Chief of Police Ron Thomas
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. In 2018, Chief Thomas was selected as the Division Chief of Patrol where he served until his appointment by Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock as Chief of Police for the Denver Police Department in 2022. Chief Thomas was reappointed under Mayor Mike Johnston in 2024.
Under Chief Thomas' leadership, the Denver Police Department has made significant strides in keeping the Denver community safe. His priorities include lowering crime, improving response times, and increasing trust. To increase transparency, he launched public dashboards that provide access to crime statistics, response times, and internal affairs information. To combat specific crimes, Chief Thomas created specialized teams focused on fentanyl investigations and auto theft recovery. He also invested in technology to enhance officer effectiveness, including license plate readers that help locate stolen vehicles, drones, a new helicopter, e-bikes for patrol, and a robot dog for bomb detection. Chief Thomas has also worked to improve the process for hiring and training experienced officers from other departments and is actively working to increase the number of female and minority officers. He has also made strides in community outreach by providing targeted information to the Spanish-speaking community. These initiatives reflect Chief Thomas' commitment to a safer and more transparent Denver.
Chief Thomas has 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. Additionally, Chief Thomas spearheaded the creation of the Denver Police Wellness and Resiliency Unit.
Chief Thomas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Columbia Southern University and completed post-graduate study at the Naval Post-Graduate School, the FBI National Academy, Northwestern University Command College, and the Senior Management Institute for Police.
In addition to being steadfastly committed to the residents of Denver and the mission of the Denver Police Department, Chief Thomas is also an avid sports fan, engages in several outdoor activities, and enjoys coaching and mentoring Denver’s youth.
Deputy Chief Aaron Sanchez
Born and raised in Denver, Deputy Chief Aaron Sanchez is a former Public Safety Cadet and a graduate of Lincoln High School, Metropolitan State College of Denver, and the University of Colorado at Denver. Deputy Chief Sanchez attended the police academy in 1987 and has had numerous roles and positions within the Denver Police Department, to include patrol, neighborhood and community policing, narcotic investigations, and the combined communications center. Deputy Chief Sanchez most recently was the Division Chief of Patrol.
As a resident of the City and County of Denver for his entire life, Deputy Chief Sanchez is committed to the strategic plan of the Denver Police Department and to the overall welfare of our great community.
Division Chief Rick Kyle
Division Chief Rick Kyle joined the Denver Police Department in 1996. During his career, Division Chief Kyle has served in numerous assignments, including Commander of District Three, Community Relations Division, and the Training Division, Assistant Director of Training, Lieutenant in District Two and the Conduct Review Office, Sergeant in District Six, and field training officer in District Four. A strong believer in community engagement, Division Chief Kyle is committed to meaningful partnerships between the police and the community we serve. During his free time, Division Chief Kyle enjoys spending time with his wife and children and watching his daughter and son at their sporting events.
Division Chief Magen Dodge
Division Chief Magen Dodge joined the Denver Police Department in 1998 after serving as a Public Safety Cadet. Throughout her career with the Denver Police Department, Division Chief Dodge has served in numerous command-level assignments beginning in 2009. Her assignments include Administrative Management Commander, Operations Support Commander, District 3 Commander, City Security and Protection Commander, and Commander of the Internal Affairs Bureau.
Division Chief Dodge holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Colorado, as well as a Master of Science degree in Operational Leadership from Colorado State University.
Division Chief Dodge is committed to the development of women in executive leadership roles, and is a strong proponent of mentorship and coaching.
Division Chief Dodge and her husband, a Denver police sergeant, are the proud parents of three children. When away from the office, their time is spent attending youth sports, traveling, and spoiling their French Bulldog fur babies!