Oceanside has a new police chief as of the start of April, the city announced March 31.

Kedrick Sadler, who replaced retired former Chief Fred Armijo on April 1, is a 22-year veteran of the Oceanside Police Department, according to the city. He has served in a variety of roles in the department, from patrol officer and detective to patrol sergeant, Support Operations Division lieutenant and Investigations Division captain.

“Chief Sadler rose through the ranks and has an impeccable law enforcement career marked by strong leadership skills and commitment to community engagement,” the city stated in a news release.

Sadler holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is working on a master’s in organizational leadership. He also holds several Peace Officer Standards and Training certificates, according to the city’s announcement.

Sadler’s community involvement includes the Oceanside Youth Partnership, Save Our Streets, North County LGBTQ Resource Center, Oceanside Promise, Oceanside Chamber of Commerce and Visit Oceanside, in addition to serving on the North San Diego County NAACP Executive Committee.

“Chief Sadler is committed to advancing a Department that values professionalism, transparency, community service, and innovation,” City Manager Jonathan Borrego said in the news release. “I would also like to personally thank the 10-member community stakeholder committee that participated in the interview process. Their feedback and perspective were invaluable to our efforts.”

Sadler is the second chief in a row with well-established roots in Oceanside law enforcement.

Former Chief Armijo, who announced his retirement in late February, built a long career with Oceanside public service and law enforcement, starting as a lifeguard in 1989 and moving to the Police Department in 1993.