What a great headline in the East Valley Tribune today - Chris Brady, Mesa City Manager names the next Chief of Police.George Gascon has held the office of Assistant Chief of Police, Los Angeles, CA since 2003, serving that department for 27 years - this man knows commitment and certainly has experienced a diverse community throughout his career.Once the city council ratifies Brady’s selection at the July 12 meeting, August 7 will be the first day Chief George Gascon, will officially be on the job. With over 80% of of the 900 Mesa employees surveyed favoring Gascon, it will make for an easier transition coupled with the anticipation of the positive influence the new Chief of Police will have on the department.Last week Interim Chief G. T. Fowler spoke at a Mesa Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association dinner, hopeful that the department’s choice would be selected to lead them on. Chief Fowler commented he felt honored to serve as interim but went on to say that a temporary situation brings some anxiety. The department has experienced the lengthy process necessary to go nationwide to select a new chief, the interview process, the short-list, waiting, and then to begin anew which usually brings changes. However, Fowler underscored that the experience and now the culmination of this process is an exciting time and most welcomed.I know we all look forward to meeting Mesa’s new Chief of Police and at the same time very thankful to have Chief Fowler serving Mesa and the department in a challenging position as interim. Mesa has been favored by these two men and the working relationships that will develop positively for our city.A brief comment regarding the salary - no surprise to me - anyone coming from CA and that salary scale plus the years of experience in multiple law enforcement areas, the education plus a list of associations our new chief belongs to says alot about who he is: involved, dedicated, relates to and understands ethnicity and cultures, a commitment not only to his current department but to law enforcement and its principals. I agree with City Manager Brady - the salary agreed on is worth it and most deserved for this quality person and soon to be - Mesa’s Police Chief, George Gascon.
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