A large Thursday ceremony saw the official swearing-in of Ceres’ new police chief, the introduction of three new patrol officers and special awards for standout employees.
Trenton Johnson has been interim police chief since the sudden departure of Chief Chris Perry in late January. He officially became police chief as of July 1 but took the oath in public on Thursday evening.
Former police Chief Rick Collins was present in the audience which was treated to a slide show of Johnson’s life starting as a small boy growing up in Ceres.
Johnson thanked the council and department heads for the support, explaining: “I wasn’t planning on being a chief and it was a mentor that I decided to do this and I wouldn’t have been able to do this without their support.”
He also thanked his wife Tammy and two daughters for their sacrifices for her career. He stated that when he gives up the job in three years that he will “spend the rest of my life making it up to them.”
After taking the oath and having his chief’s badge pinned by his aunt, Chief Johnson honored six standout employees with annual awards.
Johnson began his law enforcement career as a Ceres Police explorer scout in 1993, a year before he graduated from Ceres High School. After completing the MJC Police Academy in 1997 he became a reserve officer in January 1998. Later that year in August he was hired as a fulltime sworn officer. Johnson worked in detectives, as a SWAT member for 20 years and as a Field Training Officer (FTO), became a sergeant in June 2008 and worked as watch commander, SCU sergeant and detective sergeant. In January, 2023 he was promoted to lieutenant in charge of detectives, code enforcement, SWAT team, Drone Team, Crisis Negotiation Team, Property and Evidence and the armory. Johnson was promoted to rank of captain on March 17, 2024.
Jon Blount – Sergeant of the Year
The new chief continued with the annual tradition of honoring select employees of the department for exceptional work.
Sergeant Jon Blount was nominated for the 2024 “Sergeant of the Year” award by the department’s administrative team.
“While Sergeant Blount brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in various aspects of law enforcement, it is his unwavering commitment to his officers and the department that truly sets him apart,” said Chief Johnson.
“Sergeant Blount is a respected leader, mentor, and trusted resource for his team. Whether working with seasoned veterans or newly hired officers, he consistently invests the time to teach, guide, and support their professional development. Through comprehensive and thought-provoking briefing training covering case law review, writing search and arrest warrants, and tactical scenarios, he identifies areas for growth and ensures his officers have the tools, knowledge, and confidence to perform their duties at the highest level.”
In addition to his supervisory role, Blount serves on the department’s recruitment team, helping to identify and prepare qualified candidates for success in the police academy. His mentorship begins long before officers wear the badge and continues well into their careers.
For the past three years, Sergeant Blount has successfully coordinated the planning and execution of the popular National Night Out which was held last night and attended by hundreds. He has fostered community partners with Home Depot, Starbucks, Cost Less, Food 4 Less, and many others to assist with community events.
“Sergeant Blount does not shy away from the responsibilities of his position and he has become a trusted member within the leadership team,” said the chief. “He has earned a reputation as someone others can depend on to get things done efficiently, thoroughly and with integrity. He is well-versed in all facets of law enforcement, including the critical areas of supervision and risk management.
“His leadership, dedication, and service are a model for others and a credit to the organization.”
Tyler Wilson – Officer of the Year
Since coming to Ceres Police on Dec. 11, 2023, “Officer of the Year” Tyler Wilson has “quickly distinguished himself as a rising star due to his positive impact, outstanding dedication, strong work ethic and thirst to serve” the chief noted. “He consistently goes above and beyond in every area of his work.”
As a field training officer, Wilson’s positive attitude makes him a mentor and role model as he plays a key role in developing the next generation of Ceres police officers. He patiently guides them and provides clarity, helping them understand department procedures and how to apply case law to a variety of situations. He leads by example, instilling in trainees the values of integrity, professionalism and respect.
“Some of our newest officers have stated that their best learning moments were conducted under the supervision of FTO Wilson,” Johnson said. “He has emerged as in informal leader on patrol and frequently assumes a leadership role during rapidly evolving incidents. He is considered a trusted resource by his peers.”
