Assistant Police Chief, Rick Armendariz recently accepted the role of Deputy City Manager with a strict focus on Great Safe Neighborhoods. He will be serving on an interim basis. Armendariz, a 21 year veteran of the Modesto Police Department, is passionate about community policing and has been influential in his leadership over City of Modesto’s strategic commitment to Great, Safe Neighborhoods. Deputy City Manager Armendariz will be responsible for all current programs and resources related to successful implementation of Great, Safe Neighborhood initiative strategies which include exploring new approaches to public safety through community partnerships to reduce crime and maintain a safe and inviting community. Paramount to these efforts is increased collaboration with neighborhood groups and schools, and innovative community problem solving through public/private partnerships.
“Assistant Chief Armendariz has the talents and skills to provide much needed leadership support at this time and take this important priority to the next level. We are lucky to have him here in the City Manager’s Office and are grateful for his enthusiasm to take on this initiative,” said Acting City Manager Joe Lopez.
As assistant Chief, Armendariz rose through the ranks, having worked in every area of the police department; including patrol, investigations, internal affairs, FBI task force, media/public relations and administration. He has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University and a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from CSU Long Beach. He attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia in 2013 and participated in the Police Executive Research Forum Senior Management Institute for Police at Boston University 2016. He is an active member of the Hispanic Leadership Council of Modesto.
“I feel very honored to be placed in this important role with the City,” said Armendariz. “I look forward to continuing to expand our efforts in working together with our community to address quality of life issues and help make Modesto a great place to live, work and visit!”