City of Sunnyvale Announces New Public Safety Chief

SUNNYVALE, CA- The City of Sunnyvale announced the appointment of Daniel Pistor as the new Chief of the Department of Public Safety (DPS) effective June 22, 2025. Chief Pistor currently serves as Deputy Chief of Fire Services for DPS where he leads strategic initiatives focused on emergency response readiness, firefighter safety, and operational efficiency. Pistor brings more than two decades of public safety experience to the role.  

“Chief Pistor is in a unique position to lead Sunnyvale's Public Safety Department into its next chapter,” said Sunnyvale City Manager Tim Kirby. “Over the past 22 years, he has risen through the ranks, earning the confidence and respect of his colleagues while strengthening the department’s reputation through dedicated service to our community. From day one, he will continue to lead our first responders with courage, innovation and an unwavering commitment to public safety.” 

Chief Pistor began his public safety career as a Police Officer with the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), where he served in the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas program and participated in multi-state investigations targeting major narcotics organizations. His work with HPD helped build a strong foundation in community-based law enforcement. 

Since joining Sunnyvale DPS in 2003, Chief Pistor has served in various roles, including Canine Officer, Police Field Training Officer, and Lieutenant overseeing Patrol Services, Fire Services, and Special Operations. He also served as Captain of the S.W.A.T. team and the department’s Public Information Officer. He played a pivotal role in leading the department’s COVID-19 response ensuring critical emergency support during a time of unprecedented challenge. 

“I’m honored to lead the exceptional professionals of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety,” said Chief Daniel Pistor. “Our officers and professional staff work tirelessly to protect and serve the community, and I remain committed to ensuring our department is accessible, transparent, and deeply engaged with those we serve. Community trust is the cornerstone of public safety, and I will continue to prioritize transparency, communication, and equity in every aspect of our work.” 

Chief Pistor continues to advocate for programs that build community connection and public trust. His commitment to community engagement is reflected through his leadership on initiatives such as the Sunnyvale Public Safety Citizens Academy, the Public Safety Explorers Program, National Night Out, and the Sunnyvale Firefighter Pancake Breakfast—all aimed at fostering dialogue, education, and connection between first responders and the community. 

Chief Pistor holds a Bachelor of Arts in Justice Administration from Hawai‘i Pacific University and is completing his Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership at the University of San Diego. He is also a graduate of the Senior Management Institute for Police. 

Chief Pistor was selected during a national recruitment for the position. The position became vacant after the retirement of Chief Ngo in April 2025. Deputy Chief Ava Fanucchi served as Interim Chief during the recruitment process.  

Sunnyvale’s public safety model is one of the most longstanding fully integrated police, fire and emergency medical services in the United States, and each sworn officer is fully trained in all three disciplines. Chief Pistor will oversee a department of 293 sworn and non-sworn personnel providing a range of services including emergency response, fire prevention, animal control, vehicle abatement, crime prevention, and code enforcement.     

Sunnyvale is the heart of Silicon Valley. With a population of 159,673, Sunnyvale is the seventh-largest city in the Bay Area. We’re a center of technology and innovation, but also a town of quiet family neighborhoods, strong schools and a diverse community of people. The city has 26 parks; facilities for golf, tennis and swimming; a library; and an arts complex. Sunnyvale’s historic downtown is home to a variety of local eateries and merchants, hosts frequent art festivals, concerts and a year-round farmers’ market. Sunnyvale has over 11,000 businesses that provide a rich mixture of goods and services, including many icons in tech, manufacturing, retail and research and development.