Police Chief Kirchoff retires

By DAVID A. WILSON

Democrat Staff

Family, friends and co-workers joined California Chief of Police Fred Kirchoff at a retirement dinner held in his honor at noon Thursday, Sept. 5, at the City Meeting Room at the City Hall building.

Mayor Norris Gerhart presented to Kirchoff a plaque for 26 years of service to the city. When Kirchoff removed his badge to give it to the mayor prior to the presentation, he discovered it was not the badge he had been wearing for the last few years. A family member had exchanged the old Chief's badge on Kirchoff's shirt. Kirchoff then saw that his old familiar badge had been mounted on the presentation plaque.

Gerhart spoke about the years of service Kirchoff had given the city as chief beginning Jan. 11, 1987.

When asked, Kirchoff said he would not miss the stray dog or other calls, had given up his cell phone and planned to do some fishing. He was presented with a gift, which when opened turned out to be a new fishing rod.


The guests dined on pulled pork, potato salad, baked beans, and of course, the retirement cake.