Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Oakland, California

WHEREAS, Oakland enjoys a diverse ethnic and religious population, celebrating a history of promoting cultural exchange, good will, and fellowship; striving to confer tolerance, respect, and opportunity upon each individual and every segment of the community; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ron Jones, a native of the city of Oakland and a graduate of Oakland High School, began a life of dedicated service to his country in 1976 serving in the United States Army; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ron Jones, upon conclusion of active duty returned to serve our community in great capacity as an officer of the Oakland Police Department and in so doing, earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues and the citizenry; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ron Jones during his tenure with the Oakland Police Department received several awards in recognition of his skill in creating innovative strategies in auto theft recovery and training mechanics for police recruits; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ron Jones demonstrated an unwavering commitment towards the promotion of a safe and healthy community while assisting the public with genuine sincerity and sensitivity; and

WHEREAS, Sergeant Ron Jones will continue to be a source of pride of this community and leaves us to embrace his spirit of humility and respect for the people we serve and for each other;

THEREFORE, I, ELIHU M. HARRIS, as Mayor of the City of Oakland, do hereby proclaim November 21, 1994 as

“SERGEANT RON JONES DAY”
in the city of Oakland and urge its support and participation by all its citizens.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the Office of the Mayor to be affixed.

ELIHU M. HARRIS
MAYOR

Below is the Mayor's Proclamation declaring November 21, 1994, as "Sergeant Ron Jones Day" is a testament to Ron's profound impact as both a dedicated police sergeant and a cherished member of the Oakland community. His unwavering commitment to service, innovative crime-fighting strategies, and heartfelt dedication to the people of Oakland made him a beloved figure, whose legacy of humility and respect continues to inspire those around him.

CRIME FIGHTER

Ron Jones served as a dedicated crime fighter on the tough streets of Oakland as a police officer, often working undercover as a drug buyer to catch criminals in the act. Known for his sharp instincts and fearless approach, Ron gained a reputation for apprehending suspects involved in stolen car operations. These car thieves were frequently tied to additional felonious activities, and Ron's relentless pursuit of justice led to countless felony arrests. His professionalism and commitment to protecting the community earned him deep respect from both his fellow officers and supervisors, solidifying his legacy in the Oakland Police Department.

FIELD TRAINING OFFICER

Ron Jones was more than just a police officer; he was a mentor and leader as a field training officer for the Oakland Police Department. Tasked with guiding rookie officers fresh out of the academy, Ron understood that the journey from the classroom to the streets required more than just knowledge—it needed courage, compassion, and the ability to make split-second decisions under pressure. He took these new officers under his wing, showing them not only how to uphold the law but also how to truly serve the community. Ron’s approach combined wisdom, practical skills, and an unyielding sense of integrity, ensuring that each rookie was prepared to face the real challenges of policing with confidence. His influence was pivotal—transforming theoretical lessons into practical, life-saving actions on the streets. Through Ron’s guidance, many rookies grew into skilled, empathetic officers who went on to make a real difference in the neighborhoods they served. His leadership inspired a new generation of officers, instilling in them the values of honor, respect, and dedication.

CHIEF'S ASSISTANT/PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER

Shortly after being promoted to Sergeant, Ron Jones took on a unique role that extended beyond the streets of Oakland. He became the Chief of Police’s Administrative Assistant for Chief Joseph Samuels, as well as the Public Information Officer for the Oakland Police Department. In this dual capacity, Ron bridged the gap between the police department and the community it served. As the Chief’s right-hand man, Ron played a critical role in shaping department initiatives, offering insights grounded in his frontline experience. As the Public Information Officer, he became the face of the department to the media and the community, skillfully communicating vital information to the public during moments of crisis and celebration alike. Ron's calm demeanor, honesty, and professionalism gained him the trust of Bay Area journalists and community leaders. He wasn't just informing people; he was building bridges—whether by interacting with the media or by speaking at community events, Ron used his voice to foster understanding, transparency, and unity between the police force and the residents of Oakland. His work in these roles was instrumental in changing perspectives and reminding the public that the men and women in uniform were there to protect, serve, and support.