In late November, Capt. III Al Mendoza retired from Southwest Division after 32 years of City service.
Capt. Mendoza began his career with the LAPD in 1994. He worked Southeast, Van Nuys, Wilshire, Pacific and Metropolitan Division as a Police Officer.
As a Sergeant, he worked assignments at 77th, Harbor, Office of Operations, Operations South Bureau, South Traffic Division, and Internal Affairs. Capt. Mendoza was promoted to Lieutenant with assignments in Van Nuys, Southwest and Transit Services Bureau. He was promoted to Captain in April 2019 and was assigned the Commanding Officer of Topanga Patrol Division.
In February 2020, Capt. Mendoza was assigned as the Commanding Officer of Wilshire Patrol Division and subsequently was promoted to Captain II and assigned as the Commanding Officer of Central Traffic Division.
In April 2022, Capt. Mendoza promoted to Captain III and was assigned as the Area Commanding Officer for Hollenbeck Division. In January 2024 Capt. Mendoza was assigned to Southwest as the Area Commanding Officer.
Capt. Mendoza is an Army veteran, having served four years active and four years in the California National Guard. His greatest accomplishment while on active duty is graduation with RANGER Class 1-93.
“A life of service, just shy 32 years in LE and 8 years US Army, is turning the corner for the next unwritten chapter,” Capt. Mendoza wrote online. “I viewed this opportunity as an honor and a privilege, not a right. The memories are countless, and I’ll pray for those who continue in the profession as there are many challenges. Stay safe and God Bless those who serve others.”
Thank you, Captain, for everything you did for Southwest — your leadership, support and dedication made a lasting difference,” his Southwest colleagues wrote. “We wish you all the best in this new chapter. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement, Captain!”
The Club congratulates Capt. Mendoza for his outstanding career, and we wish him well in his retirement.
