Rohnert Park has appointed longtime resident Rick Navarro as its next director of public safety, bringing over three decades of experience to the role.
Navarro, who has lived in Rohnert Park for 34 years, currently serves as Mill Valley’s police chief, a position he has held since 2021. He advises city officials on public safety policy, emergency preparedness, risk management, and long-term planning.
Navarro will begin his new position Sept. 22. Rohnert Park’s Department of Public Safety employs 108 people and integrates police and fire services. Public safety officers are cross-trained as police officers and firefighters.
Before joining Mill Valley, Navarro spent more than three decades with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office. His leadership positions included overseeing law enforcement operations, investigations, emergency services and special operations, as well as administration. He also served as operations chief within the county’s Emergency Operations Center during major emergencies and regional incidents.
Emergency preparedness has been a focus of Navarro’s career. As Mill Valley police chief, he led what the city described as the largest community evacuation drill in Marin County history. He coordinated operations with fire, public works, emergency management and regional agencies.
“Public safety is one of our most important responsibilities as a city, and strong leadership is essential to serving our community well,” said Rohnert Park Mayor Emily Sanborn. “We are very pleased to welcome him home to serve our community in this new capacity.”
Navarro also has longstanding ties to the community through volunteer work with Rancho Cotati Little League and support for athletics programs at Rancho Cotati High School.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, California Peace Officer Standards and Training Command College and West Point Leadership Academy.
