Lieutenant and Sergeant Promotion Announcement

The Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of two veteran officers to the position of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant. Lieutenant Jon Bush and Sergeant Brad Burruel promoted on Monday afternoon, January 6, following a rigorous and competitive testing process.

"Jon Bush and Brad Burruel demonstrate dedication and the most important leadership skills to inspire our officers to level up," said Chief Mills. "You can count on these two officers to always uphold the professionalism the community expects from the Santa Cruz Police Department."

 

Lieutenant Jon Bush has 22 years of law enforcement experience with the Santa Cruz Police Department. During his career, Lieutenant Bush has worked in patrol, in investigations as a detective, and as a field training officer. As a Sergeant, he supervised patrol teams, served on the County Anti-Crime Team, managed the Downtown Unit and Neighborhood Policing Teams. He also served as the Hostage Negotiations Team Leader. Lieutenant Jon Bush is a Recipient of the Life Saving Award, Chief's Commendation, and Officer of the Year. He lives in Santa Cruz County with his wife and two daughters.

Sergeant Brad Burruel is a 12 year veteran of the police department. During his career, Sergeant Burruel worked in patrol, serving as a member of the Downtown Unit and Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. He is a POST-certified Defensive Tactics instructor and co-creator of the SCPD Threat Assessment Team. Sergeant Burruel also served as a Field Training Officer instructing and training new patrol officers.

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these veteran officers on achieving a significant milestone in their careers.

SCPD Announces Promotion of Sergeant Joshua Trog

The Santa Cruz Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Detective Joshua Trog to the rank of Sergeant.

Sergeant Trog, an 11-year veteran of the department, will be assigned to the Operations Division. “We are fortunate to have such a high level of candidates in the promotion process. Josh will shine as a leader and supervisor in our department”, said Chief Mills. He will be a vital part of moving the department forward.

Sergeant Trog is a member and the Assistant Team Leader of the Department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) tactical team and a member of the Honor Guard. Before his promotion, Joshua served in the Neighborhood Enforcement Team for three years and worked with Santa Cruz County Anti-Crime Team (SCCACT). Joshua was a Field Training Officer, a firearms instructor, and a Less-Lethal Weapons Instructor. Most recently, he worked in the Investigations Bureau as a Detective.

Please join us in congratulating Sergeant Trog on achieving a significant milestone in his career.

Santa Cruz Police Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez Promotion Announcement

The Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of Sergeant Arnold Vasquez to the role of Police Lieutenant.

Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez was promoted on Thursday afternoon, November 9th, following a rigorous and competitive testing process. “Our department and the community are extremely fortunate to have a well experienced and dedicated individual, such as Arnold, serving in an important leadership position," said Police Chief Andrew Mills.

Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez is in his 17th working for the Santa Cruz Police Department. Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Vasquez served in a variety of assignments including patrol, investigations, gang task force, Emergency Services Unit and as a Field Training Officer.

Outside of work, Lieutenant Vasquez volunteers his time as a coach of youth sports. Lieutenant Vasquez and his family reside in Santa Cruz County. He takes great pride in his community and looks forward to his new position within the Santa Cruz Police Department as a lieutenant.

Chief Mills stated, “We are both proud and fortunate to have such a high level of candidates for promotion. Lieutenant Vasquez demonstrates a superior standard of professionalism and leadership our community expects from the Santa Cruz Police Department.”

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez on achieving a significant milestone in his career.

SCPD Announces Lieutenant and Sergeant Promotions

The Santa Cruz Police Department proudly announces the promotion of two veteran officers to the position of Police Lieutenant and Police Sergeant. Introducing Lieutenant Jose Garcia and Sergeant Karina Ceceña

Both Lieutenant Garcia and Sergeant Ceceña were promoted on Wednesday afternoon September 14 following a rigorous and competitive testing process. "Jose Garcia and Karina Ceceña demonstrate dedication and leadership skills at the highest levels and will be strong assets to our leadership team,” said Chief Vogel.

Lieutenant Jose Garcia

Lieutenant Garcia started his career by volunteering with the Santa Cruz Police Department as a teen. He continued on and became a non-sworn Community Service Officer before being hired as a Police Officer trainee in 2001.

Over the course of his career, Lieutenant Garcia has worked as a foot patrol officer in the Beach area, worked in investigations as a detective, served as a canine handler, and was one of the founding members of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical team.

