Belvedere moves to fill police vacancy, launch new reserve recruitment effort

Belvedere Police Sgt. Tom Sabido stands by a patrol car. Sabido announced his retirement effective in September, creating an opening that the city is now working to fill as part of efforts to address chronic understaffing in the four-officer department. (Clara Lu archive / For The Ark 2018)

Belvedere is seeking to replace one inactive full-time police officer and hire multiple reserves to ease chronic understaffing that has left four officers working 12-hour shifts and overtime to maintain 24/7 coverage.

City Manager Robert Zadnik told the City Council July 14 that the hiring process is already underway, with Police Chief Jason Wu confirming July 21 that three applicants have met minimum qualifications and are doing initial ride-alongs ahead of formal interviews.

The full-time position became available after Sgt. Tom Sabido announced his retirement effective in September, freeing a slot tied up by his medical leave, while the reserve officer positions could provide quicker relief amid ongoing staffing shortages.

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