-Editorial
The Brawley City Council unanimously ratified a three-year employment agreement with Jonathan Blackstone on Oct. 6, formally appointing him as the city’s permanent police chief after serving in an interim capacity since January.
The agreement, effective Oct. 6, 2026, through Oct. 5, 2029, establishes an initial annual salary of $153,500, with the possibility of performance-based salary increases during the second and third years.
Blackstone, who joined the Brawley Police Department in 2006, has served the city for approximately 20 years, advancing through the department’s ranks before assuming the interim leadership position earlier this year.
During the meeting, Terrazas-Baxter outlined the selection process and the terms of the proposed employment agreement, explaining that Blackstone was selected following an open recruitment process and multiple rounds of interviews.
“His two decades of service reflect a long-standing commitment to the city, its residents, and the department that he will now lead,” Terrazas-Baxter said.
She explained that the agreement includes a potential 5% merit-based salary adjustment in each of the second and third years, contingent upon annual performance evaluations conducted by the city manager.
“The agreement before you reflects the terms negotiated for this appointment, and it does provide a clear framework for expectations and accountability of the police chief position,” Terrazas-Baxter said.
The city manager thanked Blackstone for serving as interim chief over the past several months and recommended that the council approve the agreement.
Councilman Gil Rebollar emphasized the significance of appointing someone who had spent his career advancing through the city’s police department.
“I think that says a lot in 20 years being within our city, within our system, and within our community,” Rebollar said.
He also noted that he had observed Blackstone interacting with residents both on and off duty and expressed support for ratifying the agreement.
Councilman Perry Morita, who previously worked with Blackstone in the Police Department, discussed his professional experience with the newly appointed chief.
“I’ve known Jonathan since he started with Brawley PD,” Morita said. “He was already someone I enjoyed working with, and I could rely on.”
Morita, who served as Blackstone’s sergeant during part of his career, said he considered him a dependable officer who consistently fulfilled his responsibilities.
“I am really happy that Brawley has a chief that I can rely on to really do a good job for the city,” Morita said.
Councilman John Grass also supported the appointment, emphasizing Blackstone’s connection to Brawley as both a resident and a longtime city employee.
“It’s really comforting to know that somebody from Brawley, a Brawley resident, worked his way up the ladder to become chief,” Grass said.
Grass said Blackstone’s connection to the community gives him a personal stake in the department’s performance and expressed confidence in his continued leadership.
Mayor Pro Tem Tim Kelley described Blackstone as knowledgeable about community concerns and accessible to residents.
“Every time I talk to Mr. Blackstone, he is always very aware of what’s going on in the community, and that makes me feel very comfortable,” Kelley said.
Kelley added that Blackstone’s approachability and responsiveness to community issues were important qualities for the position.
Brawley Mayor J.J. Galvan echoed those assessments, noting Blackstone’s years of service and familiarity with the city.
“He is a Brawley guy. He’s dedicated, you know, 20 years of service. He lives in Brawley. He’s approachable,” Galvan said. “I think we do have the right guy in the position to lead our police department,” he added.
Galvan made the motion to ratify the employment agreement, which Morita seconded. The council approved the motion unanimously by voice vote, with no opposition recorded.
Following the vote, Blackstone addressed the council and thanked city officials for their confidence in his leadership.
“First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to the mayor, council, and city manager, for trusting me to serve in this important role,” Blackstone said.
Although he was not born in Imperial Valley, Blackstone said his two decades of service and personal connections have made Brawley his home.
“There isn’t anywhere that I would rather raise my family. This is my home,” he said.
Blackstone emphasized his commitment to the department, city employees, and residents, saying he intends to continue strengthening the department’s operations and maintaining collaboration with other municipal departments.
“I am fully invested in the success of our police department and the city. I’m committed to doing everything I can to help us continue moving forward,” Blackstone said.
He also acknowledged the department’s employees, describing them as dedicated professionals responsible for providing public safety services to the community.
“We have a great department made up of dedicated, hardworking people, and together we will continue delivering the highest level of service to our community,” he said.
Blackstone thanked his wife, Casey, his children, Maverick and Scarlett, and his father, Pappy, for their support throughout his career.
