OUR MISSION
The goal of the Association is to promote equality and professionalism in law enforcement. The objectives of the organization are to create a fraternal/professional association that provides its members and members of the community with career training; conferences and work shops to promote education and career advancement; mentoring; and a strong commitment to community service.
N.L.P.O.A. members build bridges between law enforcement and their communities while working to reduce neighborhood tensions through awareness programs and role model programs. Our philosophy regarding youth and education has reinforced the important contributions that our cultural diversity has provided this great nation. The National Latino Peace Officers Association is the largest Latino law enforcement association in the United States.
2025 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Happy New Year. I am so very proud of our board and other members that were involved with the Strawberry Festival, Banana Festival and the pancake breakfast at Applebee’s. With the help of our sponsors, we have succeeded beyond our expectations in obtaining additional funds for the scholarship program this year.
As we prepare for the scholarship banquet, now is the time to advise any high school seniors and college students to apply for our 2025 scholarships. It will be a grand affair. Be sure to purchase your tickets early.
We also donated to worthy causes, Special Olympics, League of United Latino American Citizens (LULAC) and Knights of Columbus. Next year we will be providing training classes for law enforcement. More information will be forthcoming in a couple of months. Members, be sure to mention our classes to your fellow employees. Our members will receive a discount on the cost of attending the classes.
Our December membership drive was a success. There is still time to renew your membership. Please do so before March 15.
Our next National Convention will be in Puerto Rico on October 1st to 5th, 2025. Visit www.nlpoa.com for details. I hope you can join us. Our State Convention will be coming up in a few months. Please periodically check our website for the dates. Now
I wish you all a joyous, healthy and safe New Year!
Ed Castruita
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
We are now accepting membership renewal applications for 2025. Please visit the “Membership” page to renew your membership and review the new benefit for our members that is sure to help with personal and professional growth. Membership and renewals are due on March 15, 2025. We Look forward to all 2024 members renewing their membership as well as all of our past members rejoining our association.
Membership renewal/applications are still being accepted.
Our chapter membership application and be downloaded by clicking
on: NLPOA-Application-template
NLPOA Ventura County Chapter Scholarship Banquet
Preparations for the Annual Scholarship Banquet are underway. We are committed to helping students pursue a higher education. Students need not be Latino, but merely promote diversity in school and in the work-place. Consideration will be given to those students interested in law enforcement careers, however, all are encouraged to apply. The keynote speaker for this event is Simi Valley Chief of Police Steve Shorts.
Visit the Scholarship Page for more details and application form or click on the below link:
Click on Printable Form OR ONLINE APPLICATION to complete and submit an application. (must have Google email account to access online app)
For tickets click the PayPal button on the right side of the page.
Deadline has been extended to March 31, 2025.
2024/25 NLPOA Ventura County Chapter Board of Directors Elected
Elections were conducted at our Board Meeting on November 19, 2023. Great appreciation for the Board who served for years 2021 to 2023 for their achievements and successes, Here is your newly elected 2024/2025 Board:
President – Ed Castruita
Vice President – Juan Reynoso
2nd Vice President – Oscar Bermudez
Treasurer – Jill Nieves
Secretary – Debra Castruita
Sergeant at Arms – Steve Ramirez
Member at Large – Laura Hernandez
L-R, Juan Reynoso, Jill Nieves, Laura Hernandez, Steve Ramirez, Debra Castruita, Ed Castruita and Oscar Bermudez
Recent Ventura County Chapter Events
2024 PANCAKES WITH SANTA FUNDRAISER
Camarillo Applebee’s
The Port of Hueneme Banana Festival
The 2024 Port of Hueneme Banana Festival was held at the Port of Hueneme Oxnard Harbor District on September 28, 2024. This was the first time that the NLPOA Ventura County Chapter participated in the event. NLPOA Ventura County members manned a fundraising booth and received tips that will support at ;east four scholarships in 2025. Thanks to all that worked the booth and a special thanks to all who contributed to our scholarship fund.
