WATSONVILLE — After more than 30 years with the Watsonville Police Department, including three as chief, Jorge Zamora will be stepping down in August, city officials announced in a news release Thursday.
“Thank you, Watsonville, for your trust, support, and partnership,” Zamora said in a statement. “I am especially grateful to this community for believing in a young man who grew up in a neighborhood where gang violence was prevalent, and expectations for success for children of farmworkers were low. The odds were against me, but you gave me the opportunity to rise, serve, and lead.”
Zamora began serving with the Watsonville Police Department in 1991 as a cadet with the Watsonville Police Explorers program when he was 15. In 1996, he became a full-time officer with the department, climbing the ranks to corporal, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. He also served on the patrol unit, SWAT team, narcotics unit and as a detective as well as a youth mentor and instructor.
In 2021, following the retirement of David Honda, Zamora was announced as the city’s new chief and was sworn into the position in January 2022. He was the city’s 16th police chief and the first first-generation Mexican American to hold the position.
Officials wrote that Zamora led his department through many challenges during his tenure as chief, including staffing shortages and the changing public perceptions of policing. Among other things, he helped establish the Chief’s Advisory Board, intended to provide a forum for discussions of community concerns, including use-of-force techniques, mental health responses, criminal activity, crime prevention, community outreach and other issues related to policing.
“I am especially grateful to all of the Watsonville Police Officers, Staff and Volunteers who continue to work hard each day to make a difference in our community,” Zamora said in a statement.
Zamora was praised by city officials, including City Manager Tamara Vides.
“Chief Zamora’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and strengthening community trust,” she said in a statement. “We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”
In an email to the Sentinel, Mayor Maria Orozco commended Zamora for his commitment to the city.
“Chief Jorge Zamora has dedicated over 30 years to serving Watsonville with professionalism and care,” she wrote. “From his early days as a cadet to becoming Chief of Police, he’s led with steady commitment and a deep connection to our community. We thank him for his years of service and leadership, and I offer my heartfelt congratulations on his well-earned retirement.”
Zamora’s last official day will be Aug. 30. Assistant Police Chief David Rodriguez will serve as interim chief until a permanent successor is named, and the city will soon commence its recruitment process.