Come Feb. 14 the bars on Capt. Rob Jackson’s uniform will be replaced with a few shining stars as the veteran law man officially takes the helm of the Turlock Police Department.

Jackson, who has served with the Turlock Police Department since 2007, was appointed Tuesday to fill the vacant chief of police position after several rounds of interviews. His swearing in ceremony is set for Feb. 14.

The chief of police position has been held by interim chief Dave Young since July of last year when former chief Gary Hampton took a position with the Tracy Police Department. The City Council hired recruitment firm Teri Black and Co. at a cost of $25,000 to conduct the search for candidates.

“We had an outstanding field of candidates,” said City Manager Roy Wasden. “Rob Jackson did fabulous through the process and has a clear vision for the department. Clearly, the cream came to the top.”

Jackson has had a career in law enforcement that has spanned 28 years and was a choice that opened up to him at a young age.

“It was an aptitude test taken in eighth grade that said I should become either a police officer or a park ranger that got me thinking about law enforcement,” Jackson said.

At the age of 15 Jackson was volunteering as a student aid at the Ceres Police Department and soon became a police explorer with the agency.

“It was a great experience and just felt right for me,” Jackson said.

In 1988 he graduated from Modesto Junior College’s police academy and was hired on with the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department. At the sheriff’s department, Jackson served in multiple special assignments and rose through the ranks, which all culminated with his assignment as the police chief for Waterford.

In November 2007, Jackson joined the Turlock Police Department, where he commanded both field and special operations divisions at various times.

He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Studies and a Master of Science degree in Emergency Resource Administration from California State University, Long Beach. He also holds a management certification through the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training and an executive certificate in leadership from Cornell University.

Jackson said one of his top priorities as chief will be to continue the high professional standards that have contributed to lowering major crime in Turlock by 20 percent over the last few years. He also plans on building communication between the department and the community it serves.

“I learned during my time in Waterford how important it is to be available to the community and I plan on being as accessible as I can be to the community,” Jackson said.

Jackson will become Turlock’s 19th chief of police since the city incorporated in 1908.

The city will host a reception for Jackson at 6 p.m. Feb. 14 at City Hall at 156 S. Broadway and will be followed by his swearing in ceremony. All community members are invited to attend the event.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.