PRESS RELEASE

City of Woodland

300 First Street

October 14, 2019

Woodland, CA – 

City Manager Paul Navazio announced today that Interim Police Chief Derrek Kaff has been appointed as the next Police Chief for the City of Woodland.  Chief Kaff has been serving as Interim Police Chief since July 18, 2019, following the resignation of Chief Luis Soler.

Chief Kaff is a 19-year veteran of the Woodland Police Department, having served most recently as Deputy Police Chief. Chief Kaff joined the department as a Police Officer in 2000, having begun his career with the Los Angeles Police Department. He promoted to the rank of Corporal in 2002 and Sergeant in 2003. In 2009 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, was assigned responsibility for the Patrol Division through 2015, and subsequently managed the Investigations Division into 2016.   

In January of 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, Chief Kaff was invited to attend the F.B.I 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.  Chief Kaff previously completed the California Police Officers’ 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 Bachelors of Science degree from Arizona State University.

Over the course of his career, Chief 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.”  

In accepting the appointment, Chief Kaff that, “I am honored to serve as Chief of this great agency alongside the dedicated women and men of our department.  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.”

Mayor Xochitl Rodriguez commented that, "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.