In Conversation with Chief Paul Tomasi

Over the years, I had the privilege of working with Chief Paul Tomasi through the Carmel Police Department and our CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) program. From the beginning, I admired his kindness, steady leadership, and deep commitment to serving others. He’s one of those people who lead quietly but make a lasting impact on everyone around them.

Now recently retired, Chief Tomasi shared reflections on his career, the lessons he’s learned about preparedness, and what gives him hope for the future of resilient communities. I’m honored to share his story and insights.

We began our conversation by talking about how his journey into law enforcement began, and what first inspired him to serve:

Can you tell us about your journey into law enforcement? What inspired you to serve, and how did that path lead to becoming Chief?

My path into law enforcement was not immediate. After completing my enlistment in the U.S. Army at Fort Ord, I decided to remain in California to pursue my education. To support myself, I worked full-time while attending classes at night and on weekends for nearly seven years. I earned an A.A. in General Studies from Monterey Peninsula College and then attended Sacramento State to pursue a science degree. When finances became a challenge, I returned to the Monterey Peninsula to work and save.

In 1995, I was admitted to CSU Monterey Bay as a pioneer student and began working for the campus police department as a Community Service Officer. I later became the university’s first Parking Enforcement Officer and eventually helped develop the campus transportation program creating shuttle routes, purchasing buses, and training drivers – all while completing my degree in Liberal Studies with an emphasis in teaching.

During my graduate work, the campus police department approached me about becoming a police officer. The relationships I had built and the confidence others placed in me led me to seriously consider the profession. After six years as a patrol officer, I realized that to grow professionally, I needed experience in a larger agency. I spent the next several years working for departments in Northern California and Sacramento, including a startup agency where I gained valuable hands-on experience with department operations, equipment, and policy development.

Ultimately, my wife and I chose to return to the Monterey Peninsula to raise our family. I joined the Carmel Police Department as a Sergeant and was fortunate to be mentored by Chief George Rawson and later Chief Mike Calhoun, both of whom modeled servant leadership, accountability, and community-focused policing. I was later promoted to Commander, where I oversaw key administrative functions including emergency preparedness, budgeting, patrol operations, and even served a year leading the Public Works Department.

These combined experiences prepared me for my next role as Chief of Police and Director of Public Safety. Leading a department that included Patrol, Dispatch, Parking, Animal Control, and Firefighter/EMT personnel was both challenging and incredibly rewarding. The constant variety and responsibility reaffirmed my passion for public service.

Over the years, what moments stand out most regarding leadership and community preparedness?

One of the most important lessons I learned early in my career was the value of relationships and trust. Mentors and my parents reinforced the idea that every positive interaction is like making a deposit in a “bank of trust.” I spent more than a decade in Carmel building this foundation, not fully understanding its value until the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 was the most difficult emergency of my career. There were no established plans or clear roadmaps, and constant changes created fear and uncertainty. While much of the world stayed home, our department continued serving, protecting shuttered businesses, enforcing regulations with compassion, and navigating intense political polarization. The death of George Floyd and the national debate that followed added another layer of complexity and emotion.

Throughout these challenges, the trust we had built proved invaluable. The community overwhelmingly believed in our integrity and commitment. While we encountered opposition at times, compliance remained high, and most people recognized the difficult position first responders were in.

One meaningful example was a planned Black Lives Matter march in Carmel. Some business owners considered boarding up windows or requesting heavy police presence. Instead, we chose to support the demonstration. Officers provided water and ensured safety. The result was a peaceful, respectful event with no damage or arrests, an outcome made possible by mutual trust.

Likewise, during prolonged restaurant closures, business owners worked with us, even in the face of financial hardship, because of that shared respect. Those moments reinforced that trust is not built during a crisis; it is built long before one occurs.

What is one lesson from law enforcement that every household should adopt?

Be prepared. Plan early and plan thoroughly. Families should be equipped for two scenarios:
1. Shelter-in-place: Are you ready to remain at home for an extended period without power or water?
2. Evacuation: Can you leave quickly with essential items?

My family has evacuated four times since 2020—due to a fire, two floods, and a mudslide. We learned what truly matters and how important preparedness is. I recommend assembling a “go kit” with essentials such as food, water, medications, batteries, candles, and important documents. Review it annually.

Too often, planning happens during the crisis itself, when emotions are high and mistakes are more likely. Choose one day a year to review your emergency plan and supplies. Many helpful guides are readily available to assist households in becoming better prepared.

What role do partnerships between police, fire, CERT, and the public play in building resilient communities?

These partnerships are critical. After 9/11, emergency response agencies recognized the inefficiencies of working independently. The Incident Command System (ICS) was developed to create a unified response structure across police, fire, and volunteer organizations.

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) have become a tremendous asset. One of my proudest accomplishments was helping build a strong CERT program in Carmel. Over the years, the team has grown in numbers, training, and capability. CERT members have supported winter storms, missing persons cases, major events, and accidents – providing personnel and capability that small agencies often lack. Their involvement significantly improves response efficiency and community resilience.

What advice would you give new leaders or volunteers entering emergency management roles?

Start with preparation.

• Ensure policies and procedures are current.
• Conduct tabletop and functional exercises to train personnel.

A leader who is prepared will be better equipped to manage a crisis, support their team, and maintain operational effectiveness when it matters most.

What makes serving a small coastal community like Carmel unique in terms of preparedness and response?

Contrary to common belief, leading in a small town can be more demanding than leading a larger agency. In smaller communities, chiefs often wear multiple hats, including emergency manager<, and may not have the staffing or resources that larger departments rely on.

During crises, responsibilities that might be delegated elsewhere often fall directly to the chief. It is not unusual to step out from behind the desk and be physically present on the scene, involved in hands-on response activities. The breadth of responsibility is challenging, but also deeply rewarding.

As you reflect on your career, what gives you the most hope for the future of community preparedness?

I’m encouraged by the progress made in emergency management. The universal adoption of ICS has created structure and consistency across agencies. CERT programs have empowered communities and significantly expanded response capabilities.

Technology has also transformed preparedness – from rapid public alert systems like AlertMontereyCounty.org to shared data and resource coordination. These tools allow agencies to respond more quickly, efficiently, and collaboratively.

Looking ahead, continued advancements in technology will further enhance planning, response, recovery, and mitigation efforts. The future holds tremendous promise for stronger, smarter, and more resilient communities.

Thank you to Chief Tomasi for your years of service and for sharing your thoughtful perspective on leadership, preparedness, and community. Your words are a powerful reminder that readiness begins long before an emergency, in how we connect, plan, and care for one another every day.