2024 Award Winner

Exceptional Service Award

Senior Inspector Kimberly Zaragosa’s career spans more than 35 years of dedicated public service, beginning in 1989 with her graduation from the Los Medanos College Police Academy and appointment with the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office as a Deputy Sheriff.

From the earliest days of service, she demonstrated a clear passion for learning, a deep commitment to her peers, and a steadfast focus on advancing the field of law enforcement. Her assignments in custody, transportation, patrol, narcotics enforcement, and tactical operations reflect not only a breadth of experience but a depth of understanding that few can match.

Senior Inspector Zaragosa has completed over 2,700 hours of POST-certified training and has instructed in over 60 Basic Academy classes at the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff Law Enforcement Training Center. In 1999, she made history as the first woman to join the Contra Costa County SWAT Team, eventually rising to the position of Team Leader. A testament to her exceptional capabilities and tactical expertise, she established herself as a trailblazer in the field of law enforcement. Furthermore, this achievement became a powerful symbol of progress for women across the profession, challenging long-standing barriers and paving the way for those who would follow. Her career-defining leadership continued with her promotion to sergeant in 2003, and subsequent assignment as Academy Coordinator from 2005 to 2007. In this role, she oversaw the daily operations of the Basic Academy, managing recruit schedules, selecting qualified instructors, and ensuring the effective delivery of training.

After leaving her position as Academy Coordinator and being assigned to the patrol division, Kimberly continued her commitment to teaching. She remained a respected and influential presence at the academy, providing instruction on patrol techniques, crimes in progress, and vehicle pullovers.

In 2011, Kimberly was promoted to lieutenant, a rank that often reduces opportunities for direct teaching. Despite her expanded responsibilities, she remained deeply committed to her role as an educator, further solidifying her legacy in training and professional development. She was crucial to the development of critical training modules on Active Shooter and Building Search scenarios, which have since become fundamental to recruit training curriculum.

Today, Senior Inspector Zaragosa continues to serve as the lead instructor for some of the Academy’s most essential training blocks. Her instruction is consistently rated among the most effective and impactful by the recruits who benefit from her guidance. Through her mentorship, she has played a pivotal role in launching and shaping numerous careers in law enforcement. Many of her former students have gone on to become respected mentors and leaders, a reflection of her unwavering dedication, expertise, and lasting influence on the profession.

Her service, leadership, and passion have left an indelible mark on law enforcement in the State of California and POST is proud to award Senior Inspector Kimberly Zaragosa with the O.J. “Bud” Hawkins Exceptional Service Award.

Congratulations to Senior Inspector Zaragosa!