New Napa Valley Police Chief Ready To Mark Second Week

NAPA VALLEY, CA — St. Helena has selected Justin Tharp to lead the police department he joined in October 2002 after a high school classmate encouraged him to apply.

Tharp took over as interim chief following Chris Hartley’s retirement in mid-April. The city’s appointment announcement said his first day would be after the St. Helena City Council ratified his hiring. That was on Oct. 14.

“My focus is on strengthening our department’s connection with the community, supporting our officers, and ensuring that St. Helena remains a safe, welcoming place for everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” Tharp said in a statement.

Tharp’s path to the department began with a different ambition: firefighting.

Born in Yuba City, he moved to Napa Valley at six months old when his father accepted a position at Napa State Hospital. His father intended to transfer back home, but the family stayed.

Tharp grew up in Napa, attended public schools and Napa Valley College, and volunteered with Station 16 in Dry Creek-Lokoya. Competition for firefighting jobs prompted him to consider another route into public service.

He enrolled in Napa Valley College’s police academy. After graduating, Tharp spent six years as a police officer with the California Department of Mental Health at Napa State Hospital, ultimately serving as a sergeant. He also volunteered as a reserve police officer in Concord.

During bike patrol training, Tharp encountered a high school classmate who worked for the St. Helena Police Department. The classmate encouraged him to apply.

“Ninety days later, I was sitting in a St. Helena patrol car next to then-Corporal Chris Hartley, our former Chief,” Tharp wrote in an introduction to the community. “I have been here ever since.”

Tharp advanced from officer to sergeant and lieutenant, serving in the latter position beginning in 2020 before taking on interim chief duties.

He credited Hartley with encouraging him to attend the FBI National Academy and former City Manager Mark Prestwich with pushing him to pursue higher education. He also credited his partner’s support with helping him grow personally and professionally.

Tharp graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2023. The 10-week program in Quantico, Virginia, brings law enforcement leaders together for instruction in executive leadership, advanced investigative techniques, and organizational strategy.

He earned an associate degree in political science from Napa Valley College and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Liberty University, completing the latter in October 2025. He said he graduated with honors from both schools after studying over five years, including through the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tharp also graduated with Leadership Napa Valley’s Class 38 in June.

Mayor Dohring praised Tharp’s knowledge of the department and community, along with his leadership as interim chief.

“Justin has proven time and again that he possesses both the character and the vision required to lead our police department,” Dohring said.

Interim City Manager Jim McCann said Tharp’s transition into the interim position demonstrated his readiness to lead the department long-term.

Tharp said he wants to lead a compassionate, transparent, equitable, and professional department that puts the community first. He encouraged residents to approach him, including when they see him at local coffee shops.

“I believe good policing starts with relationships,” he wrote. “I have an open door, and I genuinely mean that.”