Antioch Police Hire More Officers, Announce Promotions

On Monday, the Antioch Police Department added two new police officers to the force while four others were promoted.  The force now sits at 95-officers.

“It’s a great day when we are able to recognize some of our promotions as well as bring on new staff to the police department,” said Cantando. “

During the ceremony, Tara Mendez (Nissen) was promoted to Lieutenant, Powell Meads to Sergeant, Ted Chang to corporal and Cat Cottle is now an Animal Control Officer.  The police department also welcomes new officers Jason Cach and Garrett McKenzie

Nissen receiving a Distinguished Service Award in 2014.

Lt. Tarra Mendes (Nissen)
She started as an Antioch Police Department Reserve officer in Oct. 1993 and hired in 1995 as a CSO.  She was then hired sworn in as an entry level officer in January 1997, promoted as Sergeant in Nov. 2013.

Her assignments include:  POP Team, Special Response Unit, Detective (Property Crimes & Sexual Assault), Training Coordinator, Background Investigator, Internal Affairs Investigator, Hostage Negotiator, Explorer Advisor, Defensive Tactics Instructor, Baton Instructor, Jail Ops Instructor, Recruiting Sergeant.

Prior to becoming a full-time police officer attended the full dispatch academy.

Sgt. Meads out on a proactive detail (file photo)

Sgt. Powell Meads
He enrolled in the 213^th Police Academy at Butte Junior College.  After completing the academy he was hired by the Antioch police department in 2004.  Powell received a meritorious service award in 2011 and Officer of the year in 2012.  He transferred to the Investigations Bureau in 2013 where he investigated domestic violence, violent crimes, and homicide.  He was promoted to the rank of Corporal in January of 2015 and returned to the street.  Powell is a department instructor in Racial Profiling and Cultural Diversity.  He has been a member of the SWAT team since 2005 and is currently a team leader.

Cpl. Ted Chang
He came to Antioch Police 10-years ago after five-years with the Walnut Creek Police Department where he was a member of the bomb squad, a Field Training Officer, Driving Instructor and Detective.

Since coming to the Antioch Police Department, Ted has become an Operator on the SWAT team, a Detective, a member of the Recruiting Team and continued as a Field Training Officer and Driving Instructor.

Officer Jason Cach

Jason was born and raised in San Lorenzo, California.  Jason joined the Marines and served 8 years in the infantry. A few years after leaving the Marines he missed the comradery and training in which the military provides and elected to join the California Army National Guard. Jason has over 13 years of military service and continues to serve his country. In 2014, Jason graduated from the Oakland Police Academy. During his time with the Oakland Police Department he has worked as a patrol officer and on the Crime Reduction Team.

Officer Garrett McKenzie

Garrett was raised in Sunnyvale, California. Garrett has worked at Merrill Lynch as a Financial Advisor, and at Silver Creek High School in San Jose, as a teacher and an assistant vice principal. Garrett has also coached women’s basketball at the high school and college level. In 2012, Garrett graduated from the South Bay Regional Training Consortium Academy. After graduation, he started his law enforcement career with the Daly City Police Department. He worked on a patrol level for the last 4 years, and was also a member of their Hostage Negotiation Team.

Catriona Cottle
Originally from Ireland, she has been in the US since 2001 where she studied Business & Communications in college. Cat volunteered at Antioch Animal services for 4 years.