Mission Police Chief Martin Garza has been a public servant for 21 years.
He has fought the bad guys and worked hard to keep the streets of Mission safe for its residents.
But a year into his new position as Mission Police Chief, Garza will step to the other side of the fence, temporarily hang up his badge, and break out the suit and tie.
"I truly love my career,” Garza said.”However, I think this position as city manager is a position of public service. It opens the door for me to assist the public in other areas of concerns with the city and not just law enforcement."
Two weeks ago, long-time City Manager Julio Cerda made the decision to step down from his position and focus on his other passion, being an engineer.
"It was time for me now and my career,” Cerda told Action 4 News. “It's time for change. Change is always good anywhere that you go."
While Garza is on leave, 26 year veteran of the department Assistant Police Chief Robert Dominguez will take over.
He admitted that the job comes with its set of challenges.
“You have to understand that the chief position is different from that of the assistant chief,” Dominguez said. “Obviously you are the department head and the responsibility of the entire organization is on your hands."
No matter what challenges these three men face in the future, they said they are ready to meet them head on.
Garza will be taking over the job position March 1 until the position is filled.
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