After 34 years of public safety service in Oceanside, including 29 years in law enforcement, Oceanside Police Chief Fred Armijo announced that he plans to retire on April 1, 2023. Chief Armijo has worked for the City of Oceanside since April 1989, starting as a lifeguard. He transitioned to the Police Department in November 1993, starting his career as a recruit, then a sworn police officer and eventually working through the ranks as sergeant, lieutenant, captain and police chief. Chief Armijo has been deeply ingrained in this community and his profession.
City Manager Jonathan Borrego remarked, “We thank Chief Fred Armijo for his long and dedicated service to the community! He has led the Police Department with the utmost integrity, transparency and commitment.”
“I am very proud to have worked in the city I grew up in and am honored to have finished my career as Oceanside’s police chief. Our department has so many great people doing outstanding work. We have a solid group of leaders, and I am confident they will continue to build an even better department for our community,” said Chief Armijo.
An internal recruitment was launched for Chief Armijo’s replacement. In conducting the recruitment process, the city manager will be seeking a chief who has demonstrated a strong understanding of community relationships, knowledge of and the value of the City’s diversity, and someone who can build on OPD’s track record while also providing a fresh look to ensure that OPD is continually improving practices and providing outstanding service to the community. The recruitment will include participation from community stakeholders representing the City’s diverse communities and interests. Borrego reflected, “I strongly believe that the Department is on a positive trajectory and that current leadership has worked hard to build an organizational culture that values professionalism, community service and innovation.”
The police chief promotional recruitment is now open and closes on March 7, 2023. Additional information is available on the City’s website.