The city of Firebaugh is staying “in house” for its next chief of police.
Before a packed city council chambers filled with law enforcement, family, and community members, Fernando Campa was sworn in to lead the Firebaugh Police Department.
Campa is a 23-year veteran of the department, which currently has 13 officers, including a sergeant and corporal. The department also has four full-time dispatchers and two part-time.
“Firebaugh has always had a reputation of being a safe community,” Chief Campa said. “And I have seen nothing but positive things from the officers and the public.”
“Tonight, we gather to celebrate an important milestone in the history of the Firebaugh Police Department as Chief Campa officially assumes the responsibilities of leading our department and serving the city of Firebaugh,” Mayor Fred Valdez said to the gathering at the swearing-in ceremony. “We are honored to have each of you with us as we celebrate this special occasion alongside Chief Campa, his family, friends, fellow law enforcement professionals, elected officials, and members of our community.”
Campa, who succeeds the retiring Sal Raygoza, is a native of nearby Mendota and graduated from Tranquillity High School.
With the initial intention of becoming a teacher, Campa served as a bilingual tutor with the Kerman School District while also coaching soccer at Firebaugh High School as a walk-on. He started working as a campus supervisor in Firebaugh when he was encouraged to join the Firebaugh PD.
In 2003, he entered and graduated from the Fresno City College Police Academy and joined the department in November of that year. He was promoted to corporal in October of 2023.
Campa said that he was excited for the opportunity to succeed Raygoza.
“As the department gets used to new leadership, it’s obvious that I believe in much of the same philosophy as Chief Raygoza,” he explained, noting that keeping a keen eye on the budget will be critical while also keeping up with new technology.
“Our main job will always be to give the community the safety and service they deserve,” he said.
When Campa was selected to his new position, he tendered his resignation as a member of the Firebaugh/Las Deltas School District Board of Trustees. He served on the board for 11 years, representing Area 4.
Since his seat is up for grabs this November, the school board decided to operate as a four-member unit until a new representative is selected by the voters.
