Presenting A Trailblazer

San Diego Harbor Police Chief, Magda Fernandez

On Dec. 10. 2022. MOWW was proud to welcome San Diego Harbor Police Chief, Magda Fernandez, as she discussed her journey to become Chief, the Harbor Police purpose and tasks, and how we can help her perform her mission. Chief Fernandez has over 21 years with the Harbor Police.

She is the first Latina to hold this well-respected position.

The even was held at the Best Western Seven Seas, Lord Jim’s Banquet Room in Mission Valley. Ms. Barbara Peralta, Chapter Commander was the host, and guests enjoyed Mr. Bart Newsom on the guitar.

BACKGROUND: Fernandez was appointed Harbor Police Chief/Vice President of Public Safety in May of 2022. She has led various department units, including investigations and intelligence, professional standards, and training as well as the patrol and administrative sections. She also represented Harbor Police as a detective on the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force and helped establish the department’s Terrorism Liaison Officer program. From 1994 to 2018, Fernandez served in the U.S. Coast Guard in various roles including as a criminal investigator and as an environmental and marine casualty investigator. Earlier in her career, she was an emergency medical technician and a rescue diver with the Santa Cruz Search and Rescue Team.