Port of San Diego Harbor Police Name 2022 Officer of the Year
Contact: Marguerite Elicone, 619-686-6281, melicone@portofsandiego.org
The Port of San Diego Harbor Police Department has named Corporal Matthew Oakley as the 2022 Officer of the Year. Corporal Oakley was hired in December 2012 as an Officer and promoted to the rank of Corporal in February 2020.
Corporal Oakley is a Training Coordinator for the Harbor Police and works with new officers before, during and after their attendance at the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy. He is a mentor to new officers, enhancing their preparedness when they first enter the Academy, and constantly providing communication and support during their attendance. He also plays an integral role with the Harbor Police Department’s onboarding academy and is one of the main instructors for training new officers in vessel operation and maritime firefighting. He is an instructor at the Maritime Law Enforcement Training Center in Los Angeles, representing the Harbor Police and providing training to officers throughout the globe.
“Corporal Oakley continuously represents the Harbor Police Department in a positive and professional manner,” said Magda Fernandez, Chief of the Harbor Police. “His leadership style and ability to develop relationships with new officers, regional partners and stakeholders are excellent attributes that benefit the entire department and the community.”
The Harbor Police Department selected Corporal Oakley as the 2022 Officer of the Year after he was nominated by his peers in the department. Corporal Oakley’s outstanding working relationships with staff from the San Diego Regional Law Enforcement Academy and the Advanced Officer Training section have improved communications between the Harbor Police and these training entities. Additionally, Corporal Oakley’s collaborative working relationships with regional firefighting partners and recent work with the Federal Fire Department Training Unit staff provided an avenue for enhanced fire training.
The Officer of the Year Award was presented to Corporal Oakley at an awards dinner held July 8, 2022 at the InterContinental San Diego.
About THE Port of San Diego
The Port of San Diego serves the people of California as a specially created district, balancing multiple uses on 34 miles along San Diego Bay spanning five cities. Collecting no tax dollars, the Port manages a diverse portfolio to generate revenues that support vital public services and amenities.
The Port champions Maritime, Waterfront Development, Public Safety, Experiences and Environment, all focused on enriching the relationship people and businesses have with our dynamic waterfront. From cargo and cruise terminals to hotels and restaurants, from marinas to museums, from 22 public parks to countless events, the Port contributes to the region’s prosperity and remarkable way of life on a daily basis.
ABOUT PORT OF SAN DIEGO PUBLIC SAFETY
Port of San Diego Public Safety protects and oversees the safety of our dynamic San Diego Bay waterfront—land and sea.
Port Public Safety is responsible for safeguarding waterfront parks and land, maintaining homeland security and collaborating with agency partners to deter crime locally and abroad. Through the Harbor Police Department, the Port provides for the safety of our communities and resources along San Diego Bay and at San Diego International Airport, and is seen as a global leader in maritime and aviation public safety.