The City of Riverside is looking for a new director of public safety.
Wylie A. Simpson has resigned as public safety director for the City of Riverside. Riverside’s Board of Aldermen authorized a ‘separation agreement’ with Simpson at a meeting last Tuesday night.
As part of a severance agreement, Simpson will receive paid administrative leave until March 1, City Administrator David Blackburn told The Landmark this week.
“The separation agreement basically places him on administrative leave until March 1,” Blackburn said. He said the director, like all other Riverside city employees, didnot have an employment contract and was considered an “at will” employee.
Asked if there was anything that led to Simpson’s resignation, Blackburn said: “No, he chose to pursue other opportunities.”
Simpson could not be reached for comment. His last day on the job, which paid him roughly $67,000 per year, was Sept. 1.
Blackburn said the board of aldermen has not yet established a time frame for hiring a permanent replacement. He explained that Cpt. Tom Archibald, senior officer, is in charge of the department following Simpson’s resignation.
The director of public safety is the executive chief officer of the department. Department members are trained as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and medical first responders.

