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Gilroy introduces interim police chief, welcomes new hires and promotions in public safety
Summary
Council heard introductions and promotions in the police and fire departments, including the swearing‑in of Interim Police Chief Ken Bender and several new and promoted officers and firefighters.
The Gilroy City Council meeting on June 2 opened with a series of employee introductions and promotions in public safety.
City Administrator Jimmy Forbes introduced Ken Bender as Gilroy’s interim police chief; Bender told the council he is “fully committed to, to ensuring appropriate public safety, community engagement, and a, professional workforce while I'm here.” Bender, a Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Department retiree, is expected to serve during the multimonth recruitment for a permanent police chief.
The council also heard introductions from police and fire leadership for a new community coordinator and multiple promotions within the Gilroy Police Department. Captain Juan Rocha introduced Monica Marquez Padilla as the department’s new community coordinator. Promotions included Corporal Vanessa Ruiz, Corporal Estella Rocha and Corporal Matthew Avila; each introduced themselves and thanked staff and the community.
Fire Department introductions and promotions included probationary firefighter/paramedic Joe Scanlon (new hire) and promotion of Chris Channel to fire engineer. Interim fire leadership described training and academy credentials for new hires and promoted staff.
The introductions were part of the meeting’s “employee introductions” agenda item; no formal council action was required.
