Executive Board
The elected board members of the El Monte Police Officers Association are proud to represent the brave officers of El Monte.
Wyatt Reneer
My name is Wyatt Reneer I am the current sitting President of the El Monte Police Officer Association. I grew up in El Monte, with my father also serving on the force and retiring as a sergeant. It has been a constant adventure following in his footsteps.
I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Reserve in 1999 and was assigned to the 2nd Battalion 23rd Marine Regiment which is a reserve Infantry battalion. Shortly after the September 11th attacks, my unit was activated and assigned to be the quick reaction force in Camp Pendleton should America encounter another attack. In February 2003, my unit deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom. I received the Combat Action Ribbon and my unit received the Presidential Unit Citation.
After returning home I pursued a career in law enforcement and began my career as a jailer with the El Monte Police Department. I became a sworn officer in 2007, serving as a Deputy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff Department. But I always considered El Monte my home and returned in 2014 as a police officer. I am currently assigned as a senior detective and specialize in internet crimes against children investigations.
I have stayed busy during my time in law enforcement attaining three Associate Degrees, a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Arizona State University – graduating Suma Cum Laude, a Juris Doctorate Degree from the University of La Verne College of Law, and was admitted to the California State Bar in 2020. The El Monte Police Department encourages and fosters an atmosphere that promotes continuing education and I am eternally grateful for the support.
I truly believe we work for one of the best, most well-known and respected agencies in California. I am humbled to serve as your EMPOA President and given the track record of our long line of former presidents and board members, I have some big shoes to fill. I welcome the challenge and strive to serve my department and community with distinction. I cherish our department and community, and sincerely stand behind our motto: “Solidarity with the Community.”
Joseph Trejo
Hello, my name is Joseph Trejo, I am the Vice President of the El Monte Police Officers Association. After graduating from Arroyo High School in 2000, I joined the United States Air Force where I served 4 1/2 years doing Security Forces, Communications, and served in the Air Force Honor Guard.
In March of 2008, I was hired by the City of Arcadia and graduated from the Rio Hondo Police Academy, Class # 187. For 10 years, I was assigned to Patrol operations as well as served on the Departments Honor Guard. I attended California Coast University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. I am currently attending the University of Phoenix working on a master’s degree in business.
I started with the El Monte Police Department on October 16, 2017. While at the El Monte Police Department, I have worked as a patrol officer, and was promoted to Detective in September of 2020. I am also assigned to the Los Angeles Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Taskforce as a Digital Forensics Investigator.
It is a true blessing to be raised in the City of El Monte, and now an honor to work for the city as a Police Officer for the El Monte Police Department. I enjoy serving on the EMPOA Board and helping our members. I believe we have one of the best Police Departments and Police Associations in the nation.
Roger Sardina
I began my career as a Police Cadet in June of 2005 and was later promoted to Police Officer in June of 2008.
For several years, I worked on Patrol until I was given the opportunity to join the Specialized Investigation Team (SIT) as a Detective in 2016.
In January of 2023, I was honored to be elected as the Secretary of the El Monte Police Officers Association.
Rene Flores
I started my career with the El Monte Police Department in 2005 as a Police Cadet. I was sponsored by the El Monte Police Department to attend the Rio Hondo Police Academy in January 2007 and graduated in May 2007.
My goal as a police officer is to help as many people as I can through the course of my career and build a strong sense of trust within the community I serve.
As a board member of our Police Association my goal is to continue building a strong relationship with the citizens and businesses of our City, by holding community events and interaction with our citizens.
I look forward to seeing what the future holds for our Police Department, Association, and our city.
Nicole Lona
Hello, my name is Nicole Lona, I am currently a Board of Director with the El Monte Police Officers Association. I was born and raised in the City of El Monte, California. I graduated from Mountain View High School in 2008. I attended Rio Hondo College, and I am continuing my education at California Coast University.
In August of 2014, I was hired by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, where I was assigned to Century Regional Detention Facility for approximately 2 years. In January 2017, I lateraled to the El Monte Police Department. I worked patrol for the City of El Monte for approximately 5 years and I am currently assigned to the Detective Bureau.
I am honored to work for the City of El Monte, and enjoy serving on the Police Officer’s Association Board.
Jared Atkinson
Hello, my name is Jared Atkinson.
I was hired by the Sierra Madre Police Department as a reserve Police Officer on October of 2009. Became a fulltime Police Officer in July of 2010.
June of 2013, I lateralled to the El Monte Police Department.
In June of 2017, I was promoted to the Gang Unit as a Gang Detective.
I was recently elected as a Board of Director for the El Monte Police Officers Association.
Victor Ruiz
Victor began his career in law enforcement in 2000 with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. Despite a short departure to Fontana Police Department, Victor has called El Monte PD home since 2004. Victor has served as a Field Training Officer, Detective with the Special Investigations Team and has been on the Defensive Tactics Unit since 2010. Additionally, Victor has taught as an adjunct instructor at Rio Hondo College, where he also served as a Recruit Training Officer (RTO).
Victor is working on completing his doctorate from the University of Southern California (USC) in Organizational Change and Leadership. He holds a master's degree in criminal justice and a certificate in Police Administration from Arizona State University (ASU). Victor obtained his undergrad in Criminal Justice from Union Institute and University. In 2017 Victor had a unique opportunity to study counter-terrorism in Jerusalem, Israel. Victor is also a four-time lifesaving award recipient. Victor's leadership style incorporates organizational justice theory, which he applies to his decision-making as an EMPOA board member.