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Soledad swears in Patrick Valenzuela as new police chief
Summary
Soledad held a swearing‑in ceremony July 16 for Patrick Valenzuela, who the city announced brings nearly three decades of law enforcement experience and called for community‑centered policing.
Soledad formally welcomed Patrick Valenzuela as its new chief of police during a swearing‑in and public ceremony July 16.
City staff introduced Valenzuela and described a competitive search process. City officials said Valenzuela most recently served with the Glendale (Arizona) Police Department and has nearly three decades of law enforcement experience. Staff noted Valenzuela’s prior military service in the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy Reserve and praised his focus on community response, school safety and visibility and accountability.
Valenzuela took the oath of office during the ceremony and spoke briefly to the crowd. In his remarks he said, in part, “To build a part of a stronger that that is compassion at its compassion to ensure every neighborhood feels safe, seen, and heard.” The city manager (name not specified in the meeting record) and several council members welcomed Valenzuela, thanked him for choosing Soledad and expressed confidence in his stated commitment to community‑centered policing and building trust with residents and officers.
Deputy Chief Fred Lombardi and other department members attended the ceremony, and the city encouraged attendees to meet the new chief after the formal proceedings.
