Avondale picks new police official

Department veteran ‘Memo’ Espinoza is now assistant chief

A 17-year veteran of the Avondale Police Department was named assistant chief last week.

Cuauhtémoc “Memo” Espinoza, 39, worked his way up from patrol officer to leadership roles, including detective, sergeant and lieutenant, said Police Chief Dale Nannenga.

Espinoza, who grew up in Avondale, will oversee the department’s operations division.

“Memo Espinoza was selected from a pool of outstanding internal and external candidates,” Nannenga said. “At the end of a very involved interview process, he clearly was the best choice for assistant police chief.”

Espinoza is well-respected by his fellow officers and has had a variety of assignments over the years, giving him great experience for his new position, Nannenga added.

He has served as a schoolresource sergeant and public information officer, and he has overseen jail operations and supervised the department’s professional standards bureau.

Most recently, he managed the department’s street crimes, persons and property crimes, and special victims units. Those units investigate all felonies committed in Avondale.

“I have no doubt he will continue to serve the department, the city and the community with the utmost professionalism,” Nannenga said.

Espinoza speaks fluent Spanish. He has a bachelor’s degree in public-safety administration and a master’s in business administration.