Wilson also is a vital member of the department’s SWAT team where he exhibits the same level of discipline. He has shown a high absorption rate for critical tactical information and applying it effectively in training scenarios. His physical and mental preparedness, along with his ability to work alongside his team, has made him a valuable asset to SWAT operations.
“Through all the changes our department has experienced in the past year, Officer Wilson remains a steady and positive presence. He often volunteers to cover shifts when needed and continues to be a source of motivation and leadership for those around him. He always contributes to the morale of his fellow officers, never letting challenges affect his commitment to the department or the community he serves.”
The chief noted that Wilson was nominated to be the 2024 Officer of the Year by four of the department’s eight sergeants.
“He brings energy, positivity and reliability to everything he does, and his contributions have made a lasting difference in the department.”
Patty Godfrey – Volunteer of the Year
Patty Godfrey joined the Ceres Police Department as a volunteer in May 2022 following an impressive 37-year career with the Stanislaus County Superior Court. She has embraced her new role with enthusiasm and a genuine desire to serve. She quickly immersed herself in department operations by riding along on patrol shifts and supporting officers at DUI checkpoints.
“One of Patty’s most impactful contributions has been taking over the department’s quartermaster duties,” noted Johnson. “She meticulously inventories and manages department equipment, ensuring all newly hired officers are properly outfitted and ready to serve. Her attention to detail and dedication behind the scenes have proven invaluable.”
Godfrey is a familiar and friendly face at nearly every community outreach event. She regularly assists with Coffee with a Cop, National Night Out and numerous department fundraising efforts supporting Special Olympics of Northern California.
Patty and her husband, Ceres Police Lt. Jeff Godfrey, share three adult children. She recently welcomed her first grandson, Hunter, on Oct. 31, 2024, and is anxiously awaiting the arrival of a second grandson this September.
“Though many of Patty’s contributions happen behind the scenes, her impact on the department is significant. Her dedication, positive attitude, and unwavering support of our officers and mission make her an essential part of the Ceres Police Department family.”
Celine Gaitan Naranjo – Dispatcher of the Year
Celine Gaitan Naranjo joined the City of Ceres on Feb. 12, 2024, with no prior dispatch experience. She quickly adapted to the demands of the job and has excelled in training with remarkable speed.
“From the outset, it was clear that Celine possesses a rare combination of drive, determination and a competitive spirit. Her strong work ethic and unwavering commitment to excellence set her apart from the start. Celine approaches every task with a can-do attitude, consistently delivering high-quality work with a smile on her face and often a song on her lips.”
He explained that she sings all the time at work and is really good. “It is known throughout the department she’s probably going to be The Voice one day.”
“Her positivity is both genuine and infectious, uplifting those around her — even in high-pressure situations.”
When the dispatch center was recently presented significant staffing shortages with morale strained and the future uncertain, Naranjo remained committed.
When the city was faced with a crisis in the dispatch center with personnel leaving due to inadequate pay, causing stress from long hours of those who remained or those filling in, the city contemplated contracting out the service. Naranjo told the chief to drop the point-of-no-return date — set in case certain conditions weren’t met – to abandon the dispatch center.
“She refused to let external issues deter her progress, completing her training ahead of schedule to better support the team,” said Johnson. “Her belief in the resilience of our team and her refusal to accept defeat are a reflection of her commitment and optimism.”
Johnson said she is “an absolute pleasure to work with. She is always striving to learn more, do more, and be more — for herself, for her colleagues and for the community she so proudly serves. Her enthusiasm for this career is evident in everything she does, and her positive attitude contributes immensely to a supportive and collaborative work environment. She is the first to lend a hand, lighten the mood, or simply bring a moment of levity to a stressful shift.
“Despite being new to the field, Celine has progressed rapidly, to the point where she is now training incoming dispatchers. Her technical abilities grow by the day, but it is her professionalism, character, and relentless work ethic that truly make her an invaluable asset to our organization.”
Giovana Pineda – Professional Staff of the Year
Now in her sixth year with CPD, Records Clerk Giovana Pineda has consistently demonstrated a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and a strong work ethic. That earned her the “Professional Staff of the Year” award.
