Oxnard POA on Facebook

• Tough day as we mourn the loss of another officer killed in the line of duty. Our hearts are heavy.

  

  Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2021

• Our hearts and thoughts are with the San Luis Obispo Police Department.

  

  Posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2021

• Senior Office Mike Wood presenting a check on behalf of the Oxnard Police Officers Association to NAMI Ventura County for $1500, for the upcoming NAMIWalks Ventura County 2021. The walk is to raise awareness of mental illness and the world-class treatment and recovery system for people with brain disorders. For more information, www.namiventura.org

  

  Posted on Tuesday, April 20, 2021

• On April 15, 2021, in honor of Autism Awareness Month, the Oxnard Peace Officers' Association (OPOA) had a "Zoom" date with clients of Arc Ventura County (Oxnard site). The Arc of Ventura County is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Established in 1954, The Arc serves over 700 individuals in a variety of programs throughout Ventura County. Arc is committed to empowering the individuals they support by offering opportunities that lead to greater independence and self-determined lives in regular every day settings.

  The OPOA interacted with the Arc clients and offered crime prevention information related to personal safety. The OPOA is committed to establishing and maintaining relationships/friendships within the community in which we serve. A donation of $1000.00 was also given to the Arc of Ventura County (Oxnard site) to assist with the purchase of supplies which are needed for the program. If you would like to make a donation you can visit Arc online at thearcvc.org

  

  

  Photos from Oxnard Peace Officers Association's post

  Posted on Friday, April 16, 2021

• We are sharing an important message from Oxnard Firefighters IAFF Local 1684

  “We hope you can help one of our Oxnard Firefighter families that is in great need. The Taylor family recently experienced a serious family emergency. Captain Brandon Taylor's wife Racquel recently experienced an aneurysm. She was transported by ambulance to Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura and then again transported to a neighboring hospital for specialized care. The Taylors have 3 children and are currently in the middle of moving homes.

  Brandon has been at the hospital waiting for any updates from doctors, and also waiting for COVID restrictions to be lifted so he and his family can be by Raquels side.

  With such a serious family emergency and their living situation, Brandon and his family will be facing some big financial challenges. Oxnard Firefighters are doing everything we can to help our friend and brother out through this tough time, but this is beyond our resources.

  We are looking towards you, our extended fire family and community for whatever help you can provide. We have started this GoFundMe Page for Brandon's Family to help them through this tough times. If you are able to help we ask that you please donate and/or share this post to get the word out.

  Thank you.”

  

  We're reaching out to you, our extended fire family and community, to ask for you… Ulises Castellanos needs your support for The Taylor Family Assistance Fund

  The Taylor Family Assistance Fund, organized by Ulises Castellanos

  Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

• Today is one of three dates that mark the 115th anniversary of the death of Night Watchman Andrew McNaughton, the first Oxnard Police Officer to lose his life in the line of duty. There are a few different dates for his death. The plaque in our hall lists the date as March 23, 1906. The Officer Down Memorial Page lists his death as March 17, 1906. The California Police Memorial site lists the date as March 16, 1906. Please take a moment this week to remember and honor the life and sacrifice of Officer McNaughton.

  This is a portion of an article that was published in The Star several years ago.

  " Oxnard Constable Andrew McNaughton, the first Oxnard officer to lose his life in the line of duty. The sheriff would eventually bring McNaughton’s killer to justice. Remarkably, that same sheriff would make the ultimate sacrifice alongside the next Oxnard officer to be killed some 15 years later.

  Wild West kind of town

  The year was 1904. Oxnard was a Wild West kind of town and it had no lack of problems. Incorporated just a year earlier, the most infamous part of Oxnard was known as the Tenderloin District — the area immediately surrounding Seventh and A streets. It was part of the old Chinatown settlement where opium dens, outlaws and saloons ruled.

  Knowing he could not protect this burgeoning town of 2,000 people on his own, city Marshal William Reno hired four deputy constables to assist him. Among the four was Andrew Murray McNaughton.

  McNaughton was originally from New York. He moved to Oxnard to work at the American Sugar Beet Factory. He was 42, married and had four small children. Reno lured McNaughton away from the sugar factory with a hefty monthly salary of $75.

