Sonoma Report
The City of Rohnert Park has appointed Rick Navarro as its next director of public safety, bringing the longtime local resident back to lead the city’s integrated police and fire department.
Navarro is scheduled to begin the position on Sept. 22, 2026. He currently serves as police chief in Mill Valley, where the city said he oversees a full-service municipal police department and advises city leaders on public safety policy, emergency preparedness, risk management and long-term planning.
According to the city’s announcement, Navarro has 36 years of public safety experience, including more than 30 years in supervisory and executive roles. Before becoming Mill Valley’s police chief in 2021, he spent more than three decades with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. His responsibilities there included law enforcement operations, investigations, emergency services, special operations and administrative functions.
The city said Navarro has also held leadership roles during major emergencies and regional incidents, including serving as operations chief during activations of the Marin County Emergency Operations Center. As Mill Valley chief, he led what the city described as the largest community evacuation drill in Marin County history and worked with fire, public works, emergency management and regional agencies on preparedness efforts.
Rohnert Park Mayor Emily Sanborn said the city was pleased to have Navarro’s experience and longstanding connection to the community in the position. City Manager Marcela Piedra cited his background in organizational leadership, emergency preparedness, community engagement and public-resource management.
Navarro has lived in Rohnert Park for more than three decades, including 34 years, according to the announcement. He has volunteered with Rancho Cotate Little League and supported football and wrestling programs at Rancho Cotate High School.
The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety has 108 personnel, the city said. Its public safety officers are cross-trained as police officers and firefighters, allowing the department to provide both services through one organization.
In his new role, Navarro is expected to focus on employee development, emergency preparedness, community engagement, resource management and public safety services. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration, is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, California POST Command College and West Point Leadership Academy, and teaches criminal justice-related courses as an adjunct faculty member at Santa Rosa Junior College.