Former Pittsburg police chief named interim chief in Antioch

Retired Pittsburg Police Chief Brian Addington has been named Antioch’s new interim police chief until a permanent one can be hired.

Antioch Acting City Manager Kwame Reed announced the appointment Tuesday afternoon, noting in a press release that Addington brings “a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of East Contra Costa County law enforcement to this leadership role” and has a “proven track record of leadership and dedication to public safety that are essential to guiding the department during this transitional period.”

“We are confident that Chief Addington’s leadership will enhance the safety and security of our community,” Reed said. “His extensive knowledge of local policing issues and his strong ties with the East County community make him the perfect choice to lead the Antioch Police Department during this interim period.”

The appointment comes two years after the FBI began investigating the Antioch and Pittsburg police departments, which would lead to criminal charges against 14 current and former Antioch and Pittsburg cops. That investigation would eventually embroil the Antioch department in a widespread racist-text scandal, the internal investigation of which has yet to be finalized.

Pittsburg Chief of Police Brian Addington is photographed during a city council meeting on Monday, May 16, 2016, in Pittsburg, Calif. (Aric Crabb/Bay Area News Group) 

Addington, 52, retired as Pittsburg’s police chief on May 5, 2022, but stayed on for several months more as interim chief until Capt. Steven Albanese was sworn in as chief in June 2022.

Addington was first hired by late Pittsburg Police Chief Willis Casey in 1994 and was promoted to top cop in 2012, replacing Aaron Baker, who was chief for 14 years. At the time, Addington said he was “looking to boost the city’s community policing efforts and continue to seek innovative ways to fight crime.”

In a statement Tuesday, Addington expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Antioch interim chief.

“I am honored to join the dedicated men and women of the Antioch Police Department,” he said. “We will work tirelessly – with a renewed focus on serving our community – and upholding the department’s mission of protecting and serving the residents of Antioch with integrity, compassion and professionalism.”

Antioch Mayor Lamar Hernandez-Thorpe also stressed Addington’s abilities and background.

“Retired Chief Addington will come to Antioch with a strong ability to make tough decisions under difficult circumstances,” Hernandez-Thorpe said in the press release. “Until the hiring of a permanent chief of police, he’ll work with City Hall to continue to rebuild police staffing levels and decrease 911 response times.”

Addington takes the helm from Joseph Vigil, a captain who became acting chief last August, following Chief Steven Ford’s retirement.

Once a permanent city manager is found, that new leader will be tasked will finding a permanent chief. Addington’s first day is Feb. 26. The city did not release information about his salary, but according to CalPERS he takes in a monthly pension of $12,152 from his time in Pittsburg.