SCPD Swears in Two New Officers

Two new officers were sworn into the Santa Cruz Police Department during a badge pinning ceremony on Thursday afternoon. Chief Kevin Vogel presided as new officers Raul Pizano and Tyler Hernandez took an oath to serve and protect our city.

Raul Pizano and Tyler Hernandez raise their hands for appointment to the rank of Santa Cruz Police Officers.

"We have very rigorous hiring standards, and a very comprehensive background process to insure we bring the highest quality individuals to our city. We've accomplished this with today’s new officers", said Chief Kevin Vogel.

Each officer will be partnered with a veteran officer and begin field training for the next four months. Here is some background information on our new officers.

SCPD welcomes Raul Pizano

Officer Raul Pizano comes to the Santa Cruz Police Department from Sonoma, California. Officer Pizano graduated from the police academy at Napa Valley College in June 2015.

Prior to being hired at the Santa Cruz Police Department, Officer Pizano worked in the vineyards and wine industry with his family in the Sonoma wine country. Officer Pizano became connected and attracted to the Santa Cruz area through friends.

SCPD welcomes Officer Tyler Hernandez

Officer Tyler Hernandez comes to the Santa Cruz Police Department from the Monterey County area. Officer Hernandez graduated from the police academy at Monterey Peninsula College in May 2015.

Prior to being hired at the Santa Cruz Police Department, Officer Hernandez after served our Country in the United States Marine Corps. Officer Hernandez served as an Infantryman, Squad and Team Leader and was active duty deployed in Afghanistan where he was highly decorated.

Both new officers sponsored themselves through the police academy. It is a tough enough challenge to graduate from the police academy when you have the support of a police department behind your efforts. It takes an extraordinary amount of drive and determination when you are a self-sponsored recruit. Congratulations to both for rising above the challenge.

We are excited to have both officers join the SCPD family.