COMMISSIONER
Walt Vasquez
Chief, La Mesa Police Department
Biography
Walt Vasquez was sworn in as the Chief of Police for the La Mesa Police Department on April 6, 2015. Before his selection as La Mesa's 11th Chief of Police, Chief Vasquez spent 28½ years with the San Diego Police Department where he retired as an Assistant Chief of Police. As Assistant Chief with SDPD, he oversaw the Patrol Division, the Canine Unit, SWAT, Communications Division, the Property Room, Information Services, and the Chief's Community Advisory Boards.
Chief Vasquez obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Management in 1999 and he graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2007. He was the President of the California Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates in 2014 and continues to be active in this world-wide organization. Chief Vasquez is also on the Board of Directors of San Diego Youth Services.
Chief Vasquez is an avid runner and has competed in the Law Enforcement Baker to Vegas Relay race for the past 22 years. On three occasions, his team won the race, which is a competition between approximately 240 teams from across the country.