SRPD Officer Matt Rooney is Selected as 2024 Rotary Officer of the Year

On May 28, 2025, Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) personnel had the honor of attending the annual Rotary of Santa Rosa luncheon during which they honored a Firefighter, Deputy Sheriff, and Police Officer for their outstanding and heroic efforts the previous year. Officer Matt Rooney was nominated by the Santa Rosa Police Officers’ Association (SRPOA) to receive this honor for his efforts in successfully de-escalating a potentially deadly situation involving a juvenile in crisis armed with a knife.

On May 9, 2024, SRPD officers were dispatched to a home where a young teen living with Autism was suffering a mental health crisis and armed themselves with a knife. The teen was threatening to harm anyone who attempted to intervene. Also in the home was an adult caretaker and two other young children. Officer Rooney responded to the scene and immediately began speaking with the juvenile. Officer Rooney has worked with children with autism in the past and is highly knowledgeable about the condition and often provides training to other officers as well as the SRPD Hostage Negotiations Team.

As the teen began to calm down, the caretaker and two children were able to safely be evacuated from the house. Officer Rooney continued to build rapport with and earn the trust of the teen, eventually convincing them to put down the knife and go to the hospital. This incident was incredibly frightening for the people in the home, but also for the juvenile in crisis.

Officer Rooney’s exceptional patience and de-escalation skills were instrumental in bringing a tense situation involving a juvenile in crisis to a peaceful and positive resolution. Through calm communication, empathy, and professionalism, Officer Rooney ensured the safety of everyone involved while helping the young individual receive the support they needed. This outcome reflects the profound impact of compassionate policing in our community. We are incredibly grateful for, and proud of, Officer Matt Rooney’s response to this situation. 

De-escalation is a vital component of modern policing, emphasizing communication, empathy, and patience to resolve potentially volatile situations safely. This approach represents an important cultural shift in law enforcement, moving away from force-first responses and toward strategies that prioritize preserving life, reducing harm, and building community trust. At the Santa Rosa Police Department, de-escalation is a top priority, which is why Chief John Cregan established the “Crisis Response Award.” This award recognizes officers who demonstrate exceptional skill in safely resolving high-stress incidents through de-escalation. Officer Matt Rooney was honored as the first recipient of this award for his outstanding response to the above-mentioned incident. His actions exemplify the department’s commitment to compassionate, community-focused policing and highlight the positive impact of this evolving law enforcement culture.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Rotary of Santa Rosa for their continued support of public safety in Sonoma County. Your commitment to recognizing and uplifting individuals who serve our community is deeply appreciated. By honoring the heroism and dedication of our public safety employees, you not only celebrate their courage but also inspire a stronger, more united community. We also wish to sincerely thank City of Santa Rosa Councilmember Jeff Okrepkie for attending the award ceremony. Your presence underscores the importance of this recognition and reinforces the value we place on those who protect and serve. Lastly, congratulations to Deputy of the Year, Lieutenant Kelly Burris of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, and Firefighter of the Year, Fire Captain Jessie Taintor of the Santa Rosa Fire Department for your respective awards.

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.