St. Helena City Council will ratify Justin Tharp as permanent Chief of Police on October 13, 2026.

According to City of St. Helena — News Flash: Justin Tharp, who has led the St. Helena Police Department on an interim basis since mid-April 2026, is set to become the city's permanent chief of police. According to a City of St. Helena news flash, the St. Helena City Council will ratify the appointment at its upcoming meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

According to City of St. Helena — News Flash: Tharp stepped into the interim role following the retirement of former Chief Chris Hartley, the City of St. Helena said.

According to City of St. Helena — News Flash: A more-than-two-decade veteran of the department, Tharp began his career as a police officer in St. Helena in October 2002 and has served as lieutenant since 2020, according to the city's announcement.

According to City of St. Helena — News Flash: His credentials include graduating from the FBI National Academy in 2023, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Liberty University in October 2025, and completing Leadership Napa Valley's Class 38 in June 2026, the City of St. Helena said.

According to City of St. Helena — News Flash: Mayor Dohring said Tharp has proven that he possesses both the character and the vision required to lead the police department, according to the City of St. Helena news flash.