The top five candidates to become Denver's newest police chief were announced on Thursday, less than 2 months after the department's current chief, Robert White, said he plans to retire.
All five men are currently with the Denver Police Department in some capacity for decades. Mayor Michael Hancock will ultimately select the chief.
Learn more about them below.
Commander Michael Calo is assigned to District 2 and has been in the role since 2012. Previous positions include Captain, Gang Bureau (2006-2012); Lieutenant, Traffic Investigations (2005-2006); Lieutenant, Internal Affairs (2004-2005); Lieutenant, Traffic Operations (2002-2004); Lieutenant, Denver International Airport (2000-2002) and Lieutenant District 2 (1999-2000) Commander Calo has been with DPD since August 1985 and holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and criminology.
Commander Joseph Montoya is assigned to Internal Affairs and has been in the role since 2015. Previous positions include Commander, District 3 (2012-2015); Commander, District 4 (2010-2012); Captain, Crimes Against Persons (2008-2010) and Lieutenant, IAB (2005-2008). Commander Montoya has been with DPD since April 1991 and holds an associate’s degree in sociology.
Commander Paul Pazen is assigned to District 1 and has been in the role since 2012. Previous positions include Lieutenant, Administration and Special Operations (2006-2012). Commander Pazen has been with DPD since January 1995 and holds a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership.
Deputy Chief David Quinones manages department operations and has been in the role since 2012. Previous positions include Division Chief, Patrol (2010-2012); Division Chief, Special Operations (2007-2010); Commander (2003-2007); Lieutenant, IAB (2002-2003) and Lieutenant, District 6 (2000-2002). Deputy Chief Quinones has been with DPD since January 1986 and holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and a Master of Arts in criminal justice and law.
Commander Ronald Saunier is assigned to District 6 and has been in the role since 2016. Previous positions include Commander, Major Crimes (2012-2016); Captain, Crimes Against Persons (2010-2012); Lieutenant, Pattern Crimes Bureau (2009-2010) and Lieutenant, Chief of Staff (2008-2009). Commander Saunier has been with DPD since January 1986 and holds a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice.
Chief White came to Denver in 2011 after several high-profile excessive force cases. He was seen as a reformer based on his work in Louisville, Kentucky.
He will officially leave his post once a chief is selected.
