Atwater Police Department will see a new chief in fall when Richard McEachin retires from a 20-year career in law enforcement to focus on his family.
The department’s second-in-command, Lt. William Novetzke, will take over as chief on Sept. 1 after a month-long recruitment process. The Atwater City Council approved his contract during last week’s meeting.
Novetzke brings more than 21 years of law enforcement experience to this role and a deep knowledge of how the department operates. He’ll lead 26 officers and focus on community outreach.
“My ultimate goal is that people feel comfortable calling the Atwater Police Department,” Novetzke told The FOCUS in a sit-down interview.
But the appointment raised questions from city council members who say the selection process was rushed and not mindful of other potential external candidates.
Current chief reflects on time at Atwater, officers support appointment
Chief McEachin has served two stints as chief, including five years at the Dos Palos Police Department and more than a year at Atwater Police Department.
At the start of this year, McEachin knew he would retire. After more than 20 years in law enforcement, he’s eager to return to family in the Bay Area.
“My mom’s getting older, so I’m gonna try to spend more time out there with her while she still has quality time left to spend with me,” said McEachin, who’s turning 56 this year.
Over the next four months, McEachin will focus on transferring leadership to Novetzke. Novetzke’s time at the department will allow for a smoother transition, McEachin said, due to his institutional knowledge.
“I think he’s going to do really well. I think the staff really gets along well with him, and they appreciate his leadership style,” McEachin said.
Officers in the department said they support Novetzke’s appointment.
Atwater’s police officers association voiced support for an internal hire when the city announced the job opening, said union president Dave Goodwin, who has worked at the department for 10 years.
“You had a qualified candidate that went through all the testing. He’s on a current list that’s still valid. Why would you go to the outside?” Goodwin said.
Sgt. Tyler Davis gained hands-on perspective while Novetzke was a field training officer from 2006 to 2013.
During a ride-along, Novetzke instructed Davis to take him to a location without using any technology. He told him his computer broke down – and the map flew out the window.
“He’s really mentored me with the supervision role of how to be a leader, how to lead people, lead by example, and how to deal with people,” said Davis, who now works in the same role as his mentor.
Now, Davis reminds officers to not rely too much on technology, as he was taught.
Frustration simmers at city council meeting over appointment
The city council approved Novetzke’s position at Tuesday’s meeting, where council members and residents repeatedly questioned transparency surrounding the decision.
“The process was flawed, and it was rushed, and we all look bad for it,” said Councilmember Brian Raymond, who represents District 4.
Like other council members, Raymond said he did not know the city manager would be selecting the chief within a month.
“I understand that it was messy and will look into that as a learning lesson for me,” City Manager Chris Hoem responded during the city council meeting, nodding his head while council members spoke.
During a phone interview with The FOCUS, Hoem pointed to the city’s news release when asked what his response was to the public’s frustration.
How does the city select the police chief?
It’s the third time Atwater Police Department has had a new chief in seven years. The past two chiefs came from outside of the city.
When then-Chief Michael Salvador retired from his role in 2024, both William Novetzke and Richard McEachin applied for the position. Both took exams and interviewed with the city. Novetzke told the FOCUS he was placed on a waitlist after McEachin was chosen for the role.
Once McEachin announced his plans to retire, the city opened recruitment – and reached back out to Novetzke.
Recruitment was open for a month, during which McEachin and the police officer’s association pushed for Novetzke’s appointment. Ultimately, it was his experience with the department that solidified Novetzke’s new role.
Novetzke moved through the ranks as an officer, corporal, lieutenant – and in a few months, he’ll be police chief. He never thought he’d be a police chief when he started out, but it became an interest later on, he told The FOCUS.
“His leadership experience, dedication to the community, and collaborative approach have prepared him to serve as the city’s next police chief,” Hoem said in a news release. “We look forward to working with him as he continues to strengthen public safety and build positive relationships throughout Atwater.”
Chiefs have historically been promoted from within, Hoem wrote in an email to The FOCUS.
Novetzke will receive a starting salary of $166,202, not including benefits.
