Deputy Chief Daryl Noon never planned to go into law enforcement, but now he’s headed for the top spot in the Navajo Nation Police Department. Noon started his career as a booking officer with the Farmington Police Department. He set a goal for himself to become a police sergeant. He’s surpassed that. Noon has been Deputy Chief of the Navajo Nation Police Department since January 2019.

“I never really thought that I would be a police chief because I’m more of a behind the scenes kind of guy who likes to do the work with the command staff,” he said. “But as I got into leadership, I really enjoyed developing and leading the police officers.”

After 20 years of working in law enforcement, Noon thought his career was winding down and he might retire and explore other career options.

That’s when Steve Hebbe became the new chief at the Farmington Police Department.

Noon was excited by the new vision and ideas Hebbe brought to the department. His interest in the field was re-energized.

One of the things Hebbe did was to collaborate with the Navajo Nation Police Department, a relationship Noon believes was very beneficial. Noon also valued Hebbe’s humility and intentionality in developing leaders.

“[Hebbe] came to Farmington to help, so that inspired me,” Noon said.

As a police officer, Noon admits he has faced very difficult situations. But he also finds his job personally rewarding.

“It was special to do my part to protect the kids in the area,” he said. “When a case is completed, you get the feeling you made a difference.”

He also has fond memories of being approached by people who thanked him after he had arrested them at a previous time for a DWI.

“I’ve had one or two people reintroduce themselves to me and thank me for getting them off the street, because they could have killed somebody or themselves,” Noon said. “I also had another person approach me to say our encounter changed their life.”

Noon hopes he can continue to make a difference, to mentor officers in the Navajo Nation Police Department and make the community a safe place for residents. He will take over for Chief of Police Phillip Francisco at the end of the year.

“It was an honor to be asked to take the reins from Chief Francisco, and I have thanked him for giving me that opportunity to come to Navajo PD,” Noon said. “I’m excited to see what the future has in store.”