In August, Mayor Mike Johnston announced Al Gardner’s nomination as Executive Director for the Department of Safety, pending City Council approval. Gardner will replace Armando Saldate, who led the department since 2022 and announced his departure to lead the Colorado Bureau of Investigation in July. As Executive Director of the Department of Safety, Gardner will lead Denver Police Department, Denver Fire Department, Denver Sheriff Department, Denver 9-1-1 and Community Corrections.
Denver Public Safety Director Al Gardner
“At a time when we need strong, visionary leaders to build a safer and more equitable Denver, Al brings the commitment, passion, and deep dedication to our neighborhoods that our residents and safety teams deserve,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “Al’s decades of public service, coupled with his commitment to public safety, make him the right choice to lead the Department of Safety forward.”
“Serving the people of Denver has been a privilege and I am excited to continue that work with the Department of Safety and the community,” said Al Gardner. “Together, we will drive innovation, uphold public trust, and ensure our safety teams have the resources and support they need to protect and serve every resident.”
Gardner is a distinguished executive with a nearly three-decade career marked by engineering expertise, leadership, and strong community engagement. Gardner’s notable accomplishments include leading a Denver-based startup hospitality company, to a successful IPO in 2022 as the Head of IT and Security and his recent appointment to Colorado’s Board of Health by Governor Polis.
He has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Denver African American Commission and the Denver Citizens Oversight Board. His commitment to public safety accountability includes work on the Chiefs Advisory Board, where he collaborated with former safety leaders to review and guide Denver’s discipline model. He also served on the Sheriff Advisory Board, advancing policy reform and contributed to fair and effective city employment practices as a member of the Denver Civil Service Commission.