CMA police chief's 1st day clouded by Virginia deaths
Times-Herald 4/23/07
"I became aware of it probably a little bit later in the day," Richard said. "I'm very thankful for the people who were able to get out and obviously very sad for those who lost their sons or daughters at a campus. That's such a tragedy that it's hard to express."
As reports continued to come in throughout the day and facts became clearer, Richard adapted quickly. She went to work with other campus leaders and coordinated an open forum Wednesday night to give students a chance to express how they felt about the tragedy. A "brown bag" lunch session followed on Thursday, when students were able to ask questions about safety and housing, among other issues, Richard said.
Her goal was "to make sure we're doing what we can to address the needs of our students," she said.
Richard is not new to incomprehensible situations. While working as assistant chief and night commander at the police department of the University at Albany, N.Y., the events of Sept. 11, 2001, unfolded around her.
"Shortly afterward we sent officers down to some of the campuses in the city that were more affected," Richard said. Her department also provided support to the State Emergency Operation Center, located across the street, as its New York quarters had been destroyed.
The Virginia Tech tragedy "definitely brought up a lot of similar feelings and overall concern for everybody's well-being," she said.
The main concern is assisting the families and college community in recovering, Richard said, "and then help prepare our own communities and do what we can to make sure we're continually preparing and training for such activities."
Richard is primed,having recently completed an active shooter training course in Sonoma County, which emphasized new tactics developed in response to situations such as Columbine, Richard said.
"Now when there is an active engaged shooter, officers are actually trained to go in the building and try to locate the shooter, as opposed to the old SWAT tactics," Richard said.
Her commitment to public service began early in her college career at the University of San Francisco. "I actually got involved initially as a student worker on campus," Richard said, and then became a part-time officer while pursuing a bachelor's degree.
"As soon as I graduated I went full-time and I continued to work for the department and continued my education," Richard said. She received a master's degree in public administration and a doctorate in education with an emphasis in organization and leadership.
Now Richard brings her knowledge and timely training to the Cal Maritime campus, the last in the California State University system to acquire an armed police chief.
"My goals for the campus in the future are to look at where we are right now and then look at the things that we can enhance and improve," she said. "I think it's very important to provide service, education and enforcement to the community."
While breaking new ground at Cal Maritime, Richard also holds a faculty position at Santa Rosa Junior College and chairs the Awards Committee for the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives.
Richard understands the importance of recognizing excellence and commitment, and she expects nothing less from herself.
While security is still a question heavy on many minds, Richard is looking toward taking what she can from her past experiences and applying them to her new campus.
"We're charging ahead and starting to develop here," Richard said. "As the campus grows, hopefully the department grows to meet it."
Rosann Richard
Hometown: Born in San Francisco, lived in Petaluma past five years
Family: Extended family in greater Bay Area.
Occupation: Chief of Police, director of public safety, California Maritime Academy, Vallejo.
Special interest.Season ticket holder to San Francisco Giants.
Most inspired by: Father
Quote: "My goals for the campus in the future are to look at where we are right now and then look at the things that we can enhance and improve..."