‘Our community deserves better’: City of Ukiah Terminates Police Chief Who Is Under Investigation for Unknown Criminal Activities

Various pictures of Ukiah Police Chief Noble Waidelich, now on administrative leave for a criminal investigation [All photographs from the Ukiah Police Department Facebook page]

The City of Ukiah has served Police Chief Noble Waidelich with a Notice of Termination, separating him from City employment effective June 17, 2022.

“It is with great conviction that I uphold the City of Ukiah’s values of service and professionalism as I make the decision to terminate Mr. Waidelich from the agency,” said Ukiah City Manager, Sage Sangiacomo. “Recent events have transpired, illuminating the fact that this individual is not a good fit for the City. Our community deserves better; the good men and women who do this work every day with integrity deserve better.”

Mr. Waidelich is named in a criminal investigation in which the City of Ukiah is not the lead agency.  That process will continue to work through the justice system. “Simultaneously,” continued Sangiacomo, “we are acting swiftly and decisively with respect to his employment, as Waidelich was also in violation of police department policy separate and apart from the accusation and ongoing investigation of criminal conduct. He was placed on administrative leave within hours of learning of this incident.  His weapons, vehicle, and badge were taken away at that time.  Within three days, he has been notified of his termination from City employment.”

“We appreciate that the public wants details and that it is frustrating to be left in uncertainty.  Per the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office—and consistent with our legal system —the details of the criminal allegation cannot be shared at this time.  To do so could potentially compromise a fair and timely outcome.  The City is also precluded from sharing employment records concerning its decision to terminate Mr. Waidelich at this time.  What IS certain is that the City of Ukiah is committed to transparency to the fullest extent possible and continuing to uphold the values of the organization.”

On Wednesday, June 15^th, as is standard practice, Captain Cedric Crook was appointed Acting Police Chief to lead the department in the interim. The City will continue to share information as it becomes available.