Clovis police chief retiring at end of year

CLOVIS — The city of Clovis will have a new police chief in 2022, as Doug Ford is retiring from the Clovis Police Department after more than five years as chief and 24 in the department.

In a Monday letter acquired by The News, Ford said his last day will be Dec. 31.

“This decision was not an easy one,” Ford wrote to police personnel, “and comes after lots of discussion with my wife, along with the desire to be able to enjoy retirement while we are still physically capable.”

City Manager Justin Howalt said city staff plans to do a position review and put together a job posting following the holiday week.

“He was very dedicated to the city of Clovis and the citizens,” Howalt said of Ford. “He’s had a great career with the city. Him and his wife definitely deserve retirement.”

Ford told The News he has no plans to move elsewhere, but he does plan to travel the country with his wife in their recreational vehicle.

Ford, a 1984 Clovis High graduate, will leave behind a law enforcement career of more than 27 years, nearly all with the CPD. He has been chief since March 2016, following nine months as interim chief following the departure of Steve Sanders. He was chosen from a field of 14 candidates and three finalists for the position.

In the letter, Ford shared his appreciation for the men and women of the department, and noted they are doing their best “with a state which is more for the criminal (than) they are for our citizens and especially our police officers.

“I salute you and respect you for continuing to try and perform your duties in such a tough environment,” he wrote.

When asked by The News Tuesday about any particular memories from his time, Ford couldn’t narrow it down.

“Several stand out,” Ford said. “That goes with a career, and being here as long as I have. There have been some good, some bad. We’ve dealt with them all, and dealt with them as best as we could.”

Ford joined the department in 1997, and has held numerous positions — including patrol officer, gang unit officer, K-9 officer and field training officer. As a sergeant and lieutenant, he was a supervisor in the Field Services Division, Special Operations Unit and K-9 Unit. Prior to taking the interim chief position, Ford was a division commander for 2 1/2 years.

“I’m happy for Chief Ford,” Clovis Mayor Mike Morris said. “He has dedicated his career and a large part of his life to serving Clovis. He’s earned the opportunity to enjoy retirement.”

The task of naming a new chief, and likely an interim chief, falls to Howalt. Ford said he’d made suggestions regarding an interim chief, but declined to give specifics and reiterated those decisions were Howalt’s.

“It’s something we want to take our time with,” Howalt said. “Obviously, it’s an important position for the city and the citizens of Clovis. We want to make sure we have the right person in place.”

The city currently has a salary slot of $95,596.80 for Ford’s position. The salary range for the position is $87,861.00 to $131,791.00 annually, according to City Clerk LeighAnn Melancon.