Oceanside Police Department
On Wednesday, March 29, 2023, the Oceanside Police Department, city leadership, law enforcement partners from across San Diego County, family, community partners, and friends all came together to celebrate and say thank you to Police Chief Fred Armijo as he prepares to enter retirement.
Chief Armijo was born and raised in the City of Oceanside. A proud Pirate, he graduated from Oceanside High School in 1989. Chief Armijo began his career of service as a lifeguard in Oceanside. Then when the opportunity came to apply for the Oceanside Police Department, he was eager to start a career where he had the honor of donning an Oceanside Police Department uniform. Upon graduation from the San Diego County Regional Law Enforcement Academy on June 12, 1994, he quickly excelled as a dedicated and proactive police officer. Chief Armijo had a knack for catching dangerous criminals in our community. He was known to WORK HARD every day, all shift long.
Early in his career, Chief Armijo worked with kids in the neighborhood, often playing basketball with them and helping with their homework. At our 2022 National Night Out event, you could catch Chief Armijo again playing basketball with kids in the neighborhood. He demonstrated that it is important to BE NICE every day of his career.
Known as an agent of positive change, Chief Armijo has led the charge in implementing countless programs, including the first iteration of the department’s Administrative Processes Manual, the Law Enforcement Student Academy, Sector Policing, and Homeless Outreach Team, this is to name just a few. Chief Armijo demonstrated tenacity and thoughtfulness at every step of his career, holding the rank of Officer, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and then as the 19th Chief of the Oceanside Police Department. Chief Armijo was promoted to Chief of Police on March 21, 2021, after serving as the interim Chief from December 29, 2020, and hit the ground running at a blistering pace. A pace that he has not slowed even up to his final days of service. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to CHANGE LIVES by serving as a thoughtful and innovative leader.
During his career, he has faced an unprecedented amount of legislative change that affects law enforcement. His steady and sure hand has guided this organization through some of the most challenging times for policing. Chief Armijo’s open mind and willingness to compromise appropriately are admirable and have undoubtedly led to success for the organization.
Under his tenure, there has been more change implementation than in the previous decade within the organization. Chief Armijo’s vision of a better-trained, informed, and transparent Oceanside Police Department has come to fruition. This Is The Way to a better community.
A Greek proverb asserts, “a society grows great when men plant trees in whose shade they shall never sit.” Through his vision and dedication to building a safer Oceanside Chief Armijo has planted a forest.
Congratulations Chief on a well-earned retirement!
