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United States Marine Corps Veteran
Sergeant Toby Will – Stockton Police Department
I am Sergeant Toby Will with the Stockton Police Department. Upon graduating from high school in 1986, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and was sent to “Boot Camp” at Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego California. I graduated from Basic Training as a Private First Class (PFC), and then received training as a Combat Engineer. In June of 1987, I was shipped overseas to Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan. While in Okinawa, I meritoriously promoted to the NCO ranks and attended NCO School at Camp Kinser. After promoting, I left the Engineers and was assigned to Third Battalion, Seventh Marine Division as a Combat Squad Leader, where I trained with “S.T.A. Platoon” at the Northern Training Area (NTA). After training with 3rd Battalion 7th Marines, I was assigned to 9th Marines, Camp Hansen Security Forces, where I served as “Corporal of the Guard,” “Honor Guard,” and held the Staff Sergeant billet of “Commander of the Guard.”
Security Forces, also known as Camp Guard, served as base security and manned all the gates of the military installation. Security forces were charged with providing security for all the high level and top secure buildings on the base. We differed from the MP's but worked side by side with them on several occasions. Camp Guard was also responsible for providing Marines to patrol the town and village immediately outside the Camp when Marines or other service members would be on liberty. This is where I spent my remaining years of Marine Corps service and nurtured my interest in law enforcement.
I was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps towards the end of 1990. I had a strong interest in law enforcement because of its military similarities. I remember going through Military Separations at Camp Pendleton, where several law enforcement agencies came and spoke to Marines getting ready to discharge. After hearing what they had to say, I knew law enforcement would be the career I would seek.
I applied to several agencies, just hoping to get a foot in the door. I was immediately contacted by the Stockton Police Department, who advised me that they were hiring. I went on a “ride-along” with one of the Officers from Stockton and was amazed at the pace of the city. I remember the Officer telling me that “If you want to be a cop, Stockton is the place to be.” Stockton is definitely “High Speed – Low Drag.”
I was hired as a Stockton Police Officer in July of 1991 and was sent by the Department to the Academy that same month. The Academy was 16 weeks at that time, and after 4 years in the Marine Corps, it was like “leave” after a field operation. All the prior military personnel are immediately ushered into positions of leadership within the Academy class. After graduating the Academy, I was “Boots on the Ground” and ready to begin the six-month Field Training Program.
Each month of the six-month training program, I was 
assigned to a different Field Training Officer (FTO). Upon successful completion of the FTO Program, I received “Solo status” and was able to work by myself as a Patrol Officer. After two years as a Patrol Officer, I was assigned to the “Street Crimes Unit,” where we focused on violent crimes within certain neighborhoods. During that period of time, I was accepted to the Stockton Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics “SWAT Team.” This has been my highest honor while working for the Stockton Police Department. The SWAT Team is comprised of primarily former military personnel.
The Team represents the best of Stockton Police Officers and sets very high standards for all who desire to be on the Team. The SWAT Team is very well respected by personnel within the agency, as well as throughout the state. I have served on the SWAT Team as an “Entry-Team member, Police Sniper, and Team Leader. The SWAT Team has competed in and won several SWAT competitions throughout the state. Most recently, our SWAT Team won the High Sierra Challenge competition.
Members of the SWAT Team are trained in the use of several different weapons, including the Colt M-4. We have had opportunities to train with or around British SAS Hostage Rescue members, as well as Israeli Commandos. Anyone coming out of military combat units will feel right at home on Stockton's SWAT Team.
I have worked in the Stockton Police Department's “Street Gang Unit” for two years and then after promoting to Sergeant, I supervised the Unit for two years. I currently serve as a Patrol Sergeant in the Department's Field Operations Division.
My time at this agency has been outstanding and confirms my decision to enter law enforcement. This Department offers tremendous opportunities for movement and growth. The Stockton Police Department is an agency with rich tradition and a history of pride and service. Whenever I travel on training throughout the state, other police agencies always recognize and respect the Stockton Police Department.
I look forward to working with those of you from the Armed Forces who are seeking a career in law enforcement.
Semper Fi
Sergeant Toby Will SPD #1009