Honoring the Career and Retirement of Chief Daniel G. Cordova WHEREAS, Mr. Daniel G. Cordova has dedicated his professional life to public safety and law enforcement, serving with honor, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the communities he has protected; and WHEREAS, Chief Cordova has faithfully served the Waynesville Police Department for 13 years, ultimately leading the department as Chief of Police, where his leadership, vision, and dedication have strengthened public safety and community trust; and WHEREAS, throughout his distinguished career, Chief Cordova has also served the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department for 4 years as Deputy, Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant, the City of St. Robert Police & Fire Department for 5 years as a Patrolman and Certified Firefighter, the Los Angeles Police Department for 4 years as a Police Officer, and Stater Bros Market in Southern California for 8 years as a Senior Field Agent and Investigator; and WHEREAS, Chief Cordova’s exemplary service has been recognized through numerous honors, including Police Academy Top Recruit, Life Saving Award, Silver Star for Bravery, Distinguished Service Award, multiple Merit Awards, the D.A.R.E. Medal, and induction into the Police Hall of Fame, along with many additional recognitions for his leadership and dedication; and WHEREAS, Chief Cordova’s lasting impact extends beyond law enforcement through his leadership in establishing the Pulaski County Crisis Intervention Team, bringing together emergency and health services to better serve individuals in crisis, and through his ongoing service as Chair of the CIT Committee, Regional Vice President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, and member of the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee; and WHEREAS, Chief Cordova has been an engaged member of the community, contributing to initiatives such as the Team Justice 3v3 Annual Soccer Tournament, and is known for his commitment to mentorship, collaboration, and service; and WHEREAS, he has been supported throughout his career by his wife of 30 years, Karla Cordova, his children Daniel, Maximus, Michael, and Joseph (Josey), and his grandchildren Rosalie and Cristobal, as well as his parents Miguel and Sandra Tortoledo; and WHEREAS, after a distinguished career in public service, Chief Cordova will retire effective August 1, 2026, with his last working day being April 28, 2026, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, courage, and dedication to the citizens of Waynesville and beyond; NOW, THEREFORE, I, the Mayor of the City of Waynesville, Missouri, do hereby recognize and honor Daniel G. Cordova for his outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to public safety, and extend our deepest gratitude and best wishes for a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the City of Waynesville, Missouri, to be affixed this 24th day of April, 2026. ________________________ Sean A. Wilson Mayor, City of Waynesville, Missouri

City of Waynesville Announces Retirement of Chief of Police Daniel G. Cordova

City of Waynesville

April 24, 2026

Waynesville, Missouri — The City of Waynesville announces the retirement of Chief of Police Daniel G. Cordova, effective August 1, 2026, with his final working day on April 28, 2026, concluding a distinguished career marked by decades of service, leadership, and dedication to public safety.

Chief Cordova has faithfully served the Waynesville Police Department for the past 13 years, rising through the ranks to become Chief of Police. During his tenure, he provided steady leadership, strengthened public safety efforts, and fostered trust and cooperation between the department and the community.

Prior to joining the City of Waynesville, Chief Cordova built an extensive career in law enforcement and public service. He served with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department for four years as Deputy, Sergeant, and Patrol Lieutenant; with the City of St. Robert Police & Fire Department for five years as a Patrolman and Certified Firefighter; with the Los Angeles Police Department for four years as a Police Officer; and with Stater Bros Market in Southern California for eight years as a Senior Field Agent and Investigator.

Throughout his career, Chief Cordova earned numerous honors and recognitions, including Police Academy Top Recruit, the Life Saving Award, Silver Star for Bravery, Distinguished Service Award, multiple Merit Awards, the D.A.R.E. Medal, and induction into the Police Hall of Fame.

Beyond his direct law enforcement service, Chief Cordova leaves a lasting impact through his leadership in establishing the Pulaski County Crisis Intervention Team, which brought together emergency responders and health services to better assist individuals in crisis. He has also served as Chair of the CIT Committee, Regional Vice President of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association, and a member of the Regional Homeland Security Oversight Committee.

Chief Cordova has remained deeply committed to the broader community through mentorship, collaboration, and involvement in local initiatives, including the Team Justice 3v3 Annual Soccer Tournament.

Earlier today, the City hosted an open house in Chief Cordova’s honor, where he welcomed friends, family members, colleagues, and community partners from throughout the years to celebrate his career and service.

“Chief Cordova’s dedication to the safety and well-being of our citizens has made a lasting difference in Waynesville,” said Mayor Sean A. Wilson. “We are grateful for his years of service, leadership, and professionalism, and we wish him and his family all the best in retirement.”

Chief Cordova has been supported throughout his career by his wife of 30 years, Karla Cordova; his children Daniel, Maximus, Michael, and Joseph; his grandchildren Rosalie and Cristobal; and his parents, Miguel and Sandra Tortoledo.

The City of Waynesville extends its sincere gratitude to Chief Cordova for his many years of service and wishes him a fulfilling and well-deserved retirement.