NAPA, CA – After more than 30 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Napa Police Chief Jennifer Gonzales has announced her retirement, effective Wednesday. Gonzales, who has served the city of Napa for the past decade, leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, leadership, and community engagement.
Gonzales’ career in law enforcement began long before her tenure in Napa, with significant experience gained through various roles in Chico. There, she served in patrol, detectives, internal affairs, and youth services, as well as leadership positions in SWAT, hostage negotiation, and critical incident stress management. This foundation of experience paved the way for her to take on key leadership roles in Napa, including captain, where she oversaw both the Operations and Administration divisions at the Napa Police Department.
Throughout her career, Gonzales worked tirelessly to foster trust between the police department and the Napa community. Her efforts were instrumental in building strong relationships across various sectors, including organizations such as the Napa Valley Latino Leadership Coalition, Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, and the Child Abuse Prevention Council.
“Chief Gonzales has committed her time and talents to ensuring our community and staff are safe, and that the Police Department remains a trusted partner,” Napa City Manager Steve Potter said. “She leaves behind a legacy of service and professionalism, and we are deeply grateful for her many contributions to Napa.”
In the wake of Gonzales’ retirement, Capt. Fabio Rodriguez will step into the role of acting police chief, effective Thursday. The city has outlined a comprehensive process for selecting a new police chief, with public engagement being a key component of the recruitment strategy. Opportunities for input will include community forums in both English and Spanish, as well as an online survey to gather feedback from Napa residents. Outreach will also be conducted with local nonprofits, service organizations, and other community partners. City employees and labor organizations will have the chance to contribute their perspectives on the qualities and priorities for Napa’s next police chief.
“Our next Police Chief must not only be a skilled law enforcement professional but also someone who truly reflects the values of our City—Integrity, Inclusion, Service, and Collaboration,” Potter added. “We are committed to a process that is transparent, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our diverse community.”
The recruitment process will unfold in the coming weeks, with additional details about the timeline and community engagement opportunities to be announced soon.
As Chief Gonzales transitions into retirement, her contributions to both the Napa Police Department and the wider Napa community remain a testament to her career of service and dedication.