David L. Fender, a 33-year veteran of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, was promoted to the rank of Commander by Sheriff Lee Baca in March of 2008, and was assigned to the Correctional Services Division where he oversees the Medical Services Bureau and jail facilities security audits.
Commander Fender’s career with the Sheriff’s Department began in December 1974, as a pre-academy deputy working at Men’s Central Jail. Three months later in 1975, he attended the Department’s Training Academy and graduated as a Deputy Sheriff. His first assignments were the Hall of Justice Jail, Men’s Central Jail, and Lakewood and Industry Stations. In addition, he was assigned to the Academy Training Bureau where he worked with Reserve Deputy Sheriffs from the movie industry in filming officer survival training films. In 1986, he was promoted to Sergeant and served at Pico Rivera, Industry, and Walnut Stations. In addition, he was assigned to Narcotics Bureau in 1990, where he served as a team sergeant for station level crews, major violators teams, and was assigned to the Drug Enforcement Detail supervising a multi-agency clandestine lab team.
Upon being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 1996, Commander Fender was assigned to Custody Division where he performed the duties of watch commander at the Inmate Reception Center. In 1998, Commander Fender was transferred to Lakewood Station and took on the assignment of Service Area Manager for the City of Lakewood. In November 1999, he was assigned the duties of Operations Lieutenant at Lakewood Station. Commander Fender was promoted to Captain in March of 2002, and assumed command of Lakewood Station.
Commander Fender resides in Chino Hills with his wife, Patty. They have two sons: Derek, 27, who also is a Deputy Sheriff; and Randy, 24, a college student. He enjoys spending his free time with his family and loves to travel. His passions are sun and sand and he enjoys cruising the tropical waters of the Caribbean. He also enjoys going to the movies, fine dining, theatre, golfing, country music, and reading material for critical thinking.
