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Release #100125
Contact:
Rachel Davis, Deputy PIO
408-598-5072
rdavis@sunnyvale.ca.gov
SUNNYVALE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY CELEBRATES 75 YEARS
DPS hosts free community day celebration October 4, open to all ages
Sunnyvale, CA — Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety (DPS) is celebrating 75 years of proudly serving the community and ensuring the safety of all who visit, work and live here. First created in June 1950, the current public safety model is one of the most longstanding fully consolidated police, fire and emergency medical services in the United States, and each sworn officer is fully trained in all three disciplines. Prior to 1950, Sunnyvale had a small Police Department and a separate volunteer Fire Department. Today DPS has 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.
“For 75 years, Sunnyvale’s unique public safety model has stood as a national example of innovation and service. As we honor this anniversary, we also look ahead with pride and commitment to keeping our community as one of the safest and most welcoming cities in the nation,” said Sunnyvale Mayor Larry Klein. “Congratulations to our Department of Public Safety on this remarkable milestone.”
In the last year, DPS marked several accomplishments including:
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Nearly Fully Staffed: Continued recruitment and hiring efforts have brought the department close to full staffing.
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New Technology: Investment in Flock Safety automated license plate readers has already helped prevent and solve multiple crimes.
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Disability Awareness Program: A new program that provides first responders with crucial information to assist residents with disabilities, including dementia, autism, or visual and hearing impairments. Residents can sign up and find more information online.
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Mutual Aid: Sunnyvale officers provided aid statewide and nationally, from California wildfires to hurricane recovery in Florida, gaining invaluable emergency response experience.
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Community Programs: DPS hosted its Public Safety Citizens Academy and Youth Leadership Academy, educating residents and youth on public safety.
“This milestone gives us a chance to honor our history while reaffirming our commitment to the people of Sunnyvale,” said DPS Chief Dan Pistor. “Our goal has always been, and will always be, to serve our community with excellence and care. I am extremely proud of our entire team and the work they do every day to keep Sunnyvale safe.”
Sunnyvale DPS will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a free Community Day on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at DPS Headquarters, 700 All America Way, Sunnyvale.
Community members of all ages can enjoy free activities including:
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Live demonstrations from firefighters, police officers, K9 teams, SWAT, and drone operators
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Guided tours of the newly renovated DPS headquarters
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Hands-on activities and displays showcasing specialized equipment and vehicles
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Opportunities for youth to learn about training and volunteer programs
DPS is excited to welcome the community to its headquarters and showcase the dedicated people and programs that make Sunnyvale safer every day.
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About the City of Sunnyvale - 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 27 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, and 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.
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