Oceanside Police Chief Fred Armijo will retire April 1 after 30 years of service in the community, city officials announced Thursday, Feb. 23.

Armijo became chief in 2021 after serving on an interim basis. His ties with the department are extensive, however.

“I am very proud to have worked in the city I grew up in and am honored to have finished my career as Oceanside’s Police Chief,” Armijo said in a city news release. “Our department has so many great people doing outstanding work.  We have a solid group of leaders, and I am confident they will continue to build an even better department for our community.”

The lifelong Oceanside resident first joined the city as a lifeguard in April 1989, transitioning to the Police Department in November 1993. He worked through the ranks from officer, sergeant and lieutenant to captain and, ultimately, chief.

“We thank Chief Fred Armijo for his long and dedicated service to the community,” City Manager Jonathan Borrego said in the city’s news release. “He has led the Police Department with the utmost integrity, transparency, and commitment.”

Internal recruitment for Armijo’s successor is now underway, according to the city, with a deadline of March 7.

“I strongly believe that the Department is on a positive trajectory and that current leadership has worked hard to build an organizational culture that values professionalism, community service, and innovation,” Borrego said.

Information about the position and hiring process is available online at the city’s website.