GREENFIELD — Five new police officers and one community service officer, all bilingual speakers, have joined the Greenfield Police Department.
Officers Damian Ayala, Daniel Lopez and Michael Ramirez are recent graduates from the police academy, and Officers Antonio Jardines and Federico Tinoco are laterals from the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office. Also now a member of the department is Community Service Officer Fatima Garcia.
“Each one brings a unique set of skills and experiences to our department, and we are confident that they will serve our community with excellence,” stated Greenfield Police in a social media post May 18.
Ayala is a South Monterey County native, having been born in King City and raised in Gonzales. After graduating from Gonzales High School, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps.
“His commitment to service and dedication to our community make him a valuable asset to our department,” said Greenfield Police.
Lopez, who was born in Salinas and raised in King City, has a degree in administration of justice and served in the U.S. Army. He worked at Fort Hunter Liggett for the past four years.
“We are thrilled to have his skills and expertise on our team,” the department said.
Born and raised in Salinas, Ramirez comes to Greenfield with a master’s degree in counseling and experience in education. He started his career as a teacher’s aide, substitute teacher and academic counselor at a local high school.
“He graduated top of his academy class and is eager to serve our community as a police officer,” said Greenfield Police in last week’s announcement.
Jardines, originally from Watsonville, has more than eight years of law enforcement experience. He worked at the Presidio of Monterey Police Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
“He is committed to serving our community with compassion and dedication,” the department said.
Tinoco was born in San Sebastian, Mexico, and has a degree in business accounting. He also has five years of law enforcement experience, having worked for the Monterey County Probation Department and the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.
“His diverse background and training will serve our community well,” said Greenfield Police.
Garcia is a Greenfield native who graduated from Greenfield High School. She then obtained a criminal justice degree from California State University, Long Beach.
“CSO Garcia is passionate about serving her community and is committed to making a positive impact in the lives of our residents,” the department said.
All the new officers are bilingual in both English and Spanish.
“This valuable skill allows us to better serve and communicate with our Spanish-speaking community members,” said Greenfield Police. “We are thrilled to have these officers on board, and we know that they will make a positive impact in our community.”
In addition to celebrating the new officers, the City of Greenfield hosted a swearing-in ceremony for new Chief of Police Guillermo “Bill” Mixer on Friday, May 26, at the Greenfield Civic Center, 599 El Camino Real.
