CITY OF NAPA
PROCLAMATION
In Recognition of Jennifer Gonzales
Chief of Police
WHEREAS, Jennifer Gonzales started her law enforcement career 32 years ago while obtaining her undergraduate degree in Latin American Studies at California State University Chico; and WHEREAS, Jennifer spent 23 years serving the Chico community in policing; starting as a California State University Chico Community Services Officer, then Chico Police Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant during which she obtained a Master’s degree in Negotiations and Conflict Management; and WHEREAS, as a certified member of International Critical Incident Stress Foundation team, Jennifer and her Peer Support teammates traveled to New York City during the aftermath of 9/11 to assist with first responders’ recovery/wellness programs; and WHEREAS, Jennifer joined the City of Napa Police Department in 2015 to be the first female Captain, serving under then Chief Steve Potter. Jennifer was able to help create the Napa PD Peer Support Team and later joined the California Police Chief’s Association Peer Support for Executives as a founding member; and WHEREAS, as an active and positive presence in the community for the last decade, Jennifer has served on several boards, coalitions, and community advisory groups to include: the NEWS Board as a law enforcement representative serving domestic violence and sexual abuse services, Child Abuse Prevention Council, Napa Opioid Safety Coalition, Napa Valley Latino Leadership liaison, Napa Valley Community Leaders Coalition, the Napa Special Investigation Bureau Governing Board, the California Massage Therapy Council Board with a focus on human trafficking, the Women Leaders in Law Enforcement Mentor Committee, the Napa County Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council, and was appointed by Governor Newsom to the State of California 9-1-1 Advisory Board; and WHEREAS, while serving the City of Napa, Jennifer was selected to be a Napa PD representative and attended the 271st class of the FBI National Academy and the 2nd Executive Leadership Institute class at Drucker School of Management at Claremont Graduate University; and WHEREAS, in 2021 Jennifer was selected to serve as the City of Napa Chief of Police, where she was given an opportunity to build a team that is unified in the safety of our community, support for the future, and public service over oneself; and WHEREAS, Jennifer always recognized the important work of City staff in keeping the Napa community safe and vibrant, and ensured that public servants felt valued for their important contributions.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that I, Scott Sedgley, Mayor of the City of Napa, along with the City Council, do hereby recognize Jennifer Gonzales and express our deep appreciation for her many contributions, dedication and commitment to the City of Napa and its residents.
Dated: April 15, 2025
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SCOTT SEDGLEY, MAYOR
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