Jonathan Morgan was sworn in as Alturas Police Chief during a ceremony held March 11 at Alturas City Hall.
Morgan took the oath of office at 9:30 a.m. in front of community members, law enforcement partners, colleagues, family and friends, formally assuming leadership of the Alturas Police Department. A family friend, Corey Wolter, delivered a closing prayer for the protection and unity of the department and other law enforcement agencies serving Modoc County.
Following the ceremony, attendees offered congratulations and support as Morgan began his new role
Morgan, a Modoc County native whose family roots date to when Alturas was known as Dorris Bridge, said he is passionate about serving the community where he was raised. He graduated from Modoc High School in 2013 and attended Santa Rosa Junior College, where he spent one year on the golf team.
In 2015, Morgan enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years on active duty at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana and Travis Air Force Base in California, followed by two years in the Air Force Reserve.
He joined the Santa Rosa Police Department in 2020, where he served for five years before returning to Alturas in 2025. He was then hired by the Alturas Police Department.
Morgan said he is enthusiastic about leading the department and serving his hometown. His goals include strengthening community relationships through trust and transparency and ensuring the department is a resource residents can rely on with confidence.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships with local agencies, including the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office, California Highway Patrol, District Attorney’s Office and Modoc County Probation Department.
