The Palos Verdes Estates Police Department is proud to announce two significant leadership milestones, highlighting its commitment to excellence in public safety and community engagement.
Rebecca Gomez Makes History as First Female Captain
Rebecca Gomez made history in 2024 as the first female Captain of the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department. As Operations Captain, she oversees critical areas including the Traffic Division, Reserve Officer Program, and day-to-day patrol operations, ensuring efficient service delivery and fostering strong community relationships.
Rebecca’s law enforcement career began with the San Gabriel Police Department (SGPD) as a Law Enforcement Explorer. She graduated among the top of her class at the Rio Hondo Police Academy and was soon hired as a Police Officer, quickly earning recognition for her work ethic and investigative skills. She advanced to the Special Enforcement Team, focusing on narcotics, gangs, and human trafficking cases.
Promoted to Sergeant in 2016, Rebecca excelled in critical incident management and later served as Administrative Services Bureau Commander, leading department training, hiring, and professional development. She also co-founded several community engagement programs to strengthen ties with underserved populations.
Rebecca holds a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Management and a Master’s in Legal Studies. She is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and the FBI-LEEDA Leadership Trilogy. A strong advocate for mentorship and leadership, Rebecca is active in organizations such as Women Leaders in Law Enforcement and served as the 2023 President of the San Gabriel Valley Peace Officers Association. Among her many accolades, she was honored as a 2018 Woman of Achievement by the California State Senate.
Aaron Belda Promoted to Captain
The department also celebrates the promotion of Aaron Belda to Captain, marking another proud moment for the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department.
A third-generation law enforcement officer, Captain Belda has dedicated nearly 18 years to serving the community since joining the department in 2007. During his tenure, he has gained extensive experience across various assignments, including Patrol, Motors, Detectives, and the Special Response Team. He has also served as a Community Liaison Officer and School Liaison Officer, fostering meaningful connections with residents, local businesses, and educational institutions.
Captain Belda has held multiple leadership roles, including Traffic Sergeant, Range Sergeant, Social Media Sergeant, and Detective Sergeant. Known for his integrity and professionalism, he has been a cornerstone of the department’s efforts to deliver exceptional service.
Captain Belda’s promotion reflects his steadfast commitment to public safety and his ongoing contributions to the department’s mission.
A Bright Future for PVEPD Leadership
The promotions of Captain Gomez and Captain Belda underscore the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department’s dedication to cultivating strong leadership and providing outstanding service to the community. The department congratulates both leaders on their well-deserved achievements and looks forward to the continued impact of their expertise and vision.
