NLPOA California President shines as one of eight Latino police chiefs graduating from prestigious FBI National Command Course
NLPOA California State Chapter President Don Aguilar recently added to his well-established history of training, mentoring, and leadership in graduating from the FBI National Command Course in July, 2024..
Don, who is currently the Chief of Police of the Santa Paula Police Department, was selected among numerous police chief and sheriff candidates from across the Country who were specially nominated for the prestigious course. After being nominated, candidates submitted an application in order to be considered for selection.
Don Aguilar retired at the rank of Captain from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office in March of 2022 after 35 years of service. Seven months into retirement, he was hired as Interim Chief of Police at the Santa Paula Police Department ini March of 2022. Don spent the next 15 months getting the Department in operating order, restoring public trust, and establishing solid community engagement. He was inspired by the community that rallied with him in a common vision to support one another.
In February, 2024, Don Aguilar was appointed as the permanent Chief of Police and the 16th police chief in the 100-year history of the Department. Chief Aguilar is the second Latino police chief in the Department’s history. The population of Santa Paula has a population over 31,000 and is 84% Latino.
In his 37th year as a public servant, Chief Aguilar is grateful for the opportunity to build a professional and trusted organization that collaborates with residents and business owners. As far as his continued commitment to training and leadership, Don has focused on a quote from Lincoln on Leadership, Phillips (1992), “The best leaders never stop learning.”