 | | | New Lafayette Police Chief Ben Alldritt introduces himself to the Lafayette City Council March 26. Photo Pippa Fisher | | | | | | While it seemed like an impossible task to replace Lafayette's outgoing, larger-than-life Police Chief Eric Christensen, the new guy, Ben Alldritt, has a vote of confidence from top city officials.
City Manager Steve Falk made the announcement March 24.
Alldritt, who has spent the last week shadowing Christensen, is very excited by the challenge and appreciates the opportunity to serve in this community.
The new top cop worked for the California Highway Patrol for four years before joining the Contra Costa County Sheriff's office in 2006. Following a short time working in the Custody Services Bureau, he then spent five years in Danville working in traffic enforcement and investigations. As a sergeant Alldritt was in charge of the investigations unit and the homicide unit. As a lieutenant he served as watch commander for the county and was most recently the assistant commander of the patrol division. He has a master's degree in public administration from Golden Gate University.
Alldritt lives with his wife and two young children in Oakley.
Members of the community including Mayor Don Tatzin, Lafayette School District Superintendent Rachel Zinn, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Jay Lifson, Moraga Police Chief Jon King, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District Deputy Chief Lewis Broschard, and retired Moraga Town Manager Bob Priebe interviewed Alldritt as part of the selection process.
Falk notes that Alldritt's time spent in Danville, a city similar in demographics and topography to Lafayette, combined with his years of experience in traffic enforcement makes him ideal for the Lafayette job.
Tatzin says he is looking forward to working with him.
|
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA