BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — The list of eligible candidates for the next Bakersfield police chief has been narrowed down to two, according to a city agenda.
Greg Terry, the current Bakersfield chief of police, is set to retire in April. The Police Civil Service Commission meeting agenda for Wednesday released a list of the eligible candidates to fill the position.
The list included Brent Stratton and Jeremy Blakemore, both assistant chiefs of police at the Bakersfield Police Department.
The commission is set to approve the eligible list of candidates during its meeting Wednesday morning, according to the agenda.
The city of Bakersfield is also holding a final virtual listening session in the search for a new police chief.
The meeting is set to begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4.
Brent Stratton, assistant chief. / Photo courtesy of the Bakersfield Police Department
Brent Stratton is an assistant chief who manages the Field Services Division and Special Operations Division at BPD.
Stratton has worked at BPD since 2004, according to officials. He climbed up the ranks and held positions as detective, sergeant, lieutenant and captain across assignments like Patrol, Major Crimes, Violent Criminal Apprehension Team, Watch Commander and more.
Stratton also served 12 years on the SWAT team as an operator, supervisor and commander. He represents BPD in the “Baker 2 Vegas” relay race each year.
He has a Bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University in History and a Master’s Degree from Cal State Bakersfield in Public Policy and Administration, according to officials.
Jeremy Blakemore, assistant chief. / Photo courtesy of the Bakersfield Police Department
Jeremy Blakemore is also an assistant chief at the police department who oversees several divisions, including the Training and Logistics Division, Investigations Division and Support Services Division.
Blakemore has been with BPD since 2003, working in several assignments and positions. He has supervised or managed the Kern County Auto Theft Task Force, Police Academy, Communications Center and more, according to officials.
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Blakemore earned an associate of arts degree in Administration of Justice from Bakersfield College, a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Cal State Bakersfield and a master of science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati.
He also possesses a California POST Management Certificate and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
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