Petaluma Police Sergeant Retires After Distinguished, Decorated Career

PETALUMA, CA—A Petaluma police sergeant is retiring after more than 25 years with the Department.

The department announced Sgt. Paul Gilman—ID No. 2042-'s "well-deserved retirement" on Thursday. The department said Gilman served the Petaluma community and the police organization with dedication and professionalism.

The following statement is about Gilman and his career and was issued by the Petaluma Police Department:

Gilman began his career with the department on Feb. 9, 1999, following his honorable service in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of corporal. His military background, which included guarding President Bill Clinton at Camp David and training allied soldiers in Southeast Asia, laid the foundation for a disciplined and professional law enforcement career.

Early in his tenure, Gilman received numerous letters of commendation from the community for his swift and compassionate response to calls for service. His leadership potential was apparent from the start, organizing neighborhood meetings within his first year and earning commendations for narcotics investigations, warrant arrests, and even managing a high-profile animal cruelty case involving over 200 cats, which made national news and resulted in a felony conviction in Sonoma County Superior Court.

In 2001, Gilman displayed courage and professionalism during his response to critical incidents involving the officer-involved shooting of a fellow Petaluma police officer and the arrest of a DUI offender who had collided with another Petaluma police officer.

His contributions extended beyond law enforcement into community engagement, as he participated in events such as Tip-A-Cop for Special Olympics, firefighter appreciation dinners, and the Tom Lavezzoli Memorial Ride.

From 2002 to 2006, Gilman served as a field training officer (FTO), and from 2005 to 2010 as a defensive tactics instructor, ensuring the next generation of officers were well prepared and adequately trained.

In 2006, Gilman transitioned to the Investigations Team as a detective. He led complex homicide investigations and critical felony cases, demonstrating leadership and investigative skills. His approach to casework ensured justice was served in even the most challenging cases.

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Gilman earned a unit citation for his work in a multi-agency enforcement operation. This operation showcased his ability to collaborate across agencies and deliver results significantly impacting public safety. His efforts in the nationally recognized "To Catch a Predator" operation, which involved arresting 33 offenders and securing 32 convictions, showcased his dedication to protecting vulnerable members of society. His leadership and team were also recognized and honored at the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of the American Society for Industrial Security’s Annual Law Enforcement Appreciation event.

Gilman’s career has been marked by excellence and leadership. He continued to flourish in leadership roles on the SWAT team, where he served for over 20 years, culminating in his appointment as SWAT supervisor in 2021. His advanced tactical expertise, military training, and commitment to officer safety made him a vital asset in numerous high-stakes situations.

In 2011, Gilman was named Officer of the Year and received the Distinguished Service Medal for his efforts in guiding the department toward excellence and profound ability to serve justice. His unwavering commitment to the community of Petaluma and his dedication to service beyond law enforcement was immeasurable.

Sergeant Gilman’s steadfast dedication was inherently demonstrated through active engagement in a variety of outreach events, including the Every 15 Minutes program, the Butter and Eggs Day Parade, town hall meetings, the SRJC Puente Mento program, Community Police Academy presenter, Shop with a Cop at Target, and the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, among many others.

Through the next few years, Gilman continued receiving commendations from his colleagues and the public for his investigative work in cases ranging from illegal dumping and quality-of-life violations to domestic violence, stalking, and burglary, and, as always, most notably, his service to the protection of the city's most vulnerable population: its youth.

Promoted to sergeant in 2014, Gilman brought his wealth of experience to the role of mentoring officers, where he continued to serve his legacy of distinction.

In 2016, he was awarded the Medal of Valor for his heroic efforts in attempting to rescue two young girls after the car they were in crashed and plunged into the Petaluma River. Despite his immediate response and brave attempts to save them, the tragic accident claimed the lives of both girls. Gilman’s actions that day, though the outcome was heartbreaking, were a testament to his courage, dedication, and commitment to doing everything in his power to protect those in need.

His leadership and empathy led to his selection as Employee of the 3rd Quarter 2016, following a nomination from the entire Records Department. Also, in the same year, his Patrol Team was awarded a Unit Citation for excellence in policing to the community members of Petaluma with three major incidents during their shift: a medical emergency involving an unresponsive infant, a foot pursuit with kidnapping suspect, and the coordination of two simultaneous vehicle pursuits.

In 2017, Gilman further advanced his career by transferring to the role of detective sergeant. He led the Investigations Team until 2021 and graduated from the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute, Class 399. During his tenure, he was at the helm of some of the department’s most complex and significant cases, setting a standard of excellence in investigative work.

Gilman and his investigative team were awarded a Unit Citation in 2017 for handling 12 county-wide critical incident protocol cases in 14 months. His leadership during this period not only shaped the success of countless investigations but also reinforced the team’s reputation for thorough, professional, and effective case management.

Throughout his career, Gilman became known as an informal leader, making it his mission to mentor and develop those around him. He served as a board member and president of the Petaluma Peace Officers' Association while continuously contributing to numerous community programs, as mentioned above. He played a pivotal role in nonprofit organizations like Always Brothers. His humility, professionalism and commitment to the department have left an indelible mark on the officers he has mentored and the community he has served.

In 2023, Gilman was nominated and awarded Sergeant of the Year by his peers. This recognition was for being constantly trusted as a leader and mentor, excelling as a dayshift supervisor, and fostering a learning environment where officers and staff could grow through his guidance. Gilman’s ability to share valuable life and work experiences made his team more well-rounded, while his focus on procedural justice has ensured that both the public and colleagues were treated with dignity and respect. His immeasurable engagement with community organizations further solidified his commitment to building trust with the community.

Despite his many accomplishments, Gilman has remained unassuming, always focusing on "just doing my job."

His profound influence as a mentor and a leader will resonate for years to come, shaping and inspiring future generations of officers to uphold the same high standards of service, integrity, and dedication that he has exemplified throughout his career.

As Sgt. Gilman prepares to retire, we admire and thank him for his extraordinary career. His tireless dedication, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to justice have set a high standard for all who follow. Please join us in congratulating Sgt. Paul Gilman on his well-earned retirement and thanking him and his family for their service and sacrifices over the past 26 years.