North Center Revitalization Assoc. (NCRA)

Finalists selected in Mesa Police Chief search

Finalists selected in Mesa Police Chief search

For Release: May 8, 2006
Contact: Chris Brady
City Manager
480.644.2066 Tel
chris.brady@cityofmesa.org

Finalists selected in Mesa Police Chief search

Today City Manager Chris Brady announced the two finalists who will be interviewed for the position of Mesa Police Chief. The candidates (in alphabetical order) are:

John L. Buchanan
--Present position - Assistant Police Chief, Phoenix Police Department
--Education - M.S., Criminal Justice, Arizona State University
B.A., Journalism, University of Arizona

George Gascon
--Present position - Assistant Chief, Los Angeles Police Department
--Education - J.D., Western State University
B.A., History, California State University, Long Beach

Brady will interview the finalists over the next two weeks and make a recommendation about the individual to fill the Police Chief position to the Mayor and City Council. The Police Chief is appointed by the City Manager with the approval of the City Council. "We are excited about the caliber of the candidates that applied. The high level of expertise offered by each of these individuals made this an extremely tough decision," said Brady.

The City contracted with the executive recruiting firm of Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a nationwide recruitment and received 44 applications. Former Police Chief Dennis Donna retired in December 2005 and Gregory T. Fowler has been serving as Interim Police Chief since that time.