City of SebastopolSebastopol City Manager Larry McLaughlin today announced that Commander Daniel Healy, currently second-in-command with the Suisun City Police Department, has been selected as Sebastopol’s next Chief of Police. Chief Healy will take the reins from Interim Chief Don Mort on December 14, 2020. The appointment follows a 10-month search, prolonged due to the COVID-19 pandemic, following the retirement of Chief James Conner in December of 2019.

Healy, a California native, holds a degree in Criminal Justice from California State University, Stanislaus and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Tiffin University in Tiffin, Ohio. Healy began his career in law enforcement as a Police Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department in 2003 and served there for 9 years before joining the Suisun City force. He has served with the Suisun City department for the past 8 years, initially joining as a Sergeant in 2012. He was promoted to the rank of Commander in July of 2018.

“The City of Sebastopol is looking forward to welcoming Chief Healy,” said City Manager McLaughlin. “Our selection process included exhaustive interviews, first with law enforcement professionals with experience in small cities such as ours, and then by a group of regional residents with deep ties to social justice and racial equity efforts. These interviews were followed up by an interview with the City Council”. McLaughlin continued, “After interviewing a number of candidates, we concluded that Dan is the right choice for Sebastopol’s needs. In addition to his other qualifications, he’s demonstrated expertise in efficient budget management and recruiting and keeping high quality personnel.”

Mayor Patrick Slayter adds, “Recruiting someone who shares our community values was paramount. Everyone who participated in the recruitment and interview process was impressed with Dan’s sincerity, professionalism, and commitment to honest and collaborative communication. Dan has a history of promoting diversity within department ranks as well as a transparent and positive management style. His track record of community policing and proactive outreach to all segments in the very different communities he has worked speaks to his abilities”.

During his career with Suisun City, Healy worked on special projects including updates to the Solano County emergency communications systems using new technologies and on regional service solutions as part of the Solano Transportation Authority Safe Routes to Schools program. He has served as an Adjunct Instructor at the Los Angeles campus of Union Institute and University for in-class and online classes in Emergency Services Administration, Legal, Economic and Ethical Issues in Emergency Services Management, and Critical Incident Management and Response.

Said Chief Healy, “I am grateful to the City Sebastopol for entrusting me to be their police chief. I look forward to collaborating with the community, city staff and police department personnel. Together we will develop a shared vision for the future of the department. I’m excited to get started.”

Chief Healy will be sworn in at the December 15 Council meeting, which will be held virtually and will begin at 6 pm. Instructions on how the public may participate in the meeting can be found on the meetings section of the City’s website.