From local events to daily patrols, the Sebastopol Police Department is a constant presence in our town. But beyond the badge, who are the individuals dedicating their lives to our community’s safety? With a new police chief and fresh energy guiding the department, now is the perfect time to take a closer look. Their stories reveal that the people behind the uniform are also parents, neighbors, and community members, doing a job that’s anything but ordinary.

Often working behind the scenes, dispatchers are the heartbeat of public safety. In a small department like Sebastopol’s, there’s usually only one dispatcher on duty at a time. They are the first to pick up the phone when someone needs help, calmly coordinating calls and keeping officers and civilians safe. When you call the Sebastopol Police Department, it’s likely you’ll speak with either Emily Threadgill or Lori Comini. “People are calling us during what they feel is the worst day of their life,” Lori said. “We have to be the reason, the calm. That’s a challenge every day.” Dispatchers handle both emergency and non-emergency calls, dispatching one or two officers depending on the situation. But that’s just scratching the surface. They also manage the front counter, which can involve anything from releasing a vehicle to assisting someone who walks in with an emergency. Dispatchers are in charge of radio communication for all field units, logging traffic stops, processing reports, and making sure every case, whether it’s a collision or a crime, gets routed correctly.

Lori originally planned to work in child protective services, but found her way to dispatching after earning a degree in criminal justice. “We’re people too,” she said. “We were kids once. A lot of us have kids. We’re not here to jam anyone up, we just want people to be safe.” For her, the most rewarding part is hearing the positive outcomes from the cases. “You see the work you did and how it helped someone.” Outside of work, she’s raising two kids, volunteering at their school, and spending quality time with her family.

Emily, on the other hand, came to dispatching after a career in animal care. She trained horses, worked as a vet tech, and managed a clinic before realizing she wanted a job where every day was different. She paid her way through the academy and has been with Sebastopol for 11 years. Now, she also trains new dispatchers. But dispatching isn’t easy. “We already work 12 to 12.5-hour shifts, and if someone’s out, we cover it,” she said. “Hiring can take years.” She’s also open about the sacrifices: missing holidays, birthdays, even weddings. Still, Emily finds purpose in her work. “We’re always asking, ‘What can we do to help?’” Outside of work, she rides horses competitively and is raising her six-year-old daughter. Her advice to the public? “Know where you are. That’s the biggest thing I tell people. And if you’re not sure whether to call 911—err on the side of being safe.”

While dispatchers are the first voice people hear, officers are often the first face they see. Sergeant Andy Bauer didn’t always know he wanted to be a cop. In fact, he didn’t consider law enforcement seriously until his 30s. One day, while sitting in a Safeway parking lot with his infant daughter, he watched a Santa Rosa officer interacting with someone. “I thought, ‘I bet I could do that,’” he said. After a ride-along with a friend at the Sheriff’s office, he was hooked. Though it wasn’t his wife’s top choice of careers for him, Bauer pursued it anyway and found his passion. He understands the hesitation some students feel around police. “It is intimidating,” he said. “We’ve got all this gear on, and sometimes we act in a way that comes off as rude. But usually, there’s a reason.” He emphasized that small-town policing is different. Officers here build lasting relationships. As a former school resource officer, Bauer helped launch “Lunch with the Law,” where he’d take local students out for pizza. “I still see kids who remember me from that,” he shared. His advice to students interested in law enforcement? Focus on communication, writing, fitness, and problem-solving. He also recommends signing up for ride-alongs or explorer programs. Outside of work, Bauer enjoys hiking, photography, and national parks with his wife and kids.

Officer Jaime Baldovinos had his sights set on law enforcement from a young age. After initially failing out of Santa Rosa PD’s program, he was referred to Sebastopol and found his fit. “We handle everything from traffic stops to public nuisance reports to student cases,” he explained. Each call is different, and that’s the hardest part. “You have to figure out the best way to respond to every situation,” he said. But helping people makes it worth it. “Helping a victim find closure or providing aid—that’s the most rewarding part.” He’s also a proud father of five boys. “My only hobby is my family…I’m always tired,” he joked. He hopes young people understand police officers are human, too. “We’re not the big bad cops. We’re just people who put on a uniform every day.”

