Turlock police chief to retire in October
Turlock Police Chief Nino Amirfar confirmed his plans to retire in October, ending about 30 years of service in the department and three years in the post.
Amirfar said Saturday he remains committed to ensuring public safety amid the coronavirus pandemic, and turned in his retirement papers to give the city time to plan.
The city has yet to announce Amirfar’s retirement because it is focused on pandemic preparations, he said, but former Turlock Mayor John Lazar broke the news in a congratulatory Facebook post on Friday. In response, Amirfar thanked the community for its support in a Facebook post, writing that he will serve to his fullest capacity until Oct. 2.
“While I am extremely overwhelmed from the response on social media to my retirement, please understand I must remain focused on our community needs at this time,” Amirfar said in a text to The Bee, noting he will discuss his future plans later.
Amirfar has served as chief since January 2017, when the city council unanimously selected him from a pool that began with 38 candidates. Since joining the Turlock Police Department in August 1990, Amirfar has worked as a school resource officer, member of the drug suppression unit and captain overseeing the Special Operations Division, which includes animal services and community outreach. He continued to rise through the ranks as interim chief after Robert Jackson voluntarily left the job in August 2016, ending 4 1/2 years as chief.
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve our community,” Amirfar posted on Facebook. “I am humbled by the faith and trust that our community and my staff have placed in me. I am very proud of the men and women (past & present) who continue to amaze me with their professionalism and dedication to our community even during stressful times.”
Amirfar’s departure follows other turnover in Turlock’s government. Robert Lawton left his post as city manager in August 2019 and the city terminated Fire Chief Robert Talloni in June 2019. Gary Carlson has served as the interim fire chief since then, and the council appointed Toby Wells as permanent city manger last week.
This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 9:54 AM.