“Her steady demeanor and positive attitude make her someone colleagues know they can rely on, no matter the task at hand. Giovana approaches her work in police records with diligence and precision, and she never hesitates to take on new responsibilities. She is a lifelong learner who seeks to grow in her role and who understands the importance of teamwork.
“Her efforts are the backbone of much of what we do. What truly stands out about Giovana is the quiet but powerful impact she has on those around her. Her dedication and consistency help create a more efficient, organized, and supportive environment, not just in the Records Division, but across the entire department. She leads by example and lifts up those who work alongside her.”
Special honor for Renee Howerton
The new chief gave Howerton, who is in charge of the Property and Evidence Room, special recognition for her 35 years of service to CPD as she anticipates retirement in a few years.
Howerton began her employment on April 1, 1990 as a Police Office Assistant I, which was later changed to Records Clerk. Two years after starting, she became a Community Service Officer, preparing and delivering court documents, handling pre-bookings and citation sign-offs, reviewing report writing, issuing parking and abandoned vehicle citations and she oversaw the Neighborhood Watch and crime prevention programs.
Within seven months of becoming a CSO in October 1992, Howerton took over the Property and Evidence Room where she continues to serve. The chief said hers is a huge responsibility which includes maintaining, controlling and coordinating all property and evidence. The job entails staying on top of the retention and release of evidence, staying up-to-date on the latest case law surrounding evidence storage and processing, knowing when evidence can and cannot be destroyed and making trips to the DOJ to drop off drug evidence. He also noted that she comes into work when other employees are off for the Christmas and New Year holidays “as evidence doesn’t take a holiday and must be processed in a timely manner.”
During her 33 years in Property, Howerton has seen and maneuvered through huge changes in how property is handled. She has seen technological advancements, evolving legal standards and increased awareness of maintaining the chain of evidence.
In 2017 she was named the 2016 Central Valley Chapter Property Officer of the Year.
In 2022, during the height of COVID, she and volunteer Peggy Cole created the Department’s Property Manual which outlines how to properly handle all types of property and evidence.
New officers recognized
The chief spent some time introducing three new officers: Lauren Huff and Kyle Hatcher. While they have been on patrol for some time they all participated in a public swearing-in ceremony. New officer Jacob Henn was unable to attend.
Lauren Huff
Officer Lauren Huff started with the Ceres Police Department on April 9, 2024 as a fulltime dispatcher. Previously she had been a Manteca Police officer and a Merced County Sheriff’s deputy. After a year of dispatching, Huff decided to go back to being an officer with her transition complete on May 4.
Born and raised in Turlock, Huff graduated from Turlock High School. She and husband Chuck Lord-Huff (a Ceres Police canine officer) have three children, Sean, Liam and McKinley. In her leisure time, she enjoys cooking, riding her Onewheel, wake surfing, riding horses, getting out in nature and spending time with family and friends.
Lauren’s badge was pinned on by her husband and sons Sean and Liam while her parents Rachel and Teddy Ayres watched on.
Kyle Hatcher
Hatcher came to Ceres Police on Jan. 12 after four years with Livingston Police. Born in Modesto, raised in Turlock, he currently lives in Hughson with his wife, Amy, his high school sweetheart. She is an intensive care unit nurse at Memorial Medical Center. They have been together for 13 years and have an 18-month-old son, Dane.
Among Hatcher’s favorite pastimes is spending time at the boxing gym, barbecuing at home, skiing, riding motorcycles and DIY projects.
Amy pinned on his officer’s badge with son in tow and his parents Jeff and Jane Hatcher watching on.
Jacob Henn
Henn came to the Ceres Police Department on Jan. 12, 2025, after five years with Vacaville Police where he was a field training officer and advisor for the PAL and cadet programs. He was unable to participate in the event due to his wife Tayler just having given birth to their son Jacob Henn Jr.
Born in Vallejo, raised in Vacaville and now living in Salida, Henn and wife also have a 3-year-old daughter, Kennedi.
Jacob’s favorite pastimes are spending time with family and his Great Dane. They enjoy going to the park, riding bikes and playing sports.
