After six years as NAU’s chief of police and director of its Police Department, Jesse Ochoa is retiring from NAU to become a compliance manager at Raytheon Company, a military manufacturer in Tucson. Kathleen Paleski, police commander, will serve as interim police chief until a replacement is named. Ochoa’s last day is June 16.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to work for such a fine police department and university,” Ochoa said. “I wish to express my appreciation for all the support I received these past six years. My best wishes for the university’s continued success.”
Ochoa began his law enforcement career with the Tucson Police department in 1973 and worked assignments in patrol, investigation and administration until he was appointed assistant chief of police in 1998, a position he held until his retirement in 2000.
“Jesse transferred the experience he gained in Tucson to successfully lead the NAU Police Department,” said Kathe Shinham, vice president of Administration and Finance at NAU. “His calm demeanor coupled with his strong leadership has served the university and Flagstaff community well.”
Ochoa most recently led the university police department through a successful reaccreditation by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Shinham said.