LAKE COUNTY, Calif. — The leadership of the Clearlake Police Department was officially placed in the hands of two of its veteran officers on Thursday night.

The Clearlake City Council hosted a swearing-in for new Police Chief Tim Hobbs and Lt. Ryan Peterson following a police leadership reception.

Hobbs, 41, in February marked 20 years with the Clearlake Police Department.

He had been appointed interim chief and on Dec. 19 was sworn in at an event marking the departure of the man he called his mentor, Chief Andrew White, who was hired as police chief in the city of Martinez.

The council unanimously approved giving Hobbs the chief’s job on a permanent basis at its Jan. 5 meeting.

Since then, another key promotion took place: Sgt. Ryan Peterson, a 15-year department veteran considered to be one of Lake County’s top detectives, was given the lieutenant’s job, succeeding Hobbs in that post.

City Manager Alan Flora, noting Hobbs has spent his entire career with the Clearlake Police Department, said, “You’ve filled nearly every role available during your time here.”

While that in itself didn’t necessarily qualify or prepare Hobbs to become chief, Flora said Hobbs has shown himself to be ready, facing challenges in his first weeks and responding well to them.

Flora said he’s frequently hearing from community members that they are impressed with how Hobbs is handling himself in the leadership role.

Hobbs has stepped into the police chief role at a time when the police department is performing at a high level, Flora said.

“We haven’t peaked yet and I strongly believe you are the right person for this time,” Flora said. “Thank you for your willingness to serve.”

City Clerk Melissa Swanson then administered the oath to Hobbs and his fiancee pinned on his badge.

Hobbs thanked Flora and the council for the confidence they have shown in him by his appointment.

“This position comes with very important responsibilities. Thank you for the faith you have shown in me,” Hobbs said.

Hobbs then thanked his predecessor, Andrew White, who had made the trip from Martinez for the event.

Hobbs credited White for being key to making the department a better place and setting them up to move forward as they continue to improve and grow.

He said he learned a lot from White, and would not be in this place today without his mentorship.

Those who work in law enforcement know that no police officer can be truly successful without support of family, and Hobbs said he has that.

To the community, Hobbs said, “Our level of service and our commitment to the community is second to none. I am proud and happy to be part of this team.”

As chief, he said will do his best to make sure the agency maintains and, when possible, improves its service.

He then turned to the audience to deliver a message directly to the department employees, telling them he needed their help.

“No chief of police can be successful without the support, dedication and hard work of their employees at every level within the department,” he said.

Mayor Russell Perdock paused to recognize dignitaries who had come to support Hobbs, including White, Lakeport Police Chief Brad Rasmussen and Lake County Fire Chief Willie Sapeta.

After his swearing-in, Hobbs then welcomed Peterson forward.

Like Hobbs, Peterson has spent his entire career with the Clearlake Police Department.

Peterson most recently served as patrol sergeant before being promoted after his performance in the lieutenant’s testing process, Hobbs said.

Hobbs thanked Peterson for being a part of the Clearlake Police team, and putting in all the hard work and dedication in his time with the agency.

He then administered the oath to Peterson, shaking his hand afterward.

Peterson received a standing ovation from the council and the audience.

His young daughters then came forward and one pinned on his badge, giving him a big hug afterward.

Email Elizabeth Larson at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Follow her on Twitter, @ERLarson, or Lake County News, @LakeCoNews.