Release Date/Time: 7/29/2016 1:29 PM
Incident: Sergeant Rick Maldonado Retirement
Date: Thursday, 8/4/2016
Time: 3:00 pm
Location: 100 Howard St.
The Salinas Police Department would like to announce the retirement of Sergeant Rick Maldonado. His final briefing will be Thursday, August 4, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. in the Salinas Police Activities League building, across the street from the Salinas Police Department.
Rick was born and raised in the Salinas and Monterey area, and has lived here his entire life. In 1988, Rick was hired as a Deputy Sheriff with the San Benito County Sheriff's Office. Rick worked as a Deputy for six years, before being hired as a Police Officer with the Salinas Police Department in 1994. Rick's change in departments was precipitated by his brother being hired by the Salinas Police Department. He was inspired by what he saw as a greater opportunity.
Rick was selected as a School Resource Officer and GREAT (Gang Resistance and Training) instructor in August of 1999. He was assigned to the Salinas High School campus, but taught GREAT curriculum to elementary school students.
During his time as an SRO at Salinas High School, Rick organized and facilitated the 'Every 15 minutes” program to bring awareness to youth about the danger of intoxicated driving.
Rick was assigned to the Investigations division in October of 2002. During his time in that assignment he investigated sex crimes, crimes against persons, and homicides. Rick received certificates of specialty in the areas of homicide and sexual assault investigations from the Robert Presley Institute of Criminal Investigation.
Rick returned to patrol in January of 2008 and was assigned as a Field Training Officer. During that time, he received the Monterey County Peace Officers Association life-saving award.
Rick was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in August of 2010.
In September of 2010, Rick was selected to supervise the Community Services unit. He organized and facilitated two sessions of the Salinas Police Department's Community Academy. He also supervised the implementation of the CASP (Community Alliance for Safety and Peace) officers in the Hebbron neighborhood.
Rick was an instructor in several areas to include 3 years as a first aid instructor, 9 years as an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operator Course) instructor, and 14 years as a range master and firearms instructor.
Rick has donated hours of community service to organizations such as Salinas PAL, Jr. Giants, and other community and school events such as crime prevention and stranger danger presentations.
Release Authorized by: Commander Henry Gomez
Telephone: (831) 758-7279