Lieutenant Garcia has supervised Patrol teams and specialized teams such as the Canine Unit, and Neighborhood Enforcement Team. He has co-coordinated and instructed the department’s Citizen’s Police Academy in both English and Spanish languages. Lieutenant Garcia is currently serving in the Professional Standards Unit.

Sergeant Karina Ceceña

Sergeant Ceceña is a 16 year veteran of the police department. Sergeant Ceceña began her career assigned to uniform patrol. She soon transitioned to the Canine Unit where she became an accomplished handler. She partnered with K-9 Jax for the next eight years. Sergeant Ceceña and K-9 Jax were credited with locating and apprehending numerous suspects and recovering several crucial items of evidence such as handguns and other weapons.

Throughout her career, Sergeant Ceceña has worked in patrol, investigations, K-9 and has been a member of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team. Sergeant Ceceña most recently served as a Field Training Officer instructing and training new patrol officers.

Born in Mexico and raised in Los Angeles, Sergeant Ceceña has enjoyed living and working in Santa Cruz.

Chief Vogel said of both Lieutenant Garcia and Sergeant Ceceña, "They are fully engaged with our community partners and embrace our department's core values. They possess the vital leadership qualities required to uphold the professionalism the community expects from the Santa Cruz Police Department.”

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating these veteran officers on achieving a significant milestone in their careers.

Christian LeMoss Promoted to Lieutenant

The Santa Cruz Police Department is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Christian LeMoss.  

Lieutenant LeMoss started his career as a Reserve Police Officer.  He worked as a Reserve for three years before we finally picked him up off waivers and hired him as a full time Police Officer in 1994.   

Christian didn't waste any time getting a broad range of experience.  He has served in a number of roles throughout the department.  Some of his highlights include work as a Field Training Officer responsible for training new police officers, Beat Coordinator managing long-term neighborhood issues and connecting resources, and the Downtown Unit working foot patrol with business owners and community members.  Lieutenant LeMoss has also worked as a detective assigned to investigate homicide, sexual assault and domestic violence crimes. 

Lieutenant LeMoss is a founding member of the Department’s Emergency Services Unit (ESU) tactical team.  He has developed training and procedures to make the team tactically sound and safe during emergency operations. 

Chief Vogel stated, “I am proud to promote Christian to the position of Lieutenant.  He brings a synergy of solid tactical skills and management sense.  He will be a vital part of moving the department forward to face the challenges ahead”.  

Lieutenant LeMoss grew up in Santa Cruz County after his Jr. High years.  He is a proud Aptos High Alumni and holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.  He lives in the Santa Cruz area with his wife and two children.    

Lieutenant LeMoss' promotion fills one of two Lieutenant vacancies in the organization, created by retirements.  His addition to the Operations Watch Commander team will bring significant relief and will be a welcome and needed addition.  

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Christian LeMoss!   

We Are Proud to Announce the Promotion of Sergeant Gregg Crofts

The Santa Cruz Police Department is proud to introduce Sergeant Gregg Crofts.  Sergeant Crofts was promoted this afternoon by Chief Vogel.  Sergeant Crofts will be filling one of 3 anticipated Sergeant openings created by retirements.

Sergeants serve as first line supervisors over patrol teams and other specialized units.   Sergeant Crofts will be assigned to supervise a patrol team in the Operations Division.

Sergeant Crofts is an 11 year veteran of the department.  He attended Cal State Fullerton and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.  In addition to patrol, Gregg has worked in the Downtown Unit, and Investigations Unit.  In the Investigations Unit, Gregg worked several high-profile cases and was one of the unit’s crime scene investigators.  Gregg also serves as a charter member of the Emergency Services Unit Tactical Team and a firearms instructor.  Prior to his promotion, Gregg was working back in patrol as a Field Training Officer. Reflecting back on his career, Gregg most favored his time working in the Downtown Unit. 

In his time off, Gregg enjoys spending time with his family, and his hobbies that include woodworking, mountain biking, and competitive shooting matches.

Chief Kevin Vogel stated, “We are both proud and fortunate to have such a high level of candidates for promotion.  Gregg is exceptional in every way and he will shine as a leader and supervisor in our department”.

Congratulations Sergeant Gregg Crofts!