DENVER — Current Division Chief Ron Thomas was sworn in as the newest chief of the Denver Police Department (DPD) Tuesday morning.
The Denver City Council confirmed Thomas as the new chief in a unanimous vote on Monday.
Mayor Michael Hancock nominated Thomas as the new chief on Aug. 31, the day Chief Paul Pazen announced his retirement.
Thomas is a 33-year veteran of the Denver Police Department. He's held assignments in Patrol, Investigations, Special Operations and Administration, including assignments as Commander of Police District Two, Police District Five, and the Denver Police Internal Affairs Bureau. In 2018, he was appointed Division Chief of Patrol, overseeing patrol operations citywide.
Thomas took over the department's day-to-day management as acting chief on Sept. 6. Pazen's retirement was effective Oct. 15.
"I understand the challenges ahead," Thomas said the day after his nomination was announced. "I know that crime is up, that other safety challenges have increased. I recognize that response times are up. I understand that call hold times are up. At the same time, I understand our staffing is down."
Thomas said he's committed to tackling all those challenges and rebuilding community trust.
>Watch a replay of Tuesday's swearing-in ceremony in the video player below.
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