While they are new to us, each
brings years of experience and specialties to the department. Not only do they bring the experience, but
they are a great match for our department and community.
Deputy Chief Rick Martinez presided over a "Swearing-In" ceremony for the officers last week.
Officer Leo Gomez comes to us from the Los Angeles Police
Department. Leo brings 8 years of
experience with LAPD where he developed a specialty in collision reconstruction.
Officer Jesse Pidcock made the switch from Scotts Valley
Police Department to Santa Cruz. Jesse
has 13 years of experience with Scotts Valley and is known by officers
throughout the county for his traffic experience.
Officer Ben Whaley lands at Santa Cruz after 7 years of
experience at the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. Following his friend, Officer Ricky Trindade
(who defected to us last year) Ben brings expertise in tactical operations and
rescue swimming. Ben served as a U.S.
Navy Gunner’s Mate and Rescue swimmer aboard the U.S.S. Bunker Hill.
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| Left to Right - Leo Gomez, Jesse Pidcock, Ben Whaley, Deputy Chief Rick Martinez |
All three are finishing up a couple of weeks of
orientation before they hit the streets with their training officers. Because of their experience levels, they will
spend only a short time in the training program before they are released as
solo patrol officers.
Please join us in welcoming Leo Gomez, Jesse Pidcock and
Ben Whaley. They will serve this
community well.
