Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has announced the nomination of two cabinet positions, pending City Council approval. Armando Saldate is nominated to continue as Executive Director of the Department of Safety, and Chief Ron Thomas is nominated to continue leading the Denver Police Department. Their nominations signify an ongoing commitment to public
service, safety, and emergency response in the City and County of Denver.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston
“Public safety is one of my top priorities as Mayor,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “We laid out a big vision for what’s possible in Denver, and we’re delighted that Armando and Chief Thomas share this vision. Together, these proven
leaders can help deliver a safer city for Denverites. Thank you to the team members of Safety and DPD for their hard work, passion, and dedication to keeping our community safe.”
Armando Saldate – Executive Director, Safety
Armando Saldate III was first nominated as the Executive Director of Public Safety in January 2022 and confirmed by City Council in February 2022. Since then, he has led the Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver
Sheriff Department, Denver 9-1-1, Community Corrections, Public Safety Youth Programs, and the Office of Community Violence Solutions. Saldate is a career law enforcement professional.
He started his career in public safety as the top police recruit with the Phoenix Police Department in 1993. While in that position, he was a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force and completed assignments with the Counter Terrorism Information Center, Organized Crime Bureau Intelligence Unit, FBI Violent Gang Task Force, Dignitary Protection Unit, and others. He retired from Phoenix PD in 2014 with honors after more than 20 years of service. In his free time, Director Saldate enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, volunteering with school and faith-based organizations, and spending time in the Denver community.
Chief Ron Thomas began his career in law enforcement as a Denver Department of Safety Cadet shortly after graduating from Denver’s Thomas Jefferson High School. In 1989, Chief Thomas joined the Denver Police Department, continuing a family tradition of public service to the Denver community. Since then, Chief Thomas has held numerous assignments in Patrol, Investigations, Police Administration, and Special Operations, to include assignments as Commander of Police District Two, Police District Five, and the Internal Affairs Division.
Denver Police Chief Ron Thomas
In 2018, Chief Thomas was selected as the Division Chief of Patrol, leading patrol, and district-level investigation efforts citywide, and he served in this role until his appointment as Chief of Police for the Denver Police Department in October of 2022. As Chief of Police, Thomas maintained a well-established reputation as a collaborative leader and consensus builder, developing and sustaining lasting partnerships with neighborhood organizations, community leaders and other city agencies. His strategic priorities include lowering crime, improving response times, and increasing
trust.
Chief Thomas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia Southern University and completed post-graduate studies at the Naval Post-Graduate School, the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police. Chief Thomas is an avid sports fan, engages in several outdoor activities, and enjoys coaching and mentoring Denver’s youth.