Sean McDonagh was employed as Sebastopol’s new police chief on March 5. Earlier than that, he’d labored in regulation enforcement in Australia and, after he moved to the U.S. in 2016, as a police chief in small cities in Colorado. He was employed after an intensive search and interview course of. He’s an enormous fan of group engagement so little doubt you’ll be seeing him round city. We despatched Sean some fast questions so readers may get to know him a bit of higher.
The place did you develop up and what was it like?
I grew up not removed from Sydney, Australia. We lived on an acreage property with horses, tractors, previous automobiles and life was nice. It was a stupendous place to develop up and solely about 30-40 minutes from the gorgeous seashores of the Australian coast, with the most effective fish and chips. Climate was not dissimilar to components of California, with cool winters and sizzling summers.
What sort of child have been you in highschool/faculty?
I used to be lucky to attend nice colleges and to be afforded many unbelievable alternatives. That allowed me to have the ability to attend and full faculty programs and college. Trying again, I’d say that I used to be simply your common child at college. Once I’d end college, I’d work round my mother or father’s property on the garden tractor holding the grass lower, the tractor holding the pastures at bay, or for our neighbors holding their automobiles clear. That might kick the tin and provides me some money to spend. Work ethic was instilled at a younger age, and I’m glad that it was.
When did you first turn into fascinated about regulation enforcement?
I’d say that my first curiosity in changing into a police officer was once I was 5 years previous. An in depth household pal who was a police officer gave me a police hat. Paradoxically, it was stolen from my college once I took it in for present and inform. Maybe being the sufferer of a criminal offense that appeared so heinous on the time grew to become the driving power behind me changing into an officer. I nonetheless haven’t recognized the wrongdoer for that heist!
What’s your favourite half about being within the police/a police chief?
For me, my favourite half about being within the police has modified through the years. I believe all of us turn into peace officers to impact optimistic change locally, catching the ‘criminals,’ so to talk. As I’ve progressed via quite a lot of roles and duties in my profession, group engagement has turn into increasingly more necessary to me. Working in a group akin to Sebastopol and people I used to be at beforehand, you may actually see the distinction which you could make with that engagement. I additionally love to have interaction with the children, so in case you see me out and about, don’t hesitate to ask me for stickers; they’re at all times in my pocket!
In reference to my favourite half about being a police chief, it’s the flexibility to guide those who I work with by instance. You possibly can’t lead a corporation; you may solely run it. You possibly can lead folks, although. I additionally attempt to instill an method in these I work with that we exist to guard the susceptible from hurt. If we are able to apply that logic to our each name for service, we’ll do nice issues in our group.
What’s your least favourite half about being in regulation enforcement?
We’re anticipated to put on quite a lot of ‘hats,’ a lot of which we’re not skilled to carry out, but the expectation to carry out these duties stays. One instance is the distinct lack of assist for psychological well being providers. It’s a nationwide concern, and a big proportion of our requires service relate in a technique or one other to psychological well being. It’s an space the place I’d very very similar to to see enhancements and investments made, as police aren’t skilled and authorized psychological well being professionals.
What do you would like strange residents understood about police work?
That we spend a big portion of our time finishing reviews/paperwork as a part of our each day duties, together with steady obligatory coaching necessities which affect our capacity to be out and about as a lot as we’d wish to be. I don’t assume it’s broadly recognized simply how onerous the workplace work points of this occupation are, and it will get increasingly more so with every passing day.
What developments in policing do you discover most attention-grabbing or precious?
I discover points of bettering expertise in policing to be very attention-grabbing. Most of the developments in tech are aiding in holding our officers secure and are additionally helping us in reaching extra well timed outcomes for investigations.
What have been the values most emphasised in your house if you have been rising up?
My dad and mom each labored and offered a supportive residence. I imagine that created a powerful work ethic as I grew up and to this present day, I’m a workaholic.
What are the values that you just emphasize together with your kids?
Life isn’t a picnic and there’s no participation award in the true world. If you’d like it, you’ve started working exhausting for it. You’ll additionally recognize it extra if you’ve strived for it, too.
What would folks be shocked to study you?
That I performed the drums for a few years. I’m caught within the ’80s and like to attend live shows.
Bought any hobbies?
Fairly a number of, truly. Restoring ’60s muscle automobiles and now classic police automobiles that I like to make use of in group engagement and parades. The children love to take a look at all of the gear and play with the lights. I additionally get pleasure from snowboarding, having fun with the boat on the lake and touring.
Favourite books or podcasts and why?
I’ve at all times been drawn to books documenting battle and studying concerning the sacrifices that so many earlier than us made. I additionally actually get pleasure from Simon Sinek’s views on management. He has a really motivating and inspirational presentation type, particularly if you see him dwell.
