Oxnard Peace Officers Association

The Oxnard Peace Officer's Association (OPOA) was originally chartered as a fraternal organization in the1970’s. In the years that followed, the OPOA was reorganized to expand its charter and mission. The concerns of officer’s and civilian employee’s working conditions and economic conditions became a priority. The OPOA set out to establish a positive dialogue with the police administration and ci

ty officials. Initially, the activism of the OPOA was not well received, but calmer and more enlightened leaders eventually realized the benefit of a cooperative relationship with the OPOA. Today, the OPOA continues to work closely with the Oxnard Police Department and City of Oxnard to ensure its members are offered a median salary and benefits package compared to other police officers and public safety employees working in Ventura County. This can only be made possible with a continuous and cooperative relationship with the leadership of the OPOA and our appointed and elected leaders. Many economic and working issues remain, but dialogue has improved and is an on-going process. Today, the Oxnard Peace Officers Association is comprised of police officers, senior officers, sergeants, public safety dispatchers and public safety officers. The OPOA has over 255 active members and continues to be a positive and influential voice for public safety employee concerns. We are a fraternal, benevolent, and charitable organization that serves the needs of our members and our community. Our commitment to the community has been long time evident. Our partnership with our city goes far beyond just protecting our community. We have sponsored many city, school, youth and charitable programs and causes in the City of Oxnard and County of Ventura. We believe it is important to contribute back to this community and will continue our involvement in the future. In 2008 alone, the OPOA has contributed over $55,000 for charitable and benevolent purposes. An excellent example of this community partnership is the OPOA’s annual support for the Toys for Tots program. The OPOA sponsors the highly successful Toys for Tots campaign that collects toys, food, and funds for needy families identified by officers and other service organizations. This program not only provides special gifts and meals to families during the holiday season. It also assists with the many other special needs that come to our attention; usually through officers on the streets. The Oxnard Peace Officers Association is proud of its advocacy for employees and service to the community. We appreciate you visiting our page and welcome your comments or questions.

03/20/2026

The OPOA family is saddened by the passing of Ventura County DA Investigator and retired Oxnard Police Sgt. John Sunia.

It’s hard to put into words the weight of this loss. We will miss you and never forget you.

12/19/2025

It is with great sadness that we share word of recently retired Oxnard Police Sergeant Joe Bentley's passing. Joe passed away this morning at 11:21 AM at his home in Priest River, Idaho. His family was at his side.

Joe began his career with Oxnard PD in 2005. He recently retired in September of this year. During his career, he served as a Reserve Police Officer, Field Training Officer, Defensive Tactics Unit instructor, storefront officer, Homeless Liaison Officer, Beat Coordinator, and Unmanned Aerial Systems Unit supervisor. He spent several years serving on our department's Special Enforcement Unit / SWAT Team. During his last 5+ years with us, Joe was a Patrol Division Sergeant.

What we will say about Joe is that he was one the finest human beings that we have had the honor to cross paths with. Joe loved his family, and was a devoted husband and father. He absolutely loved the Oxnard Police Department. He served as an example for others to follow. He helped make this world a better place. We will always be grateful to him for his dedication and service.

Our hearts go out to Joe's family: Luann, his wife of 37 years; daughter Breanna, and her husband Jordan; son Robert, and his wife Mikayla; son Marcus, and his wife Chloe; daughter Rachel; grandchildren Kennedy, London, Autumn, Anika, Liam, and Leon.
Our ask is to allow his family some space and privacy for the next few days. We will share information related to Joe's services when that develops.

A cross has been affixed to Joe's portrait on our Wall of Honor.

Rest in peace, Joe.

08/20/2025

Today we honor the first ever appointed Oxnard Police Chief, William E. Kelley. He was hired as an Oxnard police officer in 1907, serving under Chief William Reno. When Reno resigned, Kelley was appointed Chief.

If police officers could be awarded medals for bravery and heroic actions like the military, Chief Kelley would have earned at least three Purple Hearts. He was shot three different times over the course of his career as a police officer.

In 1921, Ventura County Sheriff McMartin and Marshal Kelley teamed up to serve an arrest warrant on a fugitive in Owensmouth, the area now known as Canoga Park. As the lawmen approached the fugitive’s home, gunfire erupted and both McMartin and Kelley were fatally wounded. After shooting the two lawmen, the suspect fled into a nearby bean field pursued by some 100 ranchers and citizens. When the posse finally came upon him, it was found he had shot and killed himself.

Kelley was laid to rest in the mausoleum at Oxnard’s Santa Clara Cemetery.

We take this moment to honor our fallen and ensure they and their sacrifice are never forgotten.

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http://www.oxnardpoa.org/?page_id=82

Address

Oxnard, CA
93030

Oxnard Peace Officers Association

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