After nearly three decades of service, current Woodland Police Department Chief Derrek Kaff is set to retire from the department on Monday, Oct. 14.

“My birthday is in October, so it just felt like a good time for me to try something new,” Kaff said in his office in August. “I feel the department is in a really good place for a new leader to come in and implement their vision. I had some things that I wanted to accomplish, like reducing the violent crime rate, especially gun violence, reinvigorating our proactivity and hiring a staff that reflected the community they served in a number of ways, not just by how they look, but with a diversity of thought or skill.

“I’ll leave with 28 and half years of total service due to my time with the Los Angeles Police Department. It will be nice to spend some more time with my family.”

Kaff joined the department as a police officer in 2000, having begun his career with the LAPD. He was promoted to the rank of corporal in 2002 and sergeant in 2003.

Before that, a fortunate series of events led Kaff to Woodland. On the day his daughter had just turned 10 days old, Kaff visited the area for his chief’s interview.

His brother knew someone in the area who was dating a Woodland police officer at the time and connected them over the phone. After enquiring about the area during the 15-minute conversation, Kaff became convinced that Woodland was where he wanted to be.

“He (the officer) was down to earth and talked about police work as being a craft that you never fully arrive at being fully proficient,” Kaff recalled. “You are always learning and growing. Because of that conversation, I sit here today.

“Before I came here, I didn’t know where Woodland was, but I soon fell in love with it because of that conversation and a positive ride-along experience.”

In 2009, Kaff was promoted to lieutenant and was assigned responsibility for the Patrol Division through 2015. He subsequently managed the Investigations Division into 2016.

In January 2016, Kaff was promoted to captain by then-Chief Dan Bellini. As captain, Kaff was responsible for planning and coordinating the work of all of the divisions within the Police Department, as well as ensuring effective coordination with regional law enforcement partners.

In October 2019, Kaff was named chief by then City Manager Paul Navazio after having been promoted to deputy chief in 2018 in recognition of his role in overseeing department operations.

Earlier in 2019, Kaff was invited to attend the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, making him 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.

As a Granada Hills native, Kaff received an associate of arts degree in liberal arts from Sierra Community College and a bachelor of science degree in sociology from Arizona State University.

At the LAPD, Kaff worked patrol, narcotics, and traffic. While a member of that department, he was awarded the Century Award by MADD for arresting more than 100 DUI drivers within a one-year time span.

“Chief Kaff has been an invaluable member of the city’s leadership team and is a true friend,” Woodland City Manager Ken Hiatt stated. “His dependably, positive attitude and collaborative approach to solving challenges will be greatly missed. His impact on our community will last far beyond his years of service to Woodland because of the relationships and trust he established.

“I wish him the best in his retirement and know he will continue to put his many talents to use in service of others.”

Kaff mentioned one of the things he is most proud of is being involved with the hiring of new employees since 2005.

“All the employees that have stayed on to work here choose to work here,” he said. “The new employees that come here, come because of the culture that the officers and sergeants that run the teams on the streets give. People want to be a part of that. I’m really proud of our leaders inside the department that have fostered that sense of community. That is something a lot of places don’t have.

“The dedicated, seasoned officers have not only served our community with unwavering commitment but have also played a pivotal role in mentoring and passing along their extensive knowledge to our newer officers. Their experience and guidance have been instrumental in maintaining the high standards of service and integrity within the WPD.”

While Kaff has enjoyed many aspects of the job, he has dreaded seeing just how much hurt there is in the world.

“The number of moms and dads that I have seen cry, those are the thought parts,” he said.

For the next six months, Kaff plans to lay low, focus on trying to get healthy and spend some time with his family. After six months, Kaff and his wife will begin discussing what is next for them.

“Over the years, there have been offers or suggestions, but I don’t know what is next,” he said. “But my heart is here in Woodland in terms of law enforcement. I don’t have a desire to go to another department and try to do what we have done here. But I would like to help others achieve what we have achieved, maybe help by teaching or speaking.”

In late August, Ryan Kinnan, an Auburn police chief was hired by the city to replace Kaff. He will assume command of the 88-person department on Wednesday, Sept. 18, during a change of command ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Senior and Community Center, 2001 East St.

Kinnen brings nearly 25 years of law enforcement experience to Woodland, most recently serving as chief of Police in Auburn, where he was hired in November 2018 after working as a lieutenant with the Citrus Heights Police Department in the squad’s Investigative Services Division.

Kaff mentioned that he wanted the next chief to know that Woodland is a fantastic community that wants to be involved in law enforcement. He also shared some departing words for the community he has grown to love after all his service.

“As I retire, I urge the Woodland community to continue fostering a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect,” Kaff stated. “Our strength lies in our unity, and together, we can create a safer and more vibrant city for all. Remember, every member of this community has a role to play in our collective success and safety. Thank you for the support and trust you have placed in the Woodland Police Department. It has been an honor to serve you.”

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The Yolo County Civic Leader of the Month Series was inspired by longtime Yolo County leader Gary Sandy, who passed away in August 2023 after a year-long battle with liver cancer.

Sandy served in many leadership roles since 1996 including in the Woodland City Council, the Yolo County Board of Supervisors and the Yuba Community College Board.

The outpouring of reflections and heartfelt comments from local leaders led The Daily Democrat to honor Sandy’s hard work by highlighting others who are making changes with a positive impact on our community.

If you have any recommendations for future Civic Leaders of the Month, email news@dailydemocrat.com with a proposal leaving the person’s name, contact information and 3-4 sentences explaining why they deserve the title.