San Jose / California
With the retirement of San José Police Chief Larry Esquivel on January 16, Assistant Chief Eddie Garcia has been appointed as interim chief by City Manager Norberto Dueñas.
“The past several years have been among the most challenging in the department’s history, and Chief Esquivel has provided strong and collaborative leadership to achieve greater stability for the department in the face of daunting difficulties,” said Dueñas.
“Larry has encouraged new ideas, inspired top performance, and served as an excellent role model during his 30 years of dedicated service to the San José Police Department and to the people of our community.”
“I’m confident that as Interim Chief, Eddie Garcia will guide the department with a steady hand during this transition,” continued the city manager. “I look forward to working with Eddie and his team as we continue to restore the department’s strength and maintain its good working relationships with our community.”
San Jose Police Chief Retires, 2-2-2 Interim Police Chief Named
Esquivel has served as chief since January 2013 after serving in almost every function of law enforcement while being promoted through the ranks since he was first hired as a police reserve officer in 1984. Over his career he has worked in patrol, narcotics enforcement, Special Operations/MERGE, investigations, field training, internal affairs, and administration.
“What I will miss most is the great people I have served with and learned from over my many years in San José,” said Esquivel. “I also thank the many mentors I have had in the department who have helped me grow professionally, and I am grateful to the city managers who entrusted me with the opportunity and responsibility to lead one of the best departments in the nation.”
Esquivel announced his retirement from San José last July, and in November he said that he will start a new job as Chief of Police for the City of Tracy next month.
“Chief Esquivel’s outstanding service, integrity, and leadership over his long career in our city has been a key factor in the ability of the San José Police Department to serve and protect our residents,” said San José Mayor Sam Liccardo. “Although we will miss him, I am pleased that we have a dedicated and dynamic leader like Chief Garcia to step in to lead our department.”
Garcia has served with the San José Police Department since 1992, and became Assistant Chief in January 2013. He became Deputy Chief in 2011 and led both the Bureau of Investigations and Bureau of Administration.
During his career, Garcia has worked in the Patrol Division, Narcotics Enforcement, and Special Operations/MERGE. As sergeant he worked as a night detective and homicide investigator; as lieutenant he commanded the Community Services Division and the Vice and Criminal Intelligence Units in Special Investigations; and as captain he served as commander of the Bureau of Field Operations/Central Division and Bureau of Investigations.
Garcia was born in Puerto Rico and at a young age moved with his family to San José. He has a bachelor’s degree from Union Institute and University.
Dueñas has not yet announced his schedule for selecting a permanent successor for police chief.
