ANTIOCH — The search for a permanent police chief and assistant city manager is over.
Acting Chief Joe Vigil was officially named Thursday to lead the Antioch Police Department, while Brad Helfenberger, who was recently appointed interim assistant city manager, will now assume the role on a permanent basis.
The city said the moves signal a “strong and deliberate step toward stability, accountability, and progress.”
Antioch City Manager Bessie M. Scott said the appointments will strengthen leadership in the city.
“Chief Vigil and Helfenberger both understand the unique challenges facing Antioch. They have each demonstrated vision, the ability to inspire, and a deep passion for making Antioch a great place to live and work,” said Scott in a statement on Thursday.
According to the city, Vigil’s appointment sets the “framework for a new future” for the Antioch Police Department, one rooted in transparency, reform, and constitutional policing.
With Vigil, Scott said the city will continue working with the U.S Department of Justice after scandals involving its police department and affirm Antioch’s commitment to “meaningful change.”
“This will not be the same police department,” said Scott. “We have turned a corner. This leadership solidifies our direction and our resolve.”
Scott believes that Vigil is the “right leader” to push the police department forward.
“Together, we are committed to ensuring a culture of accountability, transparency, and the principles of constitutional policing. This is a defining moment for Antioch,” said Scott.
Vigil has been named Antioch’s acting police chief twice. He was first named to the position in 2023, following Steven Ford’s retirement.
In January, Vigil took over again as the city’s interim chief, just days after the city reached an agreement with the Department of Justice to increase oversight. He replaced Brian Addington, who recently re-retired.
Vigil has 25 years of law enforcement experience, having worked with police departments in Sacramento, Richmond, and Antioch. He received a bachelor’s and master’s degree from California State University, Long Beach.
Helfenberger, who has more than 25 years of experience in municipal government, originally joined Antioch as the city’s Recreation Department director in February 2021. He has served twice as the interim assistant city manager and has worked with Emeryville, the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, and Milpitas.
He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation degree from San Jose State University.
The city had engaged the recruitment firm Bob Hall and Associates to conduct a nationwide search for the two positions. The recruitment process included community-wide feedback forums and public surveys, as well as feedback from stakeholders and the city council.