The City of Chula Vista has found its replacement for retiring police chief David Bejarano, and it's a historical selection. On Wednesday, city officials announced the hiring of Capt. Roxana Kennedy, who will be sworn into office on Dec. 30. Kennedy will become the city’s 24th chief of police and the first female to ever hold the job.
"I am grateful for Chief Bejarano's years of outstanding service and leadership," Mayor Mary Casillas Salas said. "He is leaving the police department in good hands with Capt. Roxana Kennedy. Her management of our police officers, implementing innovative initiatives, and advancing a culture of excellence will continue the city's commitment to strong and safe communities."
Capt. Kennedy currently oversees the Patrol Operations Division, which is the largest in the police department. She was second in command to Bejarano, who called her “the ideal person to lead this department forward.”
Capt. Kennedy is no stranger to milestones. She was Chula Vista's first female police lieutenant and its first female captain as well. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from California Coast University and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. She also serves on the FBI National California Chapter Board of Directors and as president of the San Diego Chapter of Women Leaders in Law Enforcement.