Nate Lim was among the scores of police officers and firefighters who responded to the Sunset home explosion on 22nd Avenue in February.

Many residents were shocked to learn that a drug manufacturing lab in the home caused the powerful explosion and fire. But Lim was prophetic in his conversation with this reporter a week earlier. Lim mentioned a specific worry about the largely residential Sunset neighborhoods: “A lot goes on behind closed doors that we don’t know about, including illegal grow houses and drug labs.” 

As a sergeant at the police station serving the Sunset and a large part of San Francisco’s westside, Lim spends much of his time reviewing incident reports and debriefing officers. This gives him a broad perspective on crime trends.

A shortage of officers means Lim also makes patrol runs “to support my crew,” he says, “because it’s important to be seen, to let people know we’re out here.”

Growing up, Lim wanted to be a firefighter or a police officer but decided to major in criminal justice in college.

When Lim talks about being a police officer, it’s with intense pride and an obvious, deep commitment to his chosen profession. He also vents frustration about “being judged in a negative, preconceived notion by the public,” he says.

So Lim does his best to change misperceptions, one encounter at a time.

“Police officers should try to talk with residents and give them an understanding of our work,” he says.

A key to Lim’s policing philosophy is to always be improving his skills.

“Never stop learning and growing,” Lim says. “I look for ways to improve myself and become a better and smarter police officer.”

Lim did advanced training to qualify for a tactical unit that provides support during hostage and active shooter incidents. His work paid off and was promoted to sergeant after eight years in the Tenderloin. He came to the Sunset station last year.

As a veteran of a high-stress job, Lim knows that policing can be challenging — especially for new officers. That’s why he pays special attention to supporting his crew.

He also appreciates when the public supports their work. 

“The thank yous we get definitely boost morale and remind us why we are here and do what we do.” Lim says. “Being a police officer is still a noble profession and I wouldn’t change anything about my career path.”

NOTE: The San Francisco Police Department is hiring. Learn more here.

Reported and written by volunteer community journalist Tom Colin. We encourage retired journalists and student journalists in high school and college to volunteer as writers for Supervisor Engardio’s newsletter. Interested? Apply here. Do you know a story you would like to see featured in the newsletter? Tell us about it here.