My name is Jay Varney and I have been the Chief of Police for the City of Chowchilla since 2004. I am 53 years old and have been married for 29 years to my wife Amy. We have two wonderful children together.

I have 31 years of law enforcement experience, including over 19 years in leadership positions at the sergeant, lieutenant, and chief of police levels. I gained this experience at agencies with 3000 (Dallas TX PD) sworn employees, 270 (Lansing MI PD) sworn employees, and now as Chief of Police in the City of Chowchilla. Throughout my career, I have been a results oriented, problem solving team builder. This was particularly important during the tumultuous financial times from 2009-2011 when I served as both Chief of Police and Acting City Administrator for the City of Chowchilla. As of August 30, 2014 the City has again called on my leadership to fill the role of Acting City Administrator and Chief of Police.

I am a graduate of the prestigious FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia where I earned a graduate certificate in Criminal Justice Education from the University of Virginia. During my tenure as Chief of Police I have also earned my Executive Certificate from the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). My Bachelor’s degree is from Michigan State University and I completed  my Master’s degree in Criminology from Fresno State University in Dec 2013.

Currently I am serving as a Director-at-large for the California Peace Officers Association. Additionally, I am a member of the California Police Chiefs Association, International Association of Chiefs of Police, National Tactical Officers Association, and am a member of the NRA.

I believe my combined experience, attitude, and training are what our county needs to make Madera County the safest county in California.