Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano notified city officials in an email last week that after seven years on the job he will retire Dec. 30.
Bejarano, 59, said in an interview that the decision was based on a “personal and family decision,” and that he thought about holding off retirement until next July, but said “it just feels right,” to retire now.
Bejarano has had a 35-year law enforcement career, including the last seven as Chula Vista’s chief, which he says has taken a toll on him and it’s now time for him to spend more time with his family.
“I think any chief would tell you that this is a high-pressure position, there is obviously some stress, there’s a lot involved with balancing the community needs, department needs, the politics, the media and you never know what is going to happen from one day to another,” he said. “But I can truly tell you I’ve enjoyed it.”
Bejarano, a former Chula Vista Elementary School District board member, was appointed police chief in 2009, succeeding Rick Emerson. Bejarano’s salary was $187,000 when he was appointed. His current salary, which will be his salary at the time of retirement, is $212,925.00
Bejarano initially said at the time of his appointment he would give the city a five-year commitment, indicating that after five years he would retire.
“It’s tough to leave when you enjoy what you’re doing,” he said.
Bejarano’s announcement came as a surprise to Mayor Mary Casillas Salas.
“We are going to miss his leadership but I know he deserves to retire and spend time with his family,” Casillas Salas said. “[He was on the job longer] than what he promised and I really thank him for that.”
During Bejarano’s tenure he guided the department during the economic recession which saw the reduction of police officers and staff amidst budget cuts.
Bejarano said he leaves the department in better financial and operational shape than when he first got to Chula Vista.
Under Bejarano’s leadership, the police department became the first agency in the county to implement body-worn cameras for all of their patrol officers that go out into the field. He has also improved the community outreach efforts with the department and its community.
Chula Vista Police Capt. Vern Sallee called it a “privilege” to work under Bejarano. Salle was a lieutenant when Bejarano became police chief, but in 2014 Bejarano promoted Sallee to captain.
Sallee said Bejarano was a great leader who had the department’s respect. Sallee said he always appreciated how Bejarano was always there for his officers.
“Anytime that an officer suffers some kind of loss or is injured, he is almost, always the first person to the hospital to be with the officer and to meet with the officer’s family,” he said. “He always calls officers whenever they suffer a personal loss in their life.”
Sallee added that Bejarano will leave the department in good hands.
“I am going to hate to lose this chief because I respect him tremendously but he’s really set us up for success in the future,” he said. “I genuinely think he’s been an outstanding chief for us and he has laid a foundation for our agency.”
Bejarano has many achievements throughout his 35- year law enforcement career including being the police chief for the two biggest cities in the county—San Diego and Chula Vista—and being appointed by President George W. Bush as the United States Marshal for the Southern District of California. Recently, Bejarano served a year as the president of the California Police Chief Association.
As the man in charge of a department with an estimated $50 million budget and 225 officers, Bejarano said he is most proud of is leading Chula Vista to becoming the 10th safest city in the United States with a population above 200,000.
Bejarano said he has received offers to do consulting on a part-time basis but has not committed to anything yet. He said he will also continue to serve on nonprofit boards.
City manager Gary Halbert said as of now it is “premature” to set a time timetable for selecting a new police chief.
He said he will discuss this with the city council in a few weeks.
Salas said she would like to see an outside search conducted for a new chief.
