Meet Goleta’s new police chief

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The City of Goleta is pleased to introduce its new Police Chief. Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Lt. Frank Vasquez has accepted the new role and brings with him more than 27 years of law enforcement experience. In this role, Lt. Vasquez will oversee the Goleta Police Department, which includes a Motor Traffic Unit and two Community Resource Deputies, as well as the unincorporated areas of the Goleta Valley.

Goleta City Manager Robert Nisbet said, “This is an important position for the city and we are pleased to have such an experienced and dedicated police professional to help maintain a safe community and continue to provide the high level of service our citizens expect.”

Lt. Vasquez said, “I am excited to be here and begin this important new assignment. I know public safety is of utmost importance to the community and I am honored to serve Goleta in this incredible leadership position.”

Lt. Vasquez was born in Los Angeles and raised in Southern California. He began his career in the U.S. Air Force, where he spent eight years rising to the rank of Sergeant. This experience allowed him to travel the world and work as a dog handler. He has spent the last 19 years serving with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, where he held a variety of assignments, most recently as Bureau Lieutenant for the Northern Stations Patrol. His previous assignments have included patrols in Goleta, Central Stations, and in Santa Maria. He has also supervised the statewide Criminal Investigation and Special Investigations Bureaus and has been a member of a variety of auxiliary and special assignments within the Sheriff’s Office.

Lt. Vasquez holds a Bachelor’s degree in Organizational Management and Leadership from the University of La Verne and is nearing completion of his studies.

If you would like to meet Lt. Vasquez in person or watch virtually, he will be officially introduced at the Goleta City Council meeting on August 20th at 5:30 p.m. This is also an opportunity to thank Lt. Rich Brittingham, who was our Chief for four years and is now Chief of Police Services in Carpinteria.

We hope to see you on August 20th to help us extend a warm welcome to Lt. Vasquez and show our appreciation to Lt. Brittingham.