*Fabian Valdez will step down as police chief for the City of San Fernando on June 19, 2026. He ends more than *.
San Fernando Police Chief Fabian Valdez retires June 19 after 28 years on the force and four years as chief. The city will name an interim chief to lead the department forward.
*Fabian Valdez will step down as police chief for the City of San Fernando on June 19, 2026. He ends more than *.
Valdez guided the San Fernando Police Department through structural changes during his tenure as chief. According to the city's announcement, he oversaw emergency preparedness upgrades through EOC technology improvements. He also implemented the Police Corporal Program and expanded officer training and wellness support.
The department added strategic hires to strengthen patrol and leadership capacity under his watch. Community safety efforts included Community Academy programming, Neighborhood and Business Watch meetings, catalytic converter theft prevention campaigns, DUI checkpoints, and school-based partnerships.
"Serving as the Chief of Police for the City of San Fernando has been one of the greatest honors of my career," said Chief Valdez. "I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve this remarkable community and work alongside the dedicated men and women of the San Fernando Police Department. Together, we have strengthened our organization, invested in our people, enhanced community trust, and positioned the Department for long-term success."
Kanika Kith, the city manager, thanked Valdez for his leadership in a written statement released by the city.
"Chief Valdez has provided steady leadership during an important period of growth and organizational advancement for the San Fernando Police Department," said Kith. "His commitment to transparency and community engagement helped strengthen the Department internally while continuing to prioritize the safety and well-being of our community."
Kith added that the work accomplished during Valdez's tenure helped position the department for continued progress in the years ahead.
The city has not yet named a permanent replacement. Officials said they will announce the appointment of an Interim Police Chief at a later date.
The leadership change arrives as the city navigates budget constraints for fiscal year 2026-27. City Administrative Services Director Erica Milton recently warned of limited revenue growth projected at 2.8 to 3 percent. Contract and insurance cost increases absorbed approximately $900,000 of available funds, including a $360,000 increase for fire services contracts, according to a Citizen Portal summary of a recent city meeting.
Residents can follow department updates through the city's public safety page, which includes crime maps, police blotter records, and emergency alerts.
This article was generated with AI assistance.