Brandon Vazquez was sworn into the Merced Police Department during a Friday afternoon ceremony by Police Chief Christopher Goodwin.

Vazquez, 26, had spent three years in the Army National Guard.

The Fresno native and Roosevelt High School graduate holds an associates’ degree. He and his wife, Jeanette, have two daughters.

When not working he enjoys spending time with his family and taking road trips.

The Department has filled 93 of the 98 sworn positions in the budget. Six of the filled positions are the classification of Police Officer Trainee. There are five vacant Police Officer positions.

Goodwin has made recruitment and retention a priority since taking over the Department. The City is currently recruiting for both police officers and police officer trainees.  The position of police officer pays $62,169.36 to $75,566.88 a year.  Trainees can earn from $40,264.08 to $48,941.04. More information on the jobs can be found at the City’s website, www.cityofmerced.org.