The city of Cotati has announced its next Police Chief as Chris Simmons, a member of the Contra Costa County Sheriffs Office.
Here is the formal announcement:
After a nationwide recruitment and search, including resident and stakeholder surveys, Cotati City Manager Damien O’Bid is pleased to announce the selection of Chris Simmons as Cotati’s next Chief of Police.
Born and raised in Novato, Chief Simmons is a lifetime North Bay resident who attended college locally at Sonoma State and Meridian Universities.
Chief Simmons began his public safety career with the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff in 1998, and over the last 26 years, has had opportunities to work and lead in virtually every aspect of policing and public safety. With assignments in specialized Patrol, Investigations, SWAT, Internal Affairs and Professional Standards, training, and various administrative and executive positions, Chief Simmons has served as a Deputy Sheriff, Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, and most recently was the Assistant Sheriff in charge of the Field Operations Bureau of the Sheriff’s Office. In this role, Chief Simmons oversaw a staff of over 375 in Patrol, Special Operations, and Investigations Divisions, including the contract cities of Danville, Lafayette, and Orinda.
“I’m very happy to announce the selection of Chief Simmons as Cotati’s next Police Chief. He has deep experience in public safety and is committed to working with the community to ensure that our Police Department works for all residents and continues to be a leader in innovation and community-oriented policing. Chief Simmons is the right person for the job and I look forward to working with him and our leadership team to continue to make Cotati the best place to live and work in Sonoma County.”
Chief Simmons has a Bachelor of Arts and two Master of Arts degrees in Psychology (Organizational Development) and Psychology/Criminology, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology. He is also a graduate of the California POST Command College and the FBI National Academy.
“I am extremely humbled and honored by the opportunity to serve the citizens of Cotati,” said Chief Simmons. “I am especially passionate about identifying meaningful opportunities where we can improve public trust and proactively enhance the department’s relationship with the community through the equity of public safety service for all our residents. I am grateful to be working with such a dedicated and gracious team of professionals who make up the Cotati Police Department and look forward to engaging and contributing to an even more profound and positive partnership with the residents of Cotati in the coming years.”
Chief Simmons is an avid hiker, rock and mountain climber, and adventure traveler. He also enjoys cooking with his wife Melissa and trying to figure out better ways to feed their 125-pound Great Pyrenees, Albert.
Chief Simmons started his position on February 12, 2024 and was introduced to the City Council and community at a swearing-in ceremony at the February 13, 2024 City Council meeting.
Cotati police Chief Michael Parish retired after serving for 13-years. His last day was December 22, 2023.
1 comment
Congratulations to the new Chief Simmons! It was a pleasure to work with you at Contra Costa County, whose loss is certainly Cotati’s gain!! Best wishes to you!
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