The Oceanside Police Department has selected a 20-year veteran of the force as its new assistant chief.
Capt. Taurino Valdovinos was appointed to the position in late December, according to a city announcement. He replaces Assistant Chief Sean Marchand, who retired after 27 years with the department.
The hiring now makes two Oceanside Police veterans who are in leadership in the department. Chief Kedrick Sadler was hired last April to replace then-retiring Chief Fred Armijo. Sadler had been with Oceanside Police for 22 years at the time of his appointment to chief.
Valdovinos has worked on specialized assignments during his time in the department such as the Gang Suppression Unit, Special Enforcement Section and Neighborhood Policing Team, according to the city. He also worked to create the department’s Oceanside Youth Partnership mentor program.
“Assistant Chief Valdovinos is a proven leader in our department who will bring many strengths and talents to his new assignment,” the city stated in its announcement.
He was a supervisor in the Patrol Division as a sergeant and later became the sergeant in charge of the Neighborhood Policing Team. As a lieutenant, Valdovinos oversaw the General Investigations Section and Community Policing and Support Operations Section.
Valdovinos holds a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College and master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in addition to being a graduate of the FBI National Academy.