NLPOA Ventura County Chapter Scholarship Banquet
The National Latino Peace Officers Association Ventura County Chapter held their annual Scholarship Banquet where 28 Ventura County high school and college students received $1000.00 scholarships. The students were presented their scholarships at the Spanish Hills Country Club during a dinner on April 18, 2024. Student honorees represented more than 10 high schools in Ventura County. Recipients will use their scholarships toward their next stages of education.
The keynote speech was presented by Ventura County Clerk and Recorder Michelle Ascencion, who encouraged the young adults to exercise their power to vote whenever possible, to pay attention to local political races, and to always try their best.
Some of the student recipients are beginning four year colleges , universities and/or community colleges in the fall, others will be entering technical schools, and a few will be entering the armed forces after completing college. Some of the recipients will be the first in their families to attend college. Common threads connecting all of the scholarship winners were community involvement, volunteerism, focus on academics, and an interest to improve their communities.
Many of the 28 scholarships presented were memorial scholarships in honor of members of law enforcement, the community in Ventura County and family members.
Please support our fundraisers as we hope to exceed the $28,000.00 presented at the banquet. This has always been a very successful event, and we owe that to all our members, sponsors and supporters. Thank you to all who attended and supported the event. Planning is already underway for next year’s Scholarship Banquet; we hope to see you all there again next year.
2024 California Strawberry Festival
The 2024 California Strawberry Festival was held at the Ventura County Fairgrounds on May 18/19, 2024 and was a bigger success than 2023. NLPOA Ventura County members manned a fundraising booth and received tips that will support our scholarship efforts in 2025. Thanks to all that worked the booth and a special thanks to all who contributed to our scholarship fund.
ATHENS SERVICES BECOMES FIRST LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING CORPORATE SPONSOR TO PARTNER WITH NLPOAVC!
We welcome Athens Services to the NLPOAVC family of amazing sponsors. Athens Services provides an array of waste collection and environmental services throughout Ventura County and they are committed to supporting relevant and advanced training to peace officers in Ventura County. Jennifer Masterson, Director of Government Affairs commented, “We are excited to support the National Latino Peace Officers Association with a $3,000 sponsorship.” On behalf of our NLPOAVC Board of Directors and Members, THANK YOU ATHENS SERVICES!
NLPOA CALIFORNIA STATE CHAPTER
Congratulations to our immediate past president Chief Don Aguilar who was elected as NLPOA California State Chapter President. We look forward to his continued leadership and mentoring.
CONGRATULATIONS!
NLPOA Ventura County Chapter President Don Aguilar has been selected as the Interim Police Chief of the Santa Paula Police Department. Don was sworn in on November 7, 2022, at Santa Paula City Hall. There were many supporters in attendance including Don’s family and friends, the NLPOAVC Board of Directors, and area law enforcement representatives.
UPDATE: Don has been selected as the Chief of Police of the Santa Paula Police Department.
MIKE ARANDA RECEIVES NLPOA’S “ALAN ALVAREZ LIFE TIME MEMBERSHIP AWARD” AT NLPOA NATIONAL CONFERENCE
CONGRATULATIONS to Mike Aranda on being recognized for his long-standing contributions to NLPOA, NLPOA State Chapter, and our NLPOA Ventura County Chapter. Mike received his Lifetime Membership Award at the National Conference in Houston on September 11, 2021. THANK YOU Mike for your continued dedication and leadership!
DEPUTY PETER AGUIRRE JR.
MEMORIAL
In 2014, Retired Sheriff’s Deputy Oscar Bermudez initiated the effort to honor Deputy Peter Aguirre Jr. who was killed in the line of duty after responding to a call of a domestic disturbance. Deputy Aguirre has studied to become a school teacher, but after earning his BA degree from California State University, Northridge, he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement. Fellow officers were impressed with Deputy Aguirre’s hard work and dedication to his community.
After much hard work and support from local government officials, Governor Brown signed the legislation for the dedication and placement of a memorial sign in the Ojai Valley. A replica of the memorial sign was presented to the Aguirre Family by Chapter Members Oscar Bermudez and Mike Aranda. If you would like to donate to the costs of the sign, please use the donate button along the right side of this page and indicate your donation is for the Deputy Peter Aguirre Memorial sign.
Dedication Ceremony was held October 14, 2016. Signs are posted on Highway 33 near Ojai California.
