Lieutenant Fetterling

Lieutenant Sarah Fetterling began her career with the Tustin Police Department on January 14, 2008, and graduated from the POST-certified Golden West College Police Academy, Class #135, in July 2008.

CAREER

OFFICER

She served as a Patrol Officer from 2008 to 2010 and joined the Honor Guard in 2010, representing the department at numerous law enforcement funerals. In 2011, she was assigned to the Special Enforcement Detail (SED), where she conducted probation and parole searches, undercover surveillance, and fugitive apprehension. During this time, she earned her certification as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).

In 2014, she became a Field Training Officer (FTO), mentoring several successful officers. She also contributed to the Body Worn Camera committee, helping test and implement the department’s camera system.

SERGEANT

Promoted to Sergeant in July 2015, she was assigned to Patrol and held additional responsibilities as the Scheduling Sergeant, Use of Force Reviewer, Honor Guard Coordinator, and FTO Coordinator.

In 2018, she became the Traffic Unit Supervisor and Tustin PD’s first female motorcycle officer. She oversaw the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Grant, Permit Parking Program, and Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT).

In 2019, she took over as the Community Resources Unit Supervisor, managing community relations personnel, the Homeless Liaison Officer, and the Emergency Operations Coordinator. She expanded the unit by introducing the Crime Impact Officer, a part-time Community Relations PSO, and implementing the Behavioral Health Response Unit (BHRU).

She returned to Patrol in August 2022.

LIEUTENANT

Lieutenant Fetterling was promoted on February 13, 2023, and assigned as the South Area Commander, overseeing all police operations south of the I-5 freeway and the Honor Guard Program.

In January 2024, she became the North Area Commander, supervising patrol operations north of the I-5 freeway and overseeing the Field Training Program.

As of June 3, 2024, she serves as the City Operations Commander, responsible for the Police Services Officer Unit, Detention Program, Canine Program, Crime Impact Unit, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Program, and Explorer Program.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

Lieutenant Fetterling holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in International Relations from California State University, Chico, where she played on the Division I women’s rugby team.

She is also a graduate of the POST-certified Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute (Class #487).

PERSONAL LIFE

In her spare time, Lieutenant Fetterling enjoys traveling with her family.