DENVER — The Regional Transportation District's chief of police is no longer with that organization.
On Friday, an RTD spokesperson confirmed Joel Fitzgerald is "no longer chief of police." They did not give any more information about the circumstances surrounding his departure, including whether he resigned or was fired.
Fitzgerald had been on leave since early July. RTD had not said why he was on leave.
Fitzgerald was named the RTD chief of police in August 2022. At the time he was hired he said he wanted to focus on public safety.
During his time with RTD, the organization has installed live cameras on buses, increased staffing of the transit police force and implemented 24/7 officer patrols.
RTD's full statement about Fitzgerald's departure is below:
As of September 20, Dr. Joel Fitzgerald is no longer employed at the Regional Transportation District. RTD thanks Dr. Fitzgerald for his service to the agency’s employees, customers, and stakeholders over the last two years.
In the coming days, RTD will announce plans for interim leadership in the Transit Police and Emergency Management Department.