In a packed City of Oxnard Council Chamber, the Oxnard Police Department celebrated recent promotions and the swearing-in of twelve new police officers in the Spring 2025 Employee Recognition Ceremony on Wednesday, March 26th.
Several new and experienced officers were honored at the Oxnard Police Department Employee Recognition Ceremony, in an event attended by city officials, family, friends and community members.
The ceremony, which recognizes newly-hired and recently promoted employees as well as employees with service anniversaries. The event featured remarks from Mayor Luis McArthur, and attended by council member Bert Perello, elected officials, family members and community leaders.
McArthur was invited to share a few words, and mentioned his memories as a police officer himself for many years where he went up the ranks to become police commander.
“I’ve always said that we probably have the best police department, and I really mean that because many, many times you guys are not given the credit that you deserve. I am with you, and you know it, because I know the sacrifice you make every day including putting your life in the line of duty,” said McArthur.
Members of the Sheriff’s Department’s staff attended the ceremony as well, according to Police Chief Jason Benites. Benites thanked Sheriff’s Department for joining the event.
Officers with service anniversaries were gifted with pins reflecting their years of service, which were then pinned onto them by family members, partners, or Benites.
“The Oxnard Police Department’s badge is our symbol of not just authority, but is also a service and sacrifice,” Benites said. “Our badge, it stands for honor and it stands for integrity, as well as respecting others.”
During the ceremony, following employees were recognized for their hard work and recent promotions:
Cody Collet – Commander, Dale McAlpine – Commander, Miguel Serrato – Commander, David Castillo – Sergeant, Robert Caston – Sergeant, Juan Morales – Sergeant, Matthew Ross – Sergeant, Kevin Adair – Corporal, Jay Benson – Corporal, Tyler Brockett – Corporal, Sheylan Flannery – Corporal, David Garza – Corporal, Manuel Perez – Corporal, Alfonso Silva – Corporal, Melissa Garibay – Records & Property Manager, Yvonne Borruel – Word Processing Supervisor, Kara Hess – Records Supervisor, Humberto Gonzalez – Police Service Officer, Julian Garcia – Community Service Officer, Sabrina Rivas – Senior Records Technician, & Kathryn Taylor – Senior Records Technician
Police Chief Jason Benites then swore-in twelve new officers by administering the Oath of Office. On Friday, March 28th, eleven of these new officers graduated from the Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center. The twelfth new officer joins the OPD as a lateral from Reno Police Department. They all started Field Training on April 1st.
“This ceremony, amongst others is held to recognize…that our employees are our department’s great assets,” Benites said, “and no organization should lose track of the thought that it is people that make things happen.”
“Are you ready for a rewarding career through which you can make a real difference in peoples’ lives, improve public safety, and enrich your community every day? Consider a job in which no two days are ever the same and after each shift, you go home with the rare satisfaction that comes from knowing that you’re serving the greater good of the City of Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department is hiring now! Learn more about our career opportunities at: http://www.JoinOxnardPD.com” said Benites.