The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department has announced that Lt. Jeff Dirkse will be the new Police Chief for the City of Patterson.
Patterson Police Chief Tori Hughes, who has served in the role for more than five years, has accepted a new assignment as the Investigation Division Commander for the Sheriff’s Department.
Over the next few months, the Sheriff’s Department anticipates significant growth in the Investigations Division consistent with the Board of Supervisor’s commitment to restore core public safety services. The Sheriff’s Department believes Hughes has both the skills and ability to be a great addition to the Investigations Division.
“I commend Tori for her leadership and commitment to the citizens of Patterson over the past several years, and I look forward to her service as the Investigations Division Commander,” said Sheriff Adam Christianson.
Hughes’ rotation is one of several for mid-level managers at the Sheriff’s Department over the last few months, as the Department has experienced significant growth.
Dirkse has been chosen as Hughes’ replacement, pending official confirmation by the Patterson City Council in coming weeks.
After graduating from Turlock High School, Dirkse attended the United States Military Academy in West Point and graduated in 1994. He served as an Infantry Company Commander in Iraq and has 9 years of military service. He is currently a Major in the Army Reserves.
Dirkse was hired as a deputy sheriff in March 2007, where his assignments have included patrol deputy, working in the City of Patterson, STING detective, and Rural Crimes detective. He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2013 and worked as patrol sergeant and detective sergeant in Internal Affairs. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2015. Dirkse is married and has three teenage children.
