Rick Sanchez named Cathedral City Police Chief

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. - (KESQ) After nearly 20 years with the Cathedral City Police Department, Rick Sanchez has been appointed the city’s next police chief.

City Manager Andrew Firestine selected Sanchez following a national search that included community input and an interview panel of civic leaders, community representatives and law enforcement professionals.

Sanchez, who has served as acting chief since former Chief George Crum retired in December 2025, will become the first Latino to lead the Cathedral City Police Department.

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Sanchez joined the department in 2006 and has served in patrol, investigations, SWAT and other assignments. He spent 13 years with Desert Regional SWAT, including time as a team leader, and later served as a sergeant, commander and deputy chief overseeing the department’s Operations, Investigation and Support bureaus.

He holds a master’s degree in organizational leadership from California Coast University and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from California State University, San Bernardino. He has also completed several law enforcement leadership programs.

Firestine said Sanchez stood out among a competitive field and demonstrated the leadership qualities the community was seeking, including a commitment to public trust, collaboration, accountability and community-oriented policing.

Sanchez said he is “honored and humbled” by the appointment and credited the department, community and former Chief Crum for helping prepare him for the role.

As chief, Sanchez will oversee a department with 81.5 sworn and professional employees serving more than 52,000 residents. He said he plans to build on the department’s existing foundation while emphasizing professionalism, transparency, innovation and community partnerships.