cop retires

Chief Fred Armijo exits after 34 years of municipal service

By Samantha Nelson OCEANSIDE — Police

Chief Fred Armijo is retiring in a month after two years as the city’s top cop, 29 years in law enforcement and 34 years of public safety service.

Armijo announced he plans to retire by April 1. Growing up in Oceanside, he began working as a lifeguard for the city in 1989 before transitioning to the police department in 1993.

Over the years, he worked through the ranks from officer to sergeant, lieutenant and captain.

Armijo was appointed to succeed Frank McCoy as police chief in March 2021 by former City Manager Deanna Lorson. His retirement announcement follows almost precisely two years later.

“I am very proud to have worked in the city I grew up in and am honored to have finished my career as Oceanside’s Police Chief,” said Armijo in his retirement announcement.

An internal recruitment has been launched for Armijo’s replacement. City Manager Jonathan Borrego will