The City of St. Helena is pleased to announce the appointment of Justin Tharp as Interim Chief of Police, following the retirement of the former Chief of Police Chris Hartley in mid-April.
Tharp has dedicated more than two decades of service to the City of St. Helena Police Department, beginning his career as an Officer in October 2002. Over the years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, most recently serving as a Lieutenant since 2020. His extensive experience, institutional knowledge, and commitment to public safety make him well-positioned to lead the department during this transition.
Interim Chief Tharp is a 2023 graduate of the FBI National Academy, a prestigious professional program for law enforcement leaders conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Quantico, Virginia. The academy brings together select law enforcement executives from across the United States and around the world for an intensive 10-week course focused on leadership, advanced investigative techniques, and physical fitness. Completion of the program is widely recognized as a significant professional achievement within the law enforcement community.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Tharp earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia in October 2025. He also holds an Associate of Arts degree in Political Science and Government from Napa Valley College, completed in December 2022. Tharp is also a current member of Leadership Napa Valley’s Class 38, scheduled to complete the program in June.
“I am honored to serve as Interim Chief of Police and to continue working alongside the dedicated men and women of the St. Helena Police Department,” said Interim Chief of Police Justin Tharp.
“On behalf of the City Council and our community, I want to congratulate Lieutenant Tharp on his appointment as Interim Chief of Police,” said Mayor Paul Dohring. “Justin’s longstanding service, leadership, and deep understanding of both our community and the operations of the police department make him a great choice to provide stability and guide the department during this important time.”
The City’s Interim City Manager Jim McCann will evaluate the department’s needs and review options for naming a permanent Chief of Police in the coming months.