Officer Paige Thomas, recently named Employee of the Year, always wanted to follow in her father’s law enforcement footsteps, even though her parents were hesitant. After earning a communications degree and trying out other careers, she put herself through the police academy. Sebastopol took notice and hired her. She finds the job most rewarding when helping people through their hardest days. “What you’re doing now matters and will follow you,” she advised students, stressing the importance of smart choices early on. Her message to teens is especially important when it comes to emergencies. “Don’t be afraid to call for help, even if alcohol is involved. We care more about getting help than getting you in trouble.” Paige encourages ride-alongs and early involvement in the community. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking, family time, and working out to manage stress.

Police Technician Michelle Beckman has worn many hats in her 23 years at the department. Originally hired as a parking attendant, she’s now the sole evidence technician, files court documents, helps with dispatching, works the front counter, and assists on calls. “My job can be anything,” she said. With both her father and grandfather having served in Sebastopol PD, Beckman always knew she’d end up in law enforcement. But she wants young people to understand how perception can be a challenge. “There’s a lot of negativity shown toward us, we are severely judged,” she said. “But we’re just normal people.” Her advice? Stay away from bad influences early on. “What you do now can disqualify you later,” she warned. She encourages students to check out cadet programs or internships with the Sheriff’s Office to get experience firsthand. Outside of work, she spends time with her two sons and enjoys horseback riding, camping, shooting, and raising animals—especially her chickens. “I’m a crazy chicken lady,” she laughed. “Chickens are just delightful.”

Last year, Chief Ron Nelson retired, but he’s stayed on temporarily as Interim Captain while the department transitions leadership. Taking over as Chief is Sean McDonagh, who brings global experience and a modern approach. Originally from Australia, McDonagh worked in both Australian and Colorado law enforcement before moving to Sebastopol. His background includes dignitary protection, intelligence work, and motorcade planning. Sebastopol’s small-town charm was a draw. “I saw the job posting and thought, wow, that’s a beautiful place. I’d love to work there,” he said. What stood out most was that this time, he wasn’t coming in to fix a broken department. “I’ve inherited a really great team.” McDonagh believes policing should be about service, not just enforcement. “If we just portray ourselves as law enforcement, it sounds like all we do is go out and bust people,” he said. “But our job is also about protecting the vulnerable.” He’s passionate about building public trust and improving officer wellness. Inspired by leadership speaker Simon Sinek, he urges his team to understand their “why.”

One of his ideas includes launching a volunteer horseback unit to patrol parks and connect with the town’s agricultural roots. Even more exciting for Analy students is the youth cadet program he’s working to launch with the school. The program would offer real experience in policing, help develop communication and leadership skills, and could even earn school or junior college credit. “I think a lot of fear comes from the unknown,” McDonagh said. “If we open our doors, we can show people that this is actually a great career.”

At the end of the day, the Sebastopol Police Department isn’t just a group of people enforcing rules; they’re members of our community, showing up every day with compassion, commitment, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether you see them at a football game, out on patrol, or in a moment of crisis—whether they’re answering a 911 call, guiding students, or caring for their own families after a long shift—these individuals are more than the uniform they wear. By getting to know them, we better understand not just the job, but the people behind it, and the many ways they serve and shape Sebastopol.

This year, I have had the privilege of interning at the Sebastopol Police Department. When I first started back in October, I didn’t know what to expect, but I have gotten to know some of the kindest, funniest, and most dedicated people I’ve ever met. As someone not too familiar with police work, they welcomed me with open arms and gave me a front-row experience into the world of law enforcement. I’m so grateful to have had this opportunity to not only learn from the people at the department, but also to see how much they care for our town. I hope this article helps you to see that, too.