MJC Foundation presents Rick Armendariz with 2018 Distinguished Alumni Award
The Modesto Junior College Foundation proudly announces the selection of Rick Armendariz, Assistant Police Chief with the Modesto Police Department and the Interim Deputy City Manager for the City of Modesto as recipient of the 2018 MJC Distinguished Alumni Award. Mr. Armendariz was honored during MJC’s 96th Commencement Ceremony on April 27, 2018. Mr. Armendariz addressed the Class of 2018 with words of encouragement, telling them to remember their roots, the sacrifices made by their family and lessons learned, and to find a way to give back to their community.
Mr. Armendariz has over 23 years of experience in public service. As the Assistant Police Chief, he oversees the day-to-day operations of the police organization. The police department is a progressive, full-service organization with 240 sworn officers and professional staff, and an annual operating budget of $64 million.
For the last year, Mr. Armendariz has served a dual role as Modesto’s Interim Deputy City Manager. The City of Modesto has over 215,000 citizens, and provides comprehensive services, retains about 1,200 employees and has an annual operating budget of approximately $360 million.
Mr. Armendariz has worked in numerous assignments including patrol, gangs, homicide, internal affairs, and as a public information officer. In addition he has overseen units such as K-9s, SWAT, Hostage Negotiators, Traffic Unit and the Crime Reduction Team.
Mr. Armendariz is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, and holds a Master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Chapman University, and an Associate’s degree in Administration of Justice from Modesto Junior College.
Modesto Junior College has always been a special place for Mr. Armendariz. Not only
did MJC provide the essential foundation to build his professional career, as an Administration
of Justice student, he also met the love of his life, Lorena. The two have been married
for 20 years and have three beautiful daughters.