06/22/2026
After more than 32 years of dedicated service to the Milpitas community, Assistant Chief Frank Morales is retiring from the Milpitas Police Department.
Frank's journey with Milpitas began in 1994 as a Police Explorer. In 1996, he was hired as a part-time dispatcher before becoming a police officer in 2001. Over the next 25 years, he steadily advanced through the ranks, promoting to Sergeant in 2012, Lieutenant in 2019, Captain in 2020, and Assistant Chief in 2023. Most recently, Frank served as Acting Chief of Police from January through May 2026, providing leadership and stability during a period of transition.
Throughout his career, Frank served in a wide range of assignments that reflected both his versatility and commitment to the profession. As an officer, he worked in Patrol and Investigations, serving as a Gang Detective in the Special Investigations Unit, a Field Training Officer, and an Emergency Vehicle Operations Instructor. As a Sergeant, he held assignments in Patrol, the Special Investigations Unit, the Crime Reduction Team, and Personnel and Training. As a Lieutenant, Frank oversaw the Patrol Services Division and helped establish the department's Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) program, becoming one of its first pilots. As a Captain, and later Assistant Chief, he helped lead department operations and played a significant role in the organization's growth, modernization, and continued success.
Frank's dedication and performance earned him numerous commendations throughout his career. In 2002, he received the California Highway Patrol 10851 Award for his work recovering stolen vehicles. He was also nominated for Officer of the Year in 2008 and received the department's Life Saving Award in 2016. These recognitions reflect the professionalism, commitment, and service he consistently demonstrated throughout his career.
While Frank's accomplishments are impressive, those who know him best will remember the impact he had on the people around him. He invested in the growth and development of others, encouraged employees to reach their full potential, and took pride in seeing them succeed. His lasting legacy will be reflected in the many careers he helped shape and the positive influence he had on those who served alongside him.
Please join us in congratulating Assistant Chief Frank Morales on his retirement and thanking him for more than three decades of service, leadership, and dedication to the Milpitas Police Department and the community we are honored to serve.
We wish Frank and his family all the best in the years ahead.