  It was 1906. Marshal Reno and his men were a terror to the gambling and opium dens in Chinatown and they were making a collective impact on crime and disorder. But, during the night hours of March 16, Deputy Constable McNaughton was shot and killed while on foot patrol in China Alley. According to the Ventura Free Press, the precursor to the Ventura County Star:

  “Mr. McNaughton had been active in following law-breakers among the gamblers and the residents of the half-world and it is thought he met his death at the hands of several men in a gang who were surprised in looting a pool room.

  The untimely and shocking death of Mr. McNaughton at once plunged the town into a furor of excitement and caused an energetic crusade against vice by the city and county officials.”

  The Free Press went on:

  “Andrew had been selected for the position of night watchman and deputy constable for his bravery, fearlessness and strength. He had been particularly vigilant and had incurred the enmity of the lawless element and the desperadoes made frequent threats about putting him out of the way.”

  It would take three years before Ventura County Sheriff Edmund Guy McMartin captured the killer of McNaughton. Again, quoting the Ventura Free Press:

  “Ever since the murder of the Oxnard officer, Sheriff McMartin has never for a day, forgotten that somewhere (the killer of McNaughton) skulked and sneaked from the scrutiny of all men, evading the recognitions that would accomplish his capture and land him behind bars.”

  

  Posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2021

• Today marks the 25th anniversary of the death of Officer James Rex Jensen Jr. Jim was born on 06/19/65 in Salt Lake City, Utah. After graduating high school, Jim joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Military Policeman.

  After his military service, Jim was hired as a Deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff's Office. He worked there for 4 years before he lateraled to the Oxnard Police Department. Jim was an enthusiastic and very active patrol officer who enjoyed his job. Jim also volunteered as an assistant baseball coach at Sunset Little League.

  Because of Jim's dedication, skill, and commitment, he was selected as a member of the department's Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, at that time, a collateral assignment, in 1995. Jim enjoyed the challenges the position presented and worked hard to excel at the position.

  On March 13th, 1996, the SWAT Team participated in a narcotics related search warrant on Manzanita Drive. During the service of the warrant, a light sound diversionary device (flash bang) was deployed to the second story of the location and SWAT operators moved to the second story in order to clear the rest of the residence. During this time, another team member, Sergeant Dan Christian, mistook Jim for a suspect and shot him multiple times. Jim was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.

  Although the incident was especially tragic, many lessons were learned. The SWAT Team was transformed into a full time assignment (the Special Enforcement Unit, or SEU), where an extensive, annual training plan was developed in order to better train SWAT operators to avoid similar incidents in the future.

  Jim is survived by his wife, Jenny, and two daughters, Lindsey and Katie. On September 14th of 2016, Lindsey gave birth to her first child. She and her husband, Stephen Fink, named their son Jensen James Fink, in Jim's honor.

  Please take the time throughout the day to remember Jim and the ultimate sacrifice that he made. If you would like to visit his final resting place, Jim is buried at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, in the City of Ventura, Section K, Plot 608, Grave #9. In keeping with tradition, A floral arrangement has been placed there by the OPOA.

  

  Posted on Sunday, March 14, 2021

• One year ago today, the Oxnard Police Department lost a truly special member of our organization. A husband, father, brother, and son. He was also a good cop. We miss you Nate! Please take a moment to remember Nathan and keep his family in your thoughts today.

  

  Posted on Friday, January 29, 2021

• Happy New Year to all!! As we turn the page on 2020, we look forward to a year that should focus on our solidarity, sense of community and everyone's personal health! Our city is in a position to be better than we have ever been! We must come together and become a stronger community. We hope that you and your family experience their best year ever! Looking forward to a healthy and prosperous New Year for everyone!

  Posted on Saturday, January 02, 2021

• Chief Whitney, on behalf of the OPOA, we appreciate everything that you have done for all the members of the OPOA. We thank you for your dedication, service and leadership throughout your stellar career. Congratulations and best of luck on your next chapter!

  

  

  Photos from Oxnard Police Department's post

  Posted on Thursday, December 31, 2020