Quick Take
Jorge Zamora, who joined Watsonville's police cadet program at age 15 and rose to become the city's first Mexican American police chief, announced his retirement Thursday.
After nearly 30 years of service, Watsonville Police Chief Jorge Zamora announced his retirement from law enforcement Thursday morning; his last day will be Aug. 30.
Zamora — a Watsonville native and son of Mexican immigrants — was appointed as the city’s 16th chief of police in 2021, replacing then-chief David Honda, who had retired. He also became the first Mexican American chief in department history.
“It’s time to get off the train and let somebody else lead this,” Zamora said of his decision to retire. Zamora told Lookout that he also wants to spend more time with his family as he steps away from a life in law enforcement.
It was a difficult decision to make, he said. “I’ve spent 30 years at this organization. So for me, this has really been my second home since I was a teenager,” Zamora said. All great things begin with an ending, and Zamora’s looking forward to the great things that are coming in this next stage of his life.
Being the child of immigrant farmworkers inspired Zamora to launch “Agua con la chota” (water with the police), a program aimed at building a relationship between officers and farmworkers. Zamora’s parents immigrated to Watsonville from Michoacán, Mexico, and as a child he would often join them in picking fruits and vegetables in the fields.
“My parents worked in the field. I know what it was like for them,” Zamora said. “I know what it was like for me, and I know the fear that came with working in the fields or being undocumented.”
Zamora began his career in law enforcement in Watsonville, enrolling in the department’s police cadet program in 1991 at age 15, following a childhood dream. He recalls his first ridealong during his teen years which solidified his decision to become a police officer.
Just a few years later, Zamora was hired as a full-time officer by the Watsonville Police Department. Throughout his career, Zamora has held various positions, including patrol officer, SWAT, gang and narcotics enforcement, hostage negotiator and youth mentorship.
As a teenager, Zamora had no intentions of becoming police chief, he said. “The only thing that I was thinking about when I was 15 years old was that I wanted to be a police officer. And I want to be a police officer in Watsonville, and that’s all I cared about,” Zamora said.
Zamora feels a sense of gratitude for the community and the police department, he said: “It’s really changed who I am. It’s changed my family and the trajectory of my life. So, it’s just a big thank-you.”
In January, he urged the Watsonville City Council to pass a resolution to reaffirm the city’s sanctuary status, and reminded the immigrant community that they could trust Watsonville police officers under a second Trump administration focused on deporting immigrants.
During his tenure as police chief, Zamora also created a Chief’s Advisory Board, which allowed the department to collaborate with community members on ways officers could improve public safety. The department also experienced staffing shortages in recent years — a situation that has improved, said Zamora.
Zamora’s leadership has been instrumental in enhancing public safety and trust within the community, Watsonville City Manager Tamara Vides said in a statement. “We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in retirement.”
Assistant Chief David Rodriguez will serve as interim chief after Zamora steps down at the end of August.
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