UKIAH, CA. 4/9/25 – After 28 years of public service, Ukiah Police Chief Cedric Crook will retire, the department said on Wednesday.
Born and raised in Ukiah, Crook joined the department in 1997 as a reserve officer. He became a full-time police officer after graduating top of class at the police academy in 1998.
From SWAT team member to canine handler, Crook has held many roles at the department. He was named Ukiah’s Police Officer of the Year in 2002. Twenty years later, in 2022, Crook was named chief of police.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve this community alongside such a talented team,” Crook said.
And it’s one of those team members that will succeed him as chief: Capt. Tom Corning.
A U.S. Army combat veteran, Corning brings 16 years of law enforcement experience to his new title. From patrol officer to captain, Corning has held many roles in the department.
It’s Corning’s experience, leadership and dedication to the community that made him a primed pick for police chief, according to Ukiah City Manager Steve Sangiacomo.
“I have every confidence that Capt. Corning will lead the Ukiah Police Department with integrity and dedication,” Sangiacomo said.
Corning also serves on the board of directors of the Ford Street Project, an Ukiah nonprofit that serves community members experiencing homelessness and substance abuse disorders.
“We have worked closely with Capt. Corning over the years, and his commitment to making Ukiah a safer and more supportive community is truly evident,” said Jacque Williams, executive director of the project. “We look forward to continuing our work together and are confident that his leadership will have a positive impact.”
Crook will officially retire in August. Corning will be named police chief at a ceremony during the Ukiah City Council meeting next Wednesday at 5:15 p.m.
“Chief Crook’s retirement marks the end of an era for the Ukiah Police Department,” said Shannon Riley, deputy city manager. “His outstanding contributions to public safety will leave a lasting legacy.”