SANTA CRUZ -- Police Chief Kevin Vogel announced the promotion of veteran Santa Cruz Police Officer Arnold Vasquez to the position of Police Sergeant.
Sergeant Vasquez is an 11-year veteran of the department. During his career, has worked assignments that included patrol, investigations, and gangs. Sergeant Vasquez also served as a Training Officer for newly hired officers.
Sergeant Vasquez is currently working as the School Resource Officer in Santa Cruz City Schools. Sergeant Vasquez is fluent in Spanish and is a renowned expert on Central Coast area gangs. He has spent a great deal of his career working with “at-risk” youth. Sergeant Vasquez also worked as the lead investigator in several gang related homicide cases.
Sergeant Vasquez was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, moving to Santa Cruz upon being hired by the Santa Cruz Police Department in May, 2000. During his tenure with the Santa Cruz Police Department, he has embraced the community at many levels. During his off time, Sergeant Vasquez volunteers in the community and coaches youth sports. Chief Kevin Vogel said, “Sergeant Vasquez exemplifies the skills, character and commitment of a respected leader in our organization. I am confident he will play an important role as we shape the future of the police department.”
Upon hearing news of the promotion, Sergeant Vasquez said, “I am very excited about this promotion and looking forward to the challenges and rewards ahead. I am proud to serve this city as well as the hard-working and dedicated great men and women of this department.” Sergeant Vasquez's promotion takes effect immediately and he will begin his new assignment supervising a patrol team.
