The Antioch Police Department swears in two new officers and bids farewell to Captain Wentz

The Antioch Police Department swears in two new officers and bids farewell to Captain WentzInterim Antioch Police Chief Addington administers the International Association of Chiefs of Police Oath of Honor to newly promoted Corporal Joseph Chandler, new Officers Rajbir Singh and Joshua Johnson, and new Administrative Analyst Ashley Martinez on Wednesday, December 18, 2024. All photos by Antioch PD

Promote someone else to corporal and add an administrative analyst

Brings the total sworn in to 79, and will be in effect at 80 starting Monday

By the Antioch Police Department

What an incredible evening to celebrate our future and honor our dedicated team! On Wednesday, December 18, 2024, we proudly welcomed two new police officers, Officer Johnson and Officer Singh, as well as our new Administrative Analyst, Ashley Martinez. We also celebrated Corporal Chandler’s well-deserved promotion. Finally, we said a fond farewell to Captain Patrick Wentz, whose time with us, while brief, left a profound and lasting impact. We thank you all for your dedication and service to our community!

Outgoing Captain Patrick Wenz said goodbye and received a memorial plaque.

During the ceremony, Interim Chief Brian Addington shared details about each of the four staff members.

Rajbir Singh – Police Trainee

Rajbir was born in India and moved to the US in 2007. He grew up in Tracy and graduated from Kimball High School in 2020. Rajbir says he is committed to building strong community relationships in the city of Antioch. In his spare time he enjoys sports, playing video games and watching movies.

Fun fact: Rajbir enjoys training Brazilian jiu jitsu and boxing.

Joshua Johnson – Police Trainee

Joshua was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He graduated from Frederick Douglass Senior High School, where he played sports including football, track and field and cross country. He enlisted in the U.S. Army right out of high school and had a phenomenal 23-year career in the U.S. Army. Outside of work, he enjoys running and participating in athletic activities. Joshua has three college degrees, including an AA in General Studies, a BS in Leadership, and an MS in Leadership. Caring for his family is very meaningful to him.

Fun Fact: Joshua enjoys bird watching and attending live pro wrestling events.

Ashley Martinez – Administrative Analyst (Principal Assistant)

Ashley was born and raised in the Bay Area. Before joining Antioch PD, she worked at Pittsburg PD for 7.5 years as a Chief’s Assistant. She decided to join Antioch PD for professional growth and to be a little closer to home since she lives in Discovery Bay. Ashley enjoys dancing and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is very excited to join Antioch PD and looks forward to meeting you all!

Fun fact: Ashley loves Zumba and goes to outdoor festivals and concerts.

New Antioch Police Corporal Chandler takes his oath of office, administered by Interim Chief Addington.

Joseph Chandler, corporal

After a thirteen-year career in television sports broadcasting, Joseph Chandler decided he wanted to pursue his dream of becoming a police officer. In 2016, he became an officer at another agency and in 2020, he transitioned to become part of the Antioch Police Department. He enjoyed serving the community.

In his spare time, Corporal Chandler enjoys spending time with his family, golfing and being on the lake.

The two new additions bring the total of sworn officers on the force to 79, and Addington said that number will increase to 80, again on Monday because “an officer who left is returning.” These totals match the 115 sworn officers approved in the city budget.

Allen D. Payton contributed to this report.

the attachments to this message:

Farewell to Captain Patrick Wenz and plaque 12-18-24 APD

APD Corp Chandler Office Oath 12-18-24

APD Oath of Office 12-18-24

This entry was posted on Saturday, December 21, 2024 at 5:31 PM and is filed under News, Police & Crime. You can follow all responses to this post via the RSS 2.0 feed. That’s possible leave a commentor trackback from your own site.