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      Dennis Orender Swears-in as Acting Phoenix PD Chief

      Acting Phoenix Police Department Chief Dennis Orender swearing in on Tuesday, April 22

      April 22, 2025

      Police

      Phoenix police veteran Dennis Orender was sworn-in Tuesday, April 22, 2025, as Acting Chief of the Phoenix Police Department. Family, friends, peers and City leaders attended the short ceremony. City of Phoenix Municipal Court Judge the Honorable Heidi Gilbert administered the oath of office inside police headquarters at 620 W Washington Street.

      Mayor Kate Gallego, City Manager Jeff Barton, Public Safety Chair Kevin Robinson, and Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien all offered words of support and encouragement for Chief Orender’s next few months in this role.

      City Manager Jeff Barton praised Chief Orender for his commitment to building trust with the community and his belief in accountability, transparency, inclusivity, and community-based policing. “We will continue to move this organization forward and I know we will do it in the right way under your leadership. You’ve got what we need during this transition period,” said Barton at the swearing-in ceremony.

      Chief Orender brings 31 years of law enforcement experience, including nearly 30 with the Phoenix Police Department. Orender previously served two years with the police department in Hamilton, Ohio. Before his law enforcement career, he served in the United States Air Force, earning the rank of Sergeant while participating in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

       After taking the oath of office, Acting Chief Orender thanked the community for their support of the Department. “This is a collaboration. We can’t do what we do without your support. We have to work together. This Department will be the premier police department that I want it to be and I know you want it to be,” said Orender.

      Acting Chief Orender will lean on his Phoenix police experience across multiple precincts, bureaus, units, and managerial assignments. A commander since 2017 and assistant chief since 2024, Orender will execute the duties of Acting Chief while the City conducts a nationwide search for a permanent chief.

      “We will be the agency everybody looks to when we talk about national best practices. That’s what I want for our organization. And we are going to get there. I promise you we’re going to get there,” said Orender. 

      Congratulations to Acting Chief Orender on his new assignment.