The Durango Police Department introduced Chris Gonzalez as its new deputy police chief Friday at a swearing-in ceremony held at Durango City Hall.
Gonzalez, former commander at El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, left Colorado Springs after 20 years of service for Durango where he is filling the vacancy left behind by Brice Current when Current was promoted from deputy chief to chief of police in April.
Gonzalez said he has wanted to live in Durango a long time. He used to give outdoor recreational tours in the area and enjoys camping, mountain biking, skiing and snowboarding.
DPD Cmdr. Jacob Dunlop, reading an introduction ahead of Gonzalez’s oath of service, said Gonzalez joined El Paso County Sheriff’s Office in 2003 as a detentions deputy.
“He transitioned to the Law Enforcement Bureau as a patrol deputy and spent the next 20 years gaining extensive experience in patrol tactical operations and emergency management, with a significant focus on special operations disciplines,” Dunlop said.
Current said the police department had over 20 applicants apply for the deputy chief position, “about 10 of whom had outstanding resumes that fit the bill.”
“Five were selected for the interview process after the interviews, four candidates were qualified, and Chris came out on top, clearly,” he said. “Two candidates later on accepted chief jobs, and the other candidate still runs an FBI Major Crimes Unit.”
He said Gonzalez’s standout trait was his authenticity, although he is also humble and brings experience to DPD. His experiences include responding to many active shooter incidents and practicing fair judgment on an incident review board.
“As we add our new deputy chief, we’re positioned to strengthen our department, enhance our service to the community,” Current said. “This new leadership brings fresh perspectives, experience, dedication (and) helps us address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”
He said the badge officers wear represents their pledge to serve honorably and with integrity and symbolizes the responsibility officers take “to uphold all individuals’ rights, be a guardian of justice, defend against injustice.”
Current capped his speech with a reminder that leadership is not about rank or organizational structure, but about choice. He said DPD empowers its members to be leaders.
City Clerk Faye Harmer swore in Gonzalez. His three daughters, Katie, Isabel and Preston, pinned his badge.
cburney@durangoherald.com
