HAPPY VALLEY POLICE

Happy Valley’s new Police Chief Marcus Mendoza

Happy Valley welcomed its new Police Chief this month. A 16-year veteran of the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Chief Mendoza brings a wealth of experience to the Happy Valley Police Department.

Chief Mendoza was interested in law enforcement from a young age. “I volunteered as a cadet with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office when I was 17 years old,” Mendoza said.  “Exposure to law enforcement in high school is what solidified my decision to pursue this as a career.” After high school, Mendoza served in the United States Marine Corps, which he credits with giving him the foundation for a strong work ethic and a passion for community service. At the age of 21, he joined the Los Angeles Police Department where he spent four years serving in a myriad of roles including on Mountain Bike Patrol, Traffic Team and in undercover narcotics, among others. “Even though I grew up in the area, I wanted to work for the LAPD because it was a large agency, and I wanted to gain as much experience as I could,” he said.

After his time in Los Angeles, he returned home to the Pacific Northwest where he has lived and worked for the past 20 years. “Happy Valley has seen massive growth and prosperity. I remember driving through Happy Valley as a teenager — it was a much smaller city then. I lived in Happy Valley for about five years before moving to a small farm south of town,” he said.

For the last three years, Mendoza has served as Chief for the City of Estacada. That experience has prepared him well for his new role. “I come to Happy Valley with a feel for city government and an understanding of the contract relationship between the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and the City of Happy Valley, and how that relationship benefits all of us,” he said.

When discussing his priorities as he takes over this new role, Mendoza mentions community connection. “My priorities are building relationships with the community, city staff, administration, and Happy Valley deputies; maintaining a high level of law enforcement service for the city; and continuing to develop our personnel,” he said. He plans to build those connections by attending and hosting community meetings and events, working with communications staff to share out updates with residents and by being on patrol in the city. “My approach comes down to customer service. We make decisions that affect other people. Those decisions should be made using a fair and lawful approach. Your police department should help you and help maintain a safe environment where you live and work,” he said.

Outside of his role as Chief of Police, Mendoza enjoys working outside on farm projects, including gardening and taking care of animals. Join the City of Happy Valley in welcoming Chief Mendoza!