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Deputy Sandu, Community Resource Deputy for the City of Goleta, in front of Goleta City Hall
Source: City of Goleta
The City of Goleta is pleased to welcome two new faces to the Goleta Police Department. Lt. Rich Brittingham is the City’s new Chief of Police Services and Deputy Ben Sandu is our new Community Resource Deputy.
City of Goleta City Manager Michelle Greene said, “These are key public safety positions for the City and we are pleased to partner with both of these experienced law enforcement professionals to help maintain a safe community and provide a high level of service to our residents.”
Director of Neighborhood Services and Public Safety Vyto Adomaitis said, “The City of Goleta and the Sheriff’s Office enjoy a mutually respectful and collaborative working partnership. I am excited to work with both Lt. Brittingham and Deputy Sandu on the chief concern of the City which is public safety.”
Lt. Brittingham is a 17-year veteran of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office and has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience. He has held a number of assignments during his career including as a patrol deputy in the City of Goleta and as a detective with the Special Investigations Bureau. In 2013, he was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and served the county areas of Carpinteria and Isla Vista. In 2016, Lt. Brittingham was transferred to the Criminal Investigations Bureau. On April 6, 2020, he was promoted to Lieutenant and was subsequently assigned to his new role as Chief of Police Services for the City of Goleta.
Lt. Brittingham said, “I am looking forward to serving the citizens of Goleta. I am eager to help build a strong team, working together to foster great relationships that promote a safe community and improve the quality of life.”
Deputy Ben Sandu served in the Marine Corps for four years before being hired by the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office in 2008. He has spent most of his career on patrol and also worked as a bailiff. Deputy Sandu is an Arrest and Control Officer, a Field Training Officer and on the Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team. He has also served on the Sheriff’s Dive Team.
Deputy Sandu is a firm believer in community policing and the philosophy that “Police are the public and the public are the police.” He said, “Goleta is a thriving community and my favorite place to work. It is my natural disposition to reach out and make new relationships and connections with those around me. Combine that with 11 years of experience, and I’m presented with a great opportunity to do what I enjoy and work in the Goodland.”
We wish both Lt. Brittingham and Deputy Sandu a great chapter ahead with the City of Goleta and thank them in advance for their service.
Lt. Rich Brittingham, the Chief of Police Services for the City of Goleta, in front of Goleta City Hall
