Joe entered the United States Marine Corps in 1990, trained as an Infantry Rifleman, and was re-assigned to the Marine Corps Security Forces Regiment, a dedicated Marine security, anti-terrorism, and close-quarters battle unit. Joe was stationed aboard the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln, a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and deployed twice to the Middle East during Operation Desert Storm. He also deployed to the Philippines to provide rescue and humanitarian aid after the eruption of Mount Pinatubo, the second largest volcanic eruption of the 20th century. During Joe’s last deployment, his unit was diverted to Somalia to assist with Operation Restore Hope. Joe was meritoriously promoted to Corporal and maintained that rank until being honorably discharged in 1994. Joe’s military honors include the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the Navy Battle “E” Ribbon, and he was a 4-time Rifle Expert and 2-time Pistol Expert. Joe is currently the Acting Chief of Police for the City of Newport Beach, having previously served since 2002 as a patrol officer, accident investigator, fraud detective, robbery-homicide detective, patrol sergeant, internal affairs officer, area commander, traffic commander, jail manager, executive officer to the chief of police, and Deputy Chief of Police, Detective Division Commander. Joe is Chairman of the Board of the Newport Beach 1st Battalion, 1st Marines Foundation, which provides support and relief for U.S. Marines and their family members who are injured, ill, distressed, or otherwise in need of financial or other assistance, does barracks renovation and painting, provides super meals at Thanksgiving, supports the USMC scholarship event, and provides the Field of Honor project in Newport Beach with labor to install the flags and to provide distinguished personnel for the Memorial Day ceremonies. He is also a board member of Leadership Tomorrow, a non-profit organization of citizens and leaders who work together to make a positive impact in their communities. Joe has a B.S. in Criminal Justice from CSU, Long Beach, a Masters in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix and is a graduate of several advanced law enforcement training courses, including the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, the Force Science Institute Certification Course, the Executive Development Courses for both California POST and the California Police Chiefs Association, and the California Police Chiefs Executive Leadership Institute at Claremont Graduate University’s Drucker School of Management.