Woodland City Manager Paul Navazio announced this week that Interim Police Chief Derrek Kaff has been appointed as the next police chief for the city of Woodland. Kaff has been serving as interim police chief since July 18 following the resignation of Chief Luis Soler.
“I am honored to serve as Chief of this great agency alongside the dedicated women and men of our department,” Kaff said. “Woodland is a strong community and I see many opportunities in our future. I am passionate about serving the community and working with staff to keep Woodland safe.”
Chief Kaff is a 19-year veteran of the Woodland Police Department, having served most recently as deputy police chief. He joined the department as a police officer in 2000 after beginning his career with the Los Angeles Police Department.
Kaff promoted to the rank of corporal in 2002 and sergeant in 2003. In 2009, he was promoted to the rank of lieutenant and assigned responsibility for the patrol division through 2015. He subsequently managed the investigations division into 2016.
In January 2016, Kaff was promoted to the rank of police captain by then-Chief Dan Bellini. As captain, Kaff was responsible for planning and coordinating the work of all of the divisions within the Woodland Police Department as well as ensuring effective coordination with our regional law enforcement partners. In 2018, Kaff was designated as deputy police chief, in recognition of his role in overseeing day-to-day operations of the department.
Earlier this year, Kaff was invited to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. He was among a select group of law enforcement professionals from across the country, nominated by their local, county, state and federal agencies, to participate in the 10-week academy.
Kaff previously completed the California Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T) Supervisory Leadership Institute and Command College, and has earned his P.O.S.T. Executive Leadership Certification. He earned his bachelor of science degree from Arizona State University.
Over the course of his career, Kaff has distinguished himself as a dedicated law-enforcement professional who has extensive knowledge and experience with the Woodland Police Department and, in ever-increasing leadership roles, has gained the respect and trust of the department, his peers and the broader Woodland community.
In making his announcement, Mr. Navazio issued the following statement:
“I am honored to announce the appointment of Chief Derrek Kaff to serve as our next police chief. Chief Kaff distinguished himself during the police chief recruitment process the city conducted in 2017, and I have been impressed by his continued growth and professional development during his recent tenure as deputy police chief.
“Derrek is uniquely qualified to lead the Woodland Police Department, and it is with great confidence and excitement that I look forward to working with him in his new role,” Navazio said.
Added Mayor Xochitl Rodriguez: “I am pleased that Chief Kaff has been selected as our new police chief. He is not only exceptionally qualified but he also has, over course of his career, developed strong personal and professional relationships that will serve him well as police chief. I look forward to working with Chief Kaff, the City Council and community in support of our public safety priorities.”
Chief Kaff’s appointment is effective immediately.