Joseph Vasquez was born in Oakland and raised in Berkeley before his family relocated to Contra Costa County when he was a teenager. After high school, Joe worked in construction and telecommunications.

In 2003 he self-sponsored his way through the Napa Valley Police Academy and graduated as the class Vice-President and the Top Athlete of his class. In December 2004, he was hired as a Reserve Police Officer for the Hercules Police Department before being offered a full-time Police Officer position in 2005.

Since that time, Joseph has served the Hercules community as a School Resource Officer, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Field Training Officer, Press Information Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, Investigations Sergeant, Administrative Sergeant, and for the past three years, Police Commander. He has completed several professional training programs, including the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, POST Management, and the ELI Drucker’s Institute of Leadership, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Management.

“After 18 years in Law Enforcement, I am honored and excited to lead this next generation of Law Enforcement Officers, and I am committed to being a force for positive change.” - Chief Joseph Vasquez.