Meet Police Chief Richard Standridge

Tehachapi's new Police Chief Richard Standridge was ceremonially sworn into office and pinned by his son Ethan at the June 19 City Council meeting. He reported for work a week later on June 26.

Standridge had held the office of Police Chief in Bishop since 2021. Although Standridge was actually hired by the City of Tehachapi in April, he gave the Bishop Police Department a 60 day notice before reporting to Tehachapi.

Since taking office, Chief Standridge has been commuting each week from Porterville while looking for a home in Tehachapi for his family. Rumor has it that as we go to press, they are in escrow and will soon be here full time.

With his move to Tehachapi, Chief Standridge will not only be heading a larger police department, but will also be bringing his family closer to their Tulare County roots. Chief Standridge was born and raised in Porterville. His father still lives there and he has a sister living in Fresno. His family has been cattle ranchers for many years.

Chief Standridge and his wife are no longer involved in the cattle, but started their own flock of sheep in 2021. They have a flock of about 40 registered Dorpers. Dolly Standridge, the Chief's wife, was also raised in the Central Valley. Dolly has remained in Porterville with their two sons, Hayden (19) and Ethan (22), and has been packing up their home, preparing for their move to Tehachapi.

Following high school, Standridge joined the U.S. Navy serving from 1990 to 1997 as part of Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He left the Navy as a Petty Officer 2nd Class. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix and a Master's Degree in Justice Management from University of Nevada Reno. He is also a Command College graduate.

From 1998 to 2021 Standridge worked for the Porterville Police Department and reached the rank of Lieutenant.

Standridge was later hired as the Chief of Police for the City of Bishop. There is no doubt he will be missed in Bishop. As a parting gift, the department presented him with a lovely photograph of the surrounding mountains, signed by all of his staff. He plans to hang it in his office in Tehachapi.

Chief Standridge is still involved with his family's herd of sheep in Porterville when he can be. He enjoys hunting and fishing and is an avid mountain biker. He said he has yet to try our local mountain bike trails but is definitely looking forward to the experience once he gets settled.

We have also learned that Chief Standridge claims to be an authority on apple pie and that he has already agreed to be a judge for the Pie Baking Contest at the Apple Festival on Oct. 15.

A big "Welcome to Tehachapi!" to the entire Standridge household.