Cathedral City Police Bid Chief A Fond Farewell At Retirement Event

CATHEDRAL CITY, CA — Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum retired Thursday 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.