GUSTINE – Devon Stavrowsky, a 25-year law enforcement veteran who came out of retirement in November to join the Gustine Police Department, has been named the department’s interim chief.

Stavrowsky has been acting chief since late February, when former chief Kris Anderson was arrested on charges of DUI and placed on administrative leave. Anderson, who pleaded no contest to the DUI charge, has since announced his retirement.

Stavrowsky will serve as interim chief for a six-month period, said City Manager Margaret Silveira.

At that point, she said, the city will make a decision on whether to look outside the department for a new police chief or fill the top GPD job from within.

“We are very pleased with how the department is running right now,” Silveira commented. “Devon has been able to make the department very cohesive, and they have been working together as a team. That means a lot after the turbulence that was going on last year.”

Stavrowksy said he is in the process of finalizing a contract to serve as the department’s interim chief.

“I look at it as a vote of confidence,” he commented. “After six months, they will make a decision on whether to hire me full time or advertise for the position.”

Stavrowsky said the community-based policing approach advocated by Anderson will continue.

“Our top priority is to make sure that the security of our citizens is maintained, and we will work to continue to improve the department’s stature as far as training and experience,” he commented.

Community support for the department is instrumental, Stavrowsky added.

“We can’t do the job adequately without the community being involved,” he reflected, “and the community won’t be involved unless they believe that our officers respect them. That is a priority for me.”

Stavrowsky had no expectation of stepping into a management role when he agreed to join the department at Anderson’s request.

The two had worked together in Alameda County, but Stavrowsky had been retired since May 2005.

He came on board as a patrol officer, was promoted to acting sergeant a week later and stepped into the leadership role when Anderson was placed on leave following his arrest.

Stavrowsky praised the department’s officers for their work during the unsettled period of time.

“The officers right now are showing me a lot,” he commented.

Now, Stavrowsky said, he hopes to lead the department for several years.

Silveira and Mayor Rich Ford said keeping Stavrowsky on in the department’s leadership role will also lend much-needed stability.

“I think the department needs that stability. There has been a lot of change,” Ford commented. “He seems to be well received in the department, and is very knowledgeable. He definitely shows a lot of leadership skills, and I think he is doing a good job for us.”