Porterville, CA - The City of Porterville is pleased to announce that Bobby Rader was sworn in by Mayor Greg Meister on November 14, 2025, as the Interim Chief of Police for the Porterville Police Department. Chief Rader brings more than 16 years of law enforcement experience, including previous service at the rank of Captain with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
“Our community has seen real progress. Violent crime is down and we have not had a homicide in more than two years,” Mayor Greg Meister said. “That success reflects the dedication of our officers and the strength of our community. I look forward to Chief Rader continuing this positive momentum and implementing the City’s family reunification program, which will support our efforts to address homelessness through effective solutions. Public safety and community well- being must remain at the forefront of everything we do.”
Chief Rader expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead the department and for the support he has received from City leadership. “It is an honor to serve the residents of Porterville during this period of transition, and I appreciate the support of the Mayor, City Council, and City Administration,” Chief Rader said. “My focus is on supporting our officers, assessing the needs of the department, and demanding excellence in every aspect of our work. The community deserves a police department that is responsive, disciplined, and committed to service. I am committed to elevating this department into one of the most outstanding law enforcement agencies in the Central Valley, and I look forward to working closely with our personnel, the county, and neighboring police departments to advance that vision.”
City Manager Rich Tree emphasized the City’s commitment to strong leadership and continuous improvement. “We are in a season of change and this is an opportunity for the Porterville Police Department to continue improving the way we serve our community. I have full confidence in Chief Rader to guide the department with a strong focus on measurable results, consistent performance, and steady leadership. Our commitment to continuous improvement remains at the center of everything we do and Chief Rader will help us move forward with clarity and purpose.”
The City looks forward to supporting Interim Chief Rader as he leads the department and continues building a culture of service, accountability, and public trust.
Porterville, lying along the foothills of the picturesque Sierra Nevada mountain range, is located on State Route 65, 165 miles north of Los Angeles. The city has a strategic central location to major markets and ready access to major transportation routes. Centrally located midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, Porterville is situated on the eastern edge of California's San Joaquin Valley, just 17 miles off State Route 99, a primary north-south transportation route. The city is approximately an hour from Fresno and Bakersfield and is a bustling city of over 62,000, serving as a trade center to over 100,000 people. Porterville serves as the gateway to the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument, and is home to The Mighty 190, a local tourism collaboration that promotes countless outdoor adventures and natural amenities located along State Route 190 in southeastern Tulare County between Porterville and the Trail of 100 Giants. To learn more, please visit www.ci.porterville.ca.us or www.themighty190.com. Questions? Please contact yvelarde@ci.porterville.ca.us.