Santa Rosa Police Department and Santa Rosa Fire Department Honored by Rotary of Santa Rosa with Officer and Firefighter of the Year Awards 

On June 2, 2026, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) and Santa Rosa Fire Department (SRFD) personnel had the honor of attending the annual Rotary of Santa Rosa luncheon during which they honored a Police Officer, Firefighter, and Deputy Sheriff for their outstanding efforts in 2025. SRPD Officer Jon Crespan was named Rotary Officer of the Year, and SRFD Firefighter Nathan Dilly both received this prestigious honor. 

The Rotary of Santa Rosa Officer and Firefighter of the Year awards represent one of the highest community honors for public safety professionals, recognizing exceptional courage, professionalism, and service above and beyond the call of duty. Each year, Rotary acknowledges individuals whose actions exemplify a profound commitment to protecting life and strengthening community trust. 

Officer Jon Crespan – Rotary Officer of the Year 

Officer Jonathan Crespan, who joined the Santa Rosa Police Department on December 28, 2009, was selected by his peers for this prestigious honor; reflecting not only his actions in critical incidents, but also the deep respect he has earned within the department. 

Officer Crespan serves on the Hostage Negotiation Team, works as a Field Training Officer, is a member of the Mobile Field Force Team, and previously served as a Gangs Crime Team Detective. His diverse experience and leadership have consistently demonstrated a commitment to public safety and mentorship. 

Officer Crespan’s selection is grounded in several extraordinary incidents that highlight his professionalism, composure, and life-saving actions: 

In three separate critical incidents, Officer Crespan demonstrated decisive action, professionalism, and compassion under high-pressure conditions. In one case involving a violent stabbing at a high school, he quickly secured the scene and provided advanced medical care to a severely injured victim suffering from significant blood loss. Officer Crespan applied lifesaving treatments, closely monitored the victim’s condition, and accompanied the victim to the hospital to ensure continuous care, actions that were instrumental in the victim’s survival. In another incident, Officer Crespan responded to a crisis involving an individual in distress on the ledge of a parking structure. Working in coordination with another officer, Officer Crespan physically rescued the individual from the ledge. The situation was safely resolved through patience and precise timing, preventing a tragic outcome and ensuring the individual received appropriate care. 

In a separate homicide response, Officer Crespan was among the first on scene and immediately rendered aid to a critically injured victim, demonstrating professionalism and compassion despite the severity of the situation. Across all three incidents, Officer Crespan’s ability to remain calm, provide critical medical assistance, and make sound decisions under pressure highlights a strong commitment to public safety and the preservation of life. 

These incidents exemplify Officer Crespan’s dedication, quick decision-making, and commitment to preserving life. His actions consistently reflect the highest standards of the Santa Rosa Police Department and underscore why he was chosen to represent the department as Rotary Officer of the Year. 

“Officer Crespan is a consummate professional whose calm, decisive actions under pressure have saved lives and strengthened our community,” said Police Chief John Cregan. “Being selected by his peers speaks volumes about his character, leadership, and the respect he has earned throughout our department.” 

Firefighter Nathan Dilly – Rotary Firefighter of the Year 

Firefighter Nathan Dilly, who joined the Santa Rosa Fire Department in August 2022, was also selected by his peers for this distinguished award, a testament not only to his performance in critical situations, but also to the strong admiration and respect he has garnered throughout the department.  

Firefighter Dilly was recognized not only for his consistently outstanding work ethic and professionalism, but also for his extraordinary actions during a vehicle accident response on December 20, 2025. What began as a routine, non-injury collision at Ludwig Avenue and Stony Point Road quickly escalated when one of the vehicles suddenly ignited, trapping the driver inside. 

Shortly after arriving, Engine 10’s crew saw a fire erupt around a vehicle just ahead of them. The fire rapidly intensified with flames spreading in a liquid fuel pattern and extreme heat threatening both the driver in the car and responding personnel. Without hesitation, Firefighter Dilly assisted in deploying a charged hose line to contain the advancing fire. As conditions remained volatile, the driver could be heard screaming from inside the vehicle that was now fully involved in fire. Firefighter Dilly quickly advanced through active flames, forced open the driver’s side door, and rescued the conscious and distressed occupant, pulling her to safety while the vehicle remained on fire. 

The impact of these actions was powerfully underscored at the luncheon, where the rescued driver attended as a special guest. In an emotional account of the harrowing incident, she expressed profound gratitude for Firefighter Dilly and the entire crew, crediting their swift, courageous response with saving her life. Firefighter Dilly’s performance that day exemplifies exceptional bravery, composure under pressure, and dedication to duty, reflecting the very highest standards of the Santa Rosa Fire Department. 

“Firefighter Dilley’s bravery and commitment to protecting others, particularly in life-threatening conditions, exemplifies the very best of the fire service,” said Fire Chief Scott Westrope. “His actions reflect exceptional courage and a deep dedication to serving our community.” 

The Santa Rosa Police Department and Santa Rosa Fire Department extend their sincere congratulations to Officer Jon Crespan and Firefighter Nathan Dilley for this well-deserved recognition. Both individuals embody the courage, professionalism, and compassion that define public service at its highest level. 

The departments also extend their sincere appreciation to Mayor Mark Stapp, Councilmembers Natalie Rogers and Dianna MacDonald, City Manager Lori Ann Farrell, and Assistant City Manager Jason Nutt for attending the ceremony. They further thank the Rotary of Santa Rosa for its ongoing support and for recognizing the dedication of first responders, whose daily efforts make a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. 

Media inquiries for SRFD can be directed to Division Chief Fire Marshal Paul Lowenthal, 707-543-3542 or plowenthal@srcity.org. 

Media Inquiries for SRPD can be directed to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.