School Resource Officer Debbie Lamaison Returns To Rohnert Park Campuses

ROHNERT PARK-COTATI, CA — Officer Deborah "Debbie" Lamaison has returned to Rohnert Park schools, restoring a program that sparked months of public outcry after staffing shortages forced the city to pull its only school resource officer from campuses earlier this year.

The Cotati-Rohnert Park Unified School District announced Lamaison's return this week, calling it "a big win" for students, staff, families, and the community. District officials said her work building relationships with students, supporting school safety, and serving as a trusted presence on campus has left a lasting mark.

"Officer Lamaison's return is a big win for our students, staff, families, and community," the district said in its announcement. "Her commitment to building positive relationships, supporting students, and being a trusted presence on campus has made a lasting impact."

Lamaison's duties extend beyond responding to emergencies. School officials said she visits classrooms, talks with students, teaches safety lessons, and connects families with community resources while strengthening the partnership between the district and the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety.

Her return follows a contentious decision in January, when Public Safety Director Tim Mattos removed Lamaison from the schools and reassigned her to citywide patrol because of staffing shortages.

Mattos said the department lacked enough officers to maintain minimum patrol staffing and expected hiring and training replacements to take the remainder of the school year.

The move drew an immediate backlash from parents, many of whom flooded city officials with calls and emails urging them to restore the program.

One parent described the reassignment as "a terrible decision," while others argued Lamaison's presence helped deter violence, built trust with students, and provided reassurance to families following high-profile school attacks across the country.

Lamaison has become one of the city's most recognizable public safety officers during her years in the schools.

Earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Mike Thompson honored her as one of Sonoma County's Public Safety Heroes, recognizing her work mentoring students, supporting families, and strengthening ties between law enforcement and the community.

With staffing levels now improved, students returning to campus this school year will once again see a familiar officer in the hallways, classrooms, and school events, as the district and public safety officials resume a partnership many parents fought to preserve.