Police and Fire Departments of Sausalito The Sausalito Police Department is unique in that during the 1920s and 1930s, the majority of crime was due to bootleggers. Many of the criminals in early days were associated with the Mob such as Lester Gillis “Baby Face Nelson”, a Chicago bank robber. Nelson settled in Sausalito, working as a bartender and parking attendant with no one being the wiser to his violent past. Today, Chief Jennifer Tejada runs a tighter department, with the assistance of four additional administration personnel, four watch commanders, two detectives, nine patrol officers, one reserve officer, and five parking enforcement officers.
In addition to full-time staff working for the Sausalito Police Department, there are also a number of community programs. These programs are designed so residents and business owners can work with the department to help with crime prevention. This type of partnership is the reason the police department is so successful and respected. The goal of everyone is to improve the community’s environment, safety, economic vitality, and quality of life. Non-emergency calls are answered 24/7 at 415-289-4170 and for emergencies, people need to use the 911 system.
Additionally, the Sausalito Fire Department is just as vital. Although, Chief Powers was killed in the line of duty in 2008, the department pulled together and today, continues for fight fire in Sausalito, Ca, as well as provide medical emergency services. Formally known as The Southern Marin Fire Protection District, this department was first formed back in 1999 when the Tamalpais Fire Protection District and the Alto-Richardson Fire Protection District merged. Then only three years ago, the Sausalito Fire Department merged with SMFD, which expanded the coverage offered to 11.5 square miles.
In all, some 27,700 people are provided with protection from fire in Sausalito, Ca, as well as six other communities. With a full-time staff consisting of 52 dedicated professionals spread out among three stations, more than 4,000 calls are responded to every year. As mentioned, along with fire fighting services, 15 of the firefighters are also paramedics, aiding in emergency calls pertaining to illness or injury. To speak to someone during business hours, people can call 415-388-8182 or for emergencies, 911.