Visalia Police Chief Jason Salazar will retire at the end of 2026, concluding more than three decades in law enforcement, the city announced Thursday.

Salazar has served with the Visalia Police Department for 33 years, including nearly 12 years as police chief.

“Chief Salazar has led the Visalia Police Department with honor and integrity. We have been blessed by his leadership and his service to this community for over 30 years,” Mayor Brett Taylor said.

Born and raised in Porterville, Salazar graduated from Monache High School and attended College of the Sequoias. He later earned a bachelor’s degree from Mountain State University and a master’s degree from Fresno Pacific University.

Salazar began his career with the Visalia Police Department in October 1993 as a community services officer before becoming a police officer in June 1996.

He served in nearly every division and capacity within the department before being promoted to police captain in January 2011. Salazar was named police chief in June 2015.

During his career, Salazar also served on several boards and committees focused on policing and community connections. He served as president of the California Police Chiefs Association from 2025 to 2026.

“It has been a true honor to have served this community as part of the Visalia Police Department for the past 33 years and the last 12 as the Chief,” Salazar said. “I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest people I ever have known.”

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women of the Visalia Police Department and the work they do every day and know that they stand poised and ready for the future,” he said.

The city said it will begin a comprehensive process to select the department’s next police chief ahead of Salazar’s retirement.

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