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Mendota honors retiring employees; police brief council on investigation and pursuits
Summary
The council presented recognitions for retirements, including Chief Smith, and received MPD updates on an armed robbery investigation led by Detective Vasquez and a high‑speed pursuit involving Sergeant Levandusky. Chief Smith also reviewed department programs and personnel updates.
The Mendota City Council recognized retirees and heard operational updates from the Mendota Police Department at its Dec. 16 meeting.
Marc Benjamin of the office of Fresno County Supervisor Brian Pacheco presented a certificate to Chief Smith in recognition of his retirement. Chief Smith acknowledged the recognition, confirmed his retirement and provided an update on an ongoing armed robbery investigation led by Detective Vasquez. Council members discussed Detective Vasquez’s work and a recent high‑speed pursuit involving Sergeant Levandusky.
Chief Smith also delivered the Police Department’s October and November updates, noting decreases in stray‑dog calls, personnel updates, the newly decorated School Resource Officer patrol unit and a Homeless Engagement And Response Team patrol unit. The department reported activity on warrants and stated it does not work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Why it matters: the retirement of a longtime police chief and continuity of investigations and patrol programs affect public safety operations and local policing leadership. The council simultaneously approved consent items that include vehicle upfitting and equipment purchases for the department.
Council members and residents offered public thanks: resident Kevin Romero thanked Chief Smith for his service during the public comment period. No action was taken on the investigative items during the meeting; operational updates were received for the record.
