Montecito’s New Lieutenant

Brian Thielst is the newly appointed lieutenant, overseeing all law enforcement operations in Montecito. Lieutenant Thielst has an impressive history with the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department, where he started as a deputy in 1986. Since that time his experience with the department includes service as a senior deputy, mountain patrol deputy, sergeant, member of the Gang Enforcement Team, work with the Criminal Investigations Division, member of the Special Enforcement Team (SWAT), and service as a Search & Rescue coordinator.

Lieutenant Thielst attended Dos Pueblos High School and Santa Barbara City College, where he played on both school’s football teams. One of his goals as the new lieutenant is to make himself and all of the newly appointed deputies approachable to Montecito residents, and to work closely together to rebuild and maintain a safe community. Lieutenant Thielst is no stranger to Montecito, as his history here began with his grandparents, who lived on the Lotusland property. Brian’s grandfather was Madame Ganna Walska’s right-hand man while he was growing up. He remembers swimming in the pool on the property as a kid in the summers and has great memories of running through the beautiful garden property.

Lieutenant Thielst will provide updates to the Montecito Association at the monthly board meetings, every second Tuesday at 4 pm at Montecito Hall.