Police Chief Leaving Mill Valley For New Bay Area Job

MILL VALLEY, CA — Mill Valley was preparing to search for a new police chief as its longtime top cop headed to Rohnert Park for the next chapter of his decades-long public safety career.

Police Chief Rick Navarro planned to step down Aug. 27 to become Rohnert Park's public safety chief, City Manager Todd Cusimano told the City Council.

Navarro has spent roughly 36 years in public safety and has lived in Rohnert Park for years, according to Cusimano.

“I am really excited to celebrate him, but I am sad to see him go as well,” Cusimano said.

The departure comes as Mill Valley is also saying goodbye to Planning and Building Director Patrick Kelly after his 40-year public service career.

Mayor Max Perrey acknowledged the broader turnover while discussing Navarro's departure.

“We are losing some titans,” Perrey said, adding that the city had a “powerhouse team ready to take the next seat.”

Cusimano said the police department had a succession plan in place and the city planned to immediately begin recruiting Navarro's replacement.

“We will look internally and externally for the next police chief,” Cusimano said.

Councilmember Urban Carmel credited Navarro with helping guide the city through challenging years and thanked him for his advice and leadership.

“I just want to say congratulations on an outstanding career,” Carmel said. “I will always appreciate your friendship, your kindness, your advice, and your mentoring over the years.”

The city planned to formally recognize Navarro at a future City Council meeting, while the search for Mill Valley's next police chief was expected to continue through the fall.