Featured Employees

In an effort to introduce members of our department to members of our community, we have included a brief biography of three of our employees. They have been selected for inclusion by the Police Officers Association. The featured employees are rotated quarterly.

Corporal Steven Mendez

Steven Mendez was born and raised in Union City. He attended all local schools (Searles Elementary, Barnard-White Middle School, and James Logan High School). Steven began his career with the Union City Police Department in 1987 as a volunteer Police Explorer, where he rose up the ranks to the position of Captain. Steven was hired as a Records and Communications Cadet in 1989 and then became a Prisoner Transportation Officer in 1991. He was hired as a Police Officer in 1997 and has served in the Community Oriented Policing and Problem Solving Unit (C.O.P.P.S) as a Union Landing Officer, and as the Decoto District C.O.P.P.S. Officer. Steven has also served as a Bicycle Patrol Officer/Instructor, Hostage Negotiator, S.W.A.T. team operator, Parent Project co-facilitator/teacher, Field Training Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, and as a Board Member of Centro de Servicios. Steven was promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2006 and is currently assigned to the Investigations Unit. He has returned to his roots and recently volunteered to become the department's Police Explorer Advisor. Steven has three children, is engaged to be married, and enjoys spending time at home with his family and dogs.

Lieutenant Ben Horner

Lieutenant Ben Horner has over twenty years of service with the Union City Police Department, including assignments as a Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, DARE Officer, Detective Unit, Gang Unit, Personnel and Training, Bicycle Enforcement, and Police Explorer Advisor. Lieutenant Horner is currently in the Operations Division where he oversees Patrol Operations, the Community Policing Unit, Union Landing Substation, and the School Resource Officers. During his spare time Lieutenant Horner likes to play tennis, run, read, and spend time with his family.

Previously Featured Employees