Chief Memo Espinoza was appointed as Avondale’s Chief of Police in September of 2021. Memo grew up in Avondale and attended Agua Fria High School.  Memo is a former U.S. Marine and has been with the Avondale Police Department since July of 1997.  

During Memo’s police officer career, he has worked as a detective, corporal, sergeant, and lieutenant with experience in criminal investigations, hiring, recruitment and training and SRD Sergeant. Memo also served 6 years as a member of the Tactical Operations Unit (SWAT) as an operator and also is trained as a negotiator for the team.  Memo has also served as the Avondale Police Department’s Public Information Officer and was assigned as the Lieutenant for the Criminal Investigations Bureau.

Memo earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Safety Administration from Grand Canyon University and his Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.  He is also a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command. Memo also graduated from the FBI National Academy in September of 2018.