Acting Police Chief Rick Sanchez was appointed as Cathedral City’s chief of police following an extensive search to fill the role, it was announced Thursday.
Sanchez, a roughly 20-year veteran in the police department, had been serving as acting police chief ever since former Chief George Crum retired on Dec. 18, 2025.
City Manager Andrew Firestine, who appointed Sanchez in the role, said the decision was made after city officials conducted a competitive nationwide search saying in part that “What became clear through that process is that the leader our community was looking for had been part of our team all along.
“Rick stood out at every step, and he has earned the trust of this department, this city and our residents, and he makes history as the first Latino to lead the Cathedral City Police Department. I’m confident he’s the right person to guide our officers and continue keeping our community safe.”
City officials said the qualities sought for in the role included strong communication and interpersonal skills, a track record of accountability, cultural sensitivity and inclusive leadership, strategic thinking and a deep commitment to community-oriented policing and public trust.
Prior to the new position, Sanchez joined the department in 2006 and served in patrol, graffiti/gangs, as a field training officer, in investigations and on SWAT. He holds an M.A. in organizational leadership from California Coast University and a B.S. in criminal justice from Cal State San Bernardino.
“I am deeply honored and humbled by the trust the City Council and city manager have placed in me to serve as Cathedral City’s next chief of police,” Sanchez said in a statement.
He thanked the agency for providing him with 20 years of experience and to former Police Chief Crum for his mentorship and guidance that helped shape the department.
“As chief, I look forward to working alongside our exceptional employees, out city leadership, our public safety partners and the members of our community as we continue advancing a police department rooted in professionalism, innovation, transparency, accountability and service,” Sanchez added.
The position leads the city’s department personnel comprising of more than 80 staff members, oversees the day-to-day operations and ensures the safety of more than 50,000 residents.