If it’s up to him, Sgt. Jim Ross will start each day walking through one of the towns in his new stomping grounds, the San Lorenzo Valley.
Ross is the new San Lorenzo Valley Sheriff’s Service Center sergeant, replacing Sgt. Bill Gazza, who has served in the post for a three-year assignment.
“I think if you are not out there walking the beat and using your feet, you might not be doing your job,” Ross said.
Ross is planning to take a cue from former service center Sgt. Greg Landsdowne, who suggested that Ross start each day with a cup of coffee from a local shop and stroll through towns like Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek.
“My goal is to address any and all concerns,” Ross said. “Part of community policing is working with the public in ways that are not necessarily traditional police work.”
Ross, 39, lives in Scotts Valley with his wife and their 2-year-old child. He began his career with the sheriff’s office in 1992 as a patrol deputy before working as court security, a sex-crimes detective, a field training officer and a patrol sergeant. For the past five years, he has headed up the sheriff’s in-field training program.
Ross has spent two stints patrolling the San Lorenzo Valley — first as a rookie in 1992 and for six months later in his career.
He is still familiar with the valley — he was on the team that went to the home of accused dog abuser Robert Brunette in Boulder Creek a year ago to investigate the matter. He has also lived in the county his entire life.
Gazza has served as the service center sergeant for the past three years and will return to patrol as a watch commander. Gazza, a Ben Lomond resident, speaks fondly of his time at the service center.
“We worked really well with the community, especially the school district,” Gazza said.
During his time, Gazza piloted an emergency protocol program at the high school that has been adopted by high schools countywide.
“That program was hatched in the San Lorenzo Valley,” Gazza said.
He also enjoyed working with residents as part of unique local events like the Felton Remembers Parade, Highland Games and Boulder Creek Art and Wine Festival.
