 28 years and served as chief for more than three years before retiring in August. "Mr. Harden brings the experience from a long and distinguished career and is a seasoned manager that will help our city continue moving forward during this transitional period," Hughson Mayor Matt Beekman said in a news release Friday.

For Hughson, Harden will work on an hourly basis and be paid $55 an hour. Harden holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

The City Council has initiated a recruitment process for a permanent city manager and hopes to fill the position by July. An official job announcement for the position will be made next week.