USD Magazine, Fall 2004

The chief tries to interact with many different segments of the public, including citizens and other law enforcement officers.

officers to encourage chem to live closer to where rhey serve." He looks back on his career with few regrets, whi ch isn't necessarily true for those who've worked with him over the years. Cheryl Merritt, intermediate stenog– rapher for the SDPD, says her depart– ment's loss is truly National Ciry's gain. "He's a kind and caring person who stands up for what he believes and listens to all who come to him for advice," she says. "The SDPD lost a great asset when he left to be chief of police for National Ciry." Ir's been more than rwo decades since Gonzales' first supervisor cold him he'd never go far. T hough she subsequently was dismissed from rhe department, he doesn't derive any satisfaction from her downfall. "If I saw her today, I'd thank her for motivating me," he says with great sinceriry. "I hope she's worked our her problems, because there aren't many women in law enforcemen t. We could use some more role models." +

ness the more than 500 reddy bears his department has collected for Children's Hospital. He says he's constantly impressed wirh rhe generosiry of rhe department and communi ry. For example, in July, 52 resi– dents losr rheir homes in an electrical fire Go nzales, "from rhe properry owner who helped find rhe residents new homes to rhe firefighters and police officers who go r donations for rhe kids from KB Toys, Disney and Toys, 'R' Us." The police and fire departments also hosted a celebration at Plaza Bonita Shoppi ng Center, where kids got to play on a fire engine. Of course, it's nor just kids who benefit from Gonzales' compass ion. He's currently looking for creative ways to make housing more affordable for police officers in National Ciry. "I have officers who can't afford to live in San Diego or National Ciry; they drive in from Temecula and Herner," says rhe chief, who commutes from nearby Chula Vista, where he lives with his fami ly. 'Td like to help estab lish low-interest loans fo r ar an apartment on 18th Street. "Everyone pulled together," says

David at ease. When the middle school student was caught in possession of mari– juana, Go nzales committed to this volun– teer role, which includes outings, academic tutoring and the occasional surprise, such as the Christmas tree he bought the family last year. At first, he didn't cell David and his family that he was in law enforcement, and avoided showing up at school or the boy's home in his police uniform. "People would start to chink that the kid is always in trouble with the law," Go nzales laughs. "But one day the parents saw me on television and asked if I was a police officer. When they found out I was the assistant chief of police of the SDPD, they said they were honored chat I'd cake the rime to mentor their son. " Gonzales has a soft spot for kids; wit-

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At the scene of a fire, Gonzales provides information to a concerned member of the community.