The following is a press release issued by the City of Ukiah:
The City of Ukiah is announcing the retirement of Police Chief Cedric Crook, who has dedicated 28 years of service to the department and the City, including the past three years as Chief. Chief Crook has made the decision to step down, marking the conclusion of a distinguished career in public service and law enforcement.
Chief Crook began his career with the Ukiah Police Department as a reservist in 1997. After graduating at the top of his class from the police academy, he was promoted to full-time police officer in 1998. Over the years, he served in nearly every role within the department, including as a SWAT team member, canine handler, and a member of the Mendocino Major Crimes Task Force. In 2002, he was honored as Ukiah’s Police Officer of the Year. Promoted to Chief in 2022, he played a key role in developing policies to enhance community safety. As a Ukiah native, his deep connection to the city has been evident throughout his career, and he is widely recognized for his unwavering commitment to his hometown.
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve this community alongside such a talented team,” said Chief Crook.
In light of this transition, Ukiah Police Captain Tom Corning has been selected to succeed Chief Crook as the new Police Chief. Chief Crook remarked, “I am proud of the work we’ve accomplished together, and I have full confidence that the department will continue to thrive under Captain Tom Corning’s leadership.”
Corning, a U.S. Army combat veteran, has served with distinction in law enforcement for 16 years. His extensive background, proven leadership, and dedication to the Ukiah community make him the ideal candidate for this important role.
“I have every confidence that Captain Corning will lead the Ukiah Police Department with integrity and dedication,” said Ukiah City Manager Sage Sangiacomo. “His wealth of experience, strong leadership, and passion for serving this community will ensure the department continues to build trust and safety for all Ukiah residents.”
Captain Corning has held numerous leadership positions within the department, including patrol officer, field training officer, president of the police officers’ association, patrol sergeant, detective sergeant, patrol lieutenant, and captain. His experience gives him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for law enforcement in Ukiah. Corning is committed to building strong community partnerships while maintaining a department that is professional, transparent, and accountable.
Jacque Williams, Executive Director of the Ford Street Project, where Corning serves as an active Board member, expressed her support for the leadership transition, saying, “We have worked closely with Captain Corning over the years, and his commitment to making Ukiah a safer and more supportive community is truly evident. We look forward to continuing our work together and are confident that his leadership will have a positive impact.”
Chief Crook’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Ukiah Police Department. His outstanding contributions to public safety will leave a lasting legacy. As the Department and City of Ukiah look ahead, there is great anticipation for the future under the leadership of incoming Chief Corning, who will be officially sworn in on Wednesday, April 16th, during the Ukiah City Council meeting at 5:15 p.m. Chief Crook’s retirement will take effect on August 2nd, allowing for a smooth transition of leadership.
BLAH BLAH BLATHER BLAH BLAH BLAH
Thomas Corning
“total pay and benefits”
2012: Correction Deputy $98,652
2014: Deputy Sheriff Coroner $99,681
2016: Police Officer (Ukiah) $131,994 – 32% increase
2018: Police Officer (Ukiah) $157,088 – 19% increase
2019: Police Sergeant (Ukiah) $188,630 – 20% increase
2020: Police Sergeant (Ukiah) $215,296 – 14% increase
2021: Police Sergeant (Ukiah) $242,224 – 13% increase
2022: Police Lieutenant (Ukiah) $244,535 – 1% increase
2023: Police Captain (Ukiah) $249,690 – 2% increase
If Crook’s latest wages and benefits in 2023 is correct, Corning will be at least $354,164 when he takes this new Chief position in 2025-26 Estimates being a 42% increase…from his current wage annually adjusted
Don’t make fun of the poor , because that’s where we came from. And don’t make fun of the rich, be ause that’s where we’re going.
Agree to disagree.
well, those numbers include payments made into CalPers, so the take home pay after taxes and medical insurance taken out might be half that, which is still comfortable.
Mr. Corning 2023 Wages (no benefits) was $165K in Ukiah. With pay increases like this Ukiah shouldn’t have any crime….
The City of Ukiah is quietly swearing in a new Police Chief, Thomas Corning — without any public process, vote, or opportunity for residents to weigh in.
This appointment is not routine. It’s dangerous. Corning was in leadership through nearly every major misconduct scandal in recent Ukiah PD history: the Kevin Murray rape and assault cases, the Gerardo Magdaleno tasing, the beating of Arturo Valdes, and the sexual assault accusations against Chief Waidelich.
Rather than taking accountability, the city has repeatedly shielded the department. One “outside investigation” was led by a 30-year retired cop from Sebastopol. Officers are protected by PORAC’s Legal Defense Fund, which gives them lawyers and PR help when they’re accused of abuse — all while victims are left on their own.
This isn’t about hating police. It’s about demanding competent, accountable leadership. Ukiah deserves a say in who leads its law enforcement — not backroom promotions disguised as “presentations.”
If this appointment proceeds without oversight, the city must take responsibility for the next lawsuit, the next violation, and the next payout — because we’ve seen this pattern before. And we’re not going to forget it.