After 11 years working devotedly as the Chief of Police for the City of Sonoma, Bret Sackett, has announced his plans to retire in July 2018.
Sonoma Police Chief Bret Sackett has served 28 years with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and 14 years for the City of Sonoma, the last 11 years as the City’s Chief of Police. Chief Sackett is currently the longest tenured police chief in Sonoma County. During his career, Chief Sackett gained a deep understanding of the law enforcement profession with experience as a correctional officer, field training officer, academy training officer, SWAT team member, background investigator, and detective in the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault unit.
In 2004, the City of Sonoma began contracting with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department to provide law enforcement services. The contract with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office has given the City access to the resources and expertise of the larger Sheriff’s Office and reduced liability for critical incidents and investigations, while being delivered a cost savings.
Chief Sackett joined the transition team in 2004 as a patrol Sergeant and in 2007, became Sonoma’s Chief of Police. Under his direction as Chief, the Sonoma Police Department has provided professional, firm, fair and compassionate public safety while connecting with the community. Chief Sackett has also built strong relationships with the La Luz Center and the Latino community, created a K-9 program, and fostered a financial partnership between the City, Sheriff and SVUSD for a School Resource Officer at Sonoma Valley High School. In addition to serving as the Police Chief for the City of Sonoma, Mr. Sackett has also had responsibility for overseeing law enforcement services for the unincorporated portion of Sonoma Valley on behalf of the Sheriff’s Department. This dual role has allowed for mutual support and streamlined services for both the City and the Valley. Chief Sackett’s leadership and emergency management coordination was critical in the response to the 2017 October Fires.
Chief Sackett has been recognized for his leadership and dedication to the community he serves. In addition to numerous letters of appreciation and commendation, he received the Sheriff’s Office Distinguished Service Award, the Optimist Club’s Officer of the Year award, and was honored by the Consul General of Mexico with the prestigious “Amistad Award” for his service to the Hispanic community.
Chief Sackett has taken great pride in his role within the community and enjoys serving others. He mentors 6 young men through the Sonoma Valley Mentoring Alliance, where he also serves on their Board of Directors. He also sits on the Board of Sweetwater Spectrum, an innovative housing model for adults with autism, and served with a variety of other non-profit groups over the years in their effort to make Sonoma Valley a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
“Chief Sackett managed with expertise, professionalism, integrity and a commitment to justice while also deeply understanding and connecting with Sonoma’s small-town character. Our community has been very fortunate to have the humble, strategic and authentic leadership of Chief Sackett. We are sorry to see him leave, but wish Bret all best in his well-earned retirement,” stated Cathy Capriola, City Manager.
“I have developed a deep respect and admiration for the Sonoma community and it has been my deep honor to serve as Sonoma’s Chief of Police,” says Chief Sackett, “I want to thank the Sonoma City Council for their commitment and support of law enforcement. I will miss working with the honorable and dedicated men and women of the Police Department and the City. I look forward to working with the City Manager and the Sheriff’s Office to select candidates for the next Chief of Police.” Prospective Sheriff Department candidates will be interviewed and a new Sonoma Police Chief will be appointed by the Sonoma City Manager Cathy Capriola.
The Police Department has a total staff of 16.5 employees; 1 chief, 2 sergeants, 10 patrol deputies, 2 community services officers and 1.5 administrative staff who are joined by a strong cadre of dedicated Volunteers and Police Explorers, which play a vital role in service to the community.