Mike Raasch, Windsor Police Chief
Windsor Town Manager Ken MacNab has announced the appointment of Mike Raasch as Windsor’s new Police Chief, effective May 12, 2021. Raasch will replace Windsor Police Chief Ruben Martinez who announced his retirement after two years of service as Chief and a 30-year career in law enforcement.
Raasch has served in the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for over 25 years, where he currently holds the rank of Lieutenant. Assignments Raasch has held during his career with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office have included the Community Oriented Policing & Problem Solving Unit; Property Crimes Investigations Detective; Patrol Lieutenant – Watch Commander; and Cold Case Detective. Raasch most recently oversaw both the Guerneville and Sonoma Valley Sheriff’s Office Substations. In addition, Raasch held collateral assignments, which included managing the Field Training Officer Program, the Helicopter Unit, Crisis Intervention Training, and the patrol vehicle fleet.
Prior to serving with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Raasch served six-years as a Police Officer with the Sausalito Police Department.
Town Manager Ken MacNab stated, “We are excited to have Mike serve as our Police Chief. Mike’s background and experience in law enforcement and commitment to community policing make him a great fit for Windsor. He knows the officers in our Police Department well and will be a great leader.”
Commenting on his appointment, Lt. Raasch stated, “I look forward to engaging the community and continuing the positive relationships that Chief Martinez has developed. My entire career has been focused on community oriented policing. I am very excited to be selected as the next Windsor Police Department Chief of Police.”
Sonoma County Sheriff Mark Essick stated, “I am pleased with Lt. Raasch’s appointment as Windsor’s next Police Chief. The Sheriff’s Office values its relationship with the Town of Windsor and we are committed to providing top quality law enforcement services to the community.”
Pursuant to an agreement for law enforcement services, the Town of Windsor contracts with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for law enforcement services, including all police personnel. Under the agreement, the Sheriff coordinates the selection and appointment of the Chief with the Town. The Town Manager designates the final selection of the Chief, and the Chief remains an employee of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. The Town continues to be rated as one of the safest cities in California, while continuing to enjoy cost-effective police services at a per-capita cost that is 39% below the average of other cities in the county.
