Petaluma Resident Named Novato Police Chief

NOVATO, CA — Novato's next chief of police will have a short commute to work.

Jim Naugle, who was born and raised in Petaluma and remains a resident, has been selected to lead the Novato Poice Department, the city of Novato announced Tuesday.

Naugle will take over Oct. 23 as Novato's 13th chief of police, bringing a law enforcement career that began in 1998 in Novato full circle.

During his early days with the Novato Police Department, Naugle worked patrol, was a member of the special response team, and served as an instructor for DARE and defensive tactics. Since 2001, Naugle has worked for the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office where he rose through the ranks from a patrol deputy to a captain before his latest promotion to assistant sheriff.

"Jim's proven record of accomplishment and leadership with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office makes him an excellent match for the Novato Police Department and for our community," said Adam McGill, Novato city manager. "His depth of knowledge, measured style, and commitment to transparency will help ensure we maintain the high level of public safety standards that our community has come to expect."

According to city officials, Naugle's 22 years of service in Sonoma County included work in defensive tactics and internal affairs, showing he has a commitment to community policing and teamwork. He earned a bachelor's degree in environmental biology and management from the University of California, Davis, and is an adviser for the Salvation Army.

Naugle and his wife Kim have four sons, one who is in high school and three who attend college. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and coaching high school sports in Petaluma.

"I feel so fortunate to return to Novato after 22 years to lead the outstanding team of law enforcement professionals that make up our department," Naugle said in a statement. "As your chief, I'm excited to get to know this community and look forward to finding opportunities to build partnerships that'll enable our police team to provide the best possible public safety service. More than partnerships, I want to reach further into the community to those who don't think about the police department on a daily basis and ensure we're meeting the expectations of all our community members."

Naugle is scheduled to take over Oct. 23 as chief and will be paid an annual salary of $212,882. A formal swearing-in ceremony is planned Nov. 14.