Local & Community
Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum Retires, Rick Sanchez Named as Acting Chief
CATHEDRAL CITY (CNS) - Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum retired
today after working 36 years in law enforcement and Deputy Chief Rick
Sanchez has been named acting police chief.
``I am truly honored to have served the citizens of Cathedral City as
their police chief for over eight years,'' Crum said in a statement. ``I would
like to thank the community, elected officials, the city and the men and women
of the Cathedral City Police Department for allowing me the opportunity to
serve as their police chief. The men and women of the Cathedral City Police
Department represent the very best in our profession.''
Crum was hired as the city's chief of police on Dec. 10, 2014, but
retired in November 2017, only to be re-appointed in February 2020.
He began his career in law enforcement as an officer for the Fullerton
Police Department in 1987. During his career, he has worked in the
Narcotics unit, Internal Affairs and Special Weapons and Tactics.
``Chief George Crum has dedicated nearly a decade of service to the
residents of Cathedral City, and his impact on our community is immeasurable,''
said Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager, said in a statement. ``His
community-focused approach to policing prioritized open dialogue and building
genuine trust with the people he served. But beyond the programs and
statistics, Chief Crum will be remembered for the relationships he built --
showing up, listening and making residents feel heard and safe. He will be
deeply missed. We thank him for his service and wish him all the best in this
well-earned retirement.''
During his time as chief, Crum launched a Homeless Liaison Officer
program, established a traffic bureau and maintained one of the lowest crime
rates in the Coachella Valley for the past six years, officials said.
Sanchez was named acting chief effective immediately and making
history as the first Latino to lead the city's police department. He joined the
department in 2006 and oversees the Operations, Investigation and Support
Bureaus.
A permanent police chief will be determined by the city manager after
that role is filled, Hunt said.
Copyright 2025, City News Service, Inc.
By: City News Service
December 18, 2025
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