San Jose names new police chief

San Jose has a new police chief following an approval by the City Council Tuesday morning.

Edgardo “Eddie” Garcia was appointed by City Manager Norberto Duenas and approved by the council, according to city officials.

Garcia had served as the interim chief for nearly two months following the departure of chief Larry Esquivel back in January. He first began working for the Police Department in 1992.

In 2011, he became deputy chief, leading both the department’s Bureau of Investigations and its Bureau of Administration, before moving up to assistant chief in 2013, city officials said.

“His long experience with this department and dedication to our community will be invaluable for leading our police force during a challenging period for both San Jose and the law enforcement profession,” Duenas said in a statement.

Garcia was born in Puerto Rico and moved to San Jose with his family as a young boy. He has a bachelor’s of science degree in criminal justice management from the Union Institute and University of Cincinnati, Ohio.

“I am both honored by the confidence in me from the city manager and the City Council, and humbled by the big responsibility to lead the men and women of our department as we strive to become one of the best police departments in the nation,” Garcia said in a statement.

As interim police chief, Garcia worked closely with Esquivel prior to his departure. Esquivel had been with the department for 30 years and served as chief for three years before leaving to become chief of the Tracy Police Department in San Joaquin County.

Bay City News

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