Coronado's bay waters and waterfront will get a new top cop Dec. 10.

Port of San Diego Harbor Police Chief Magda Fernandez will retire that day after more than 25 years with the department, the Port of San Diego announced Wednesday, Oct. 28. Port President and CEO Scott Chadwick has appointed Assistant Chief Jeffrey Geary to succeed her and Captain Jonathan George to become assistant chief.

Fernandez was the first Latina to lead Harbor Police and the first Latina police chief in all of San Diego County, according to the Port. She was also the second woman to lead the department, the San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Harbor Police provides law enforcement and marine firefighting services on and around San Diego Bay. The department's roughly 145 sworn officers serve Coronado, Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City and San Diego. Harbor Police also provides policing at San Diego International Airport under a contract with the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

All Harbor Police officers are cross-trained to prevent crime on the waterfront and fight fires on the water, according to the Port. The department also runs an underwater search-and-rescue team, a Maritime Tactical Team and participates in the FBI-led Joint Terrorism Task Force.

Fernandez's path

Fernandez grew up in Arizona and joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1994, eventually landing in San Diego. She joined Harbor Police as a recruit in 2001. She rose through the ranks, leading units including investigations, intelligence, professional standards and training, according to the Port's announcement.

She took over as acting chief in February 2022 and was tapped to take the role permanently three months later, the Union-Tribune reported. During nearly five years leading the department, she developed a five-year strategic plan focused on officer wellness, recruitment and retention, according to CBS 8.

"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the Port of San Diego and the communities around San Diego Bay alongside the dedicated women and men of Harbor Police," Fernandez said in a statement.

Chadwick said in a statement that Fernandez's leadership "has strengthened our Harbor Police Department, built trust throughout the communities around San Diego Bay, and inspired those who have had the privilege of serving alongside her."

Geary steps in

Geary has spent nearly 25 years with Harbor Police. Before his promotion to assistant chief in May 2022, he oversaw criminal investigations, internal affairs, homeland security, training and special teams including the dive team, according to the Port.

He graduated in September from the FBI National Academy, a 10-week residential program for experienced law enforcement officers. In 1996, the Honolulu Police Department awarded Geary a Civilian Medal of Valor for rescuing three drowning victims in large surf off Oahu.

George, who will become assistant chief, has served as a Harbor Police captain since November 2021. He joined the department in March 2001 and is a two-time MADD Officer of the Year recipient, according to the Port.

Both Geary and George take their new roles Dec. 10.