Oceanside police chief announces retirement; replacement selected
OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — The Oceanside Police Department will have a new leader after Chief Kedrick Sadler announced he plans to retire later this week.
On Thursday, a press release from the city manager's office stated that Sadler, who served Oceanside for 24 years in public safety, will retire on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Assistant Police Chief Taurino Valdovinos has been selected to succeed Sadler as the police department's next leader.
"We thank Chief Sadler for his long and dedicated service to the Oceanside community. He's led the police department with the utmost integrity, transparency and commitment," said City Manager Jonathan Borrego.
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"With decades of dedicated service to our community, Chief Valdovinos brings proven leadership and a deep understanding of our city's public safety needs," he added about Sadler's successor. "Recognizing the importance of maintaining a culture of trust and transparency, the new chief plans to prioritize direct community engagement and is planning a series of community listening sessions, providing residents an opportunity to share their vision, experiences, and perspectives on policing in Oceanside."
Chief Sadler added, "I have all the faith in the world that Assistant Chief Valdovinos will make an outstanding police chief and lead our department into the future."
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Valdovinos joined Oceanside PD in 2003. He is a 2022 graduate of the FBI National Academy and the San Diego County Regional Leadership Institute. His experience includes having worked as a force options training simulator instructor and a SWAT team member before being promoted to sergeant. As a sergeant, he supervised the patrol team and the neighborhood policing team.
He has also served as the department's public information officer and created the Oceanside Youth Partnership program for at-risk youth.
He was promoted to captain in January 2023 and then to his latest position as assistant chief last December. Valdovinos also teaches courses as an adjunct professor for the University of San Diego's Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership master's degree program.
Valdovinos will be sworn in during a ceremony next Wednesday, Nov. 13 at 3 p.m. His appointment will be effective Monday, Veterans Day, following Chief Sadler's retirement.
