Mayor Lino Callegari said, on behalf of the council, they believed they had made the right choice in Downing’s appointment. He said he was highly impressed with Downing and told him, “I think you go way beyond the call of duty and you do well at it.”

Councilmember Joseph Franco said, “This is the beginning of a new era and I’m looking forward to a lot of positive things coming out of the police department.”

Community members also expressed their appreciation of the police department’s service to the community.

Madeline McIntire, from the Susanville Indian Rancheria, said, “Your new city chief has been very good at working with the tribe.I work with domestic violence for the tribe and he has been very close to us and we’ve been having some good workshops together. He’s a very good person. Very deep hearted and he has compassion for our cares.”

Supervisor Jim Chapman weighed in his support, “I think the council has made an outstanding choice. But also with the opportunity of getting around the community and talking to folks, there’s wide support for him taking over.”

In an emotional response Downing said the appointment was the proudest professional compliment of his career.

He acknowledged the hard work of the people at the station.

He thanked God and he thanked his wife for her support. “I’m not very often short of words,” he said,“But today I’m very humbled by the opportunity to serve you and serve our community as the leader of the law enforcement in our city. I try to do things for the right reason and from my heart and I’ll continue to do that. The trust you’ve bestowed on me is important and I cherish it.”