Contact: Chief of Police Dominic, Rizzi, Jr. – 575-6211
Community Relations Manager Randy Beehler – 901-1142 – randy.beehler@yakimawa.gov
During a formal ceremony at the Yakima Convention Center, Uriel Mendoza, a 16-year veteran of the Yakima Police Department (“YPD”), was promoted to sergeant on Friday, August 31st.
The ceremony, which was attended by YPD command staff, senior City officials, other dignitaries, and Mendoza’s family and friends, included the formal pinning of a sergeant’s badge by Mendoza’s wife, Connie.
“The Yakima Police Department, the City, Uriel’s family, and the entire community are very proud of him,” said Yakima Police Chief Dominic Rizzi, Jr. “Being promoted to sergeant represents a significant professional accomplishment. Uriel has had a long and distinguished career as an officer with the Yakima Police Department and we look forward to what he will contribute to the department as a sergeant,” said Rizzi.
Mendoza was born in Via Victoria, Mexico and immigrated to the Yakima Valley with his family when he was 14 years old. After graduating from Toppenish High School, Mendoza attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg before moving to the Tri-Cities.
He first considered a career in law enforcement while serving as a reserve officer for the Pasco Police Department. In 1996, he applied to the Yakima Police Department and was hired as an officer. Over the past 16 years, Mendoza has served the YPD with distinction. He has been a member of the elite YPD Swat Team and has served as a detective in a variety of assignments included narcotics, major crimes, and property crimes. Mendoza has also been involved with Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run events.
Currently, Mendoza is the Yakima Housing Authority Officer.