Kremmling’s police chief resigns

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by Susan Michaud

Former police chief Hiram Rivera tendered his resignation on October 3, 2022, just two years after the town offered him the position. He, his wife, Sabrina, and daughter, Olivia, will return to Georgia where Rivera will be working for the Chatham County Police Department.

During his time as chief, Rivera hired a code enforcement officer to address municipal code violations and health and safety issues. Primarily, he wanted the code enforcement officer to build rapport and work closely with the community, especially by assisting elderly and disabled citizens in Kremmling to maintain their property while beautifying the town. The plan was to develop a local young person from code enforcement to segue into attending the police academy and eventually join the Kremmling Police Department.

To address the problem of vehicles speeding through town, Rivera had speed alert signs installed at the town limits, monitoring over 250,000 vehicles traveling through Kremmling. He also had FLOCK cameras installed around the perimeter of town to alert law enforcement of wanted individuals and Amber alerts and to provide 24/7 coverage of the town.

Rivera worked closely with the school district to address the safety of students and was at the school every morning to greet families as they arrived.

He also worked diligently to fully staff the Kremmling Police Department with a competent and diverse workforce. He hired local resident Carlos Villegas as Kremmling’s code enforcement officer, then Officer Kristina Costa, a veteran of Savannah Police and Georgia Ports Authority PD. Katie Stauhs, who just completed the police academy in August, is his most recent hire.

Sabrina, who has a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education, worked at the Grand County Early Childhood Center as a teacher until last October when she injured her back. Unable to return, she worked as a teller at the Bank of the West from April of this year until last Friday. She also enjoyed face painting at town events such as Kremmling Days and the Town Square Scare. 

Olivia, an 8th grader at West Grand Middle School was involved in student council and performed as a soloist in the school chorus. A talented artist, Olivia also worked with Bella Ilgner to complete a mural in the science lab last year. 

As a family, the Riveras volunteered at the Troublesome Horse Rescue, and Sabrina will remain on the board there. 

Many town members and friends came out on Sunday for a baby shower and potluck honoring the family. They will be welcoming a son, Lucian Tobias Rivera, who is due to arrive on December 23.