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Avondale introduces 10 new police officers and recognizes volunteer police service; chief says department is fully staffed

3074654 · April 21, 2025
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Summary

Police Chief Espinosa introduced 10 newly hired officers and thanked volunteers; chief and mayor said the department is at full staffing as of the meeting.

The Avondale City Council meeting April 21 included a presentation by Police Chief Espinosa introducing the police department's 10 newest officers and recognizing volunteer contributors to policing.

Chief Espinosa introduced each new officer and thanked city leadership for support in hiring. "These 10 officers are excellent. They have a clear understanding that, by hiring good employees, in turn, they will be good to our residents, and we will continue to provide quality police services," Chief Espinosa said as he introduced the recruits.

Why it matters: Chief Espinosa and the mayor said the staffing level matters for community safety and service. During the meeting staff confirmed the department is fully staffed.

New officers introduced (as stated by the officers at the dais)

- Officer Dante Herron (introduced himself; called Detroit, Michigan home) - Officer Tyler Yipso (called Avondale home) - Officer Marco Espino - Officer Jonathan Brenner - Officer John Horton - Officer Pablo Delcala - Officer Joseph Del Pozzo - Officer Aurelia Ramirez - Officer Ed Salagi - Officer John Munoz

Chief Espinosa also acknowledged a top graduate from the most recent academy: Officer Del Pozzo was recognized as the academic top recruit.

Volunteer recognition and proclamation

Suzanne Hoag, volunteer coordinator for the police department, and Chief Espinosa also recognized the department's volunteers in policing (VIPs). Hoag said the program had 29 volunteers who contributed a total of 3,532 volunteer hours in 2024. "We currently have 29 volunteers in police service, also known as VIPs, and many of them are here tonight," Hoag told the council.

Council and mayor remarks

Mayor Pineda and council members thanked the officers, volunteers and staff. The mayor read a proclamation recognizing National Volunteer Month for April; Development Services staff later presented a proclamation designating May as Building Safety Month (the Building Safety Month proclamation referenced the International Code Council and the role of modern building codes in community resilience).

Operational note

Chief Espinosa said, "today, if everybody showed up and I didn't hear otherwise, we are fully staffed again in our police department 100 percent." The mayor and council welcomed the new officers and encouraged residents to look for them at community events.

Ending: New officers were photographed with the mayor and council at the meeting; no formal council action was required to accept hires or proclamations